从学科的基本概念与理论现状来看, 生态学的学科体系正处于快速发展阶段。该文通过分析、综合及辩证的方式, 详细阐述了生态学可能的基本原理: (1)尺度依赖原理: 所有生态过程变化的规律性和作用机制均依赖于时空尺度, 以及生态组织或等级性, 相应的概念和理论基本上是适应于一定尺度而被提出, 试图构建横跨所有尺度的理论始终面临着挑战; (2)动态平衡原理: 由于生态系统的开放性, 尤其是生物和生态代谢的特性, 某一阶段的生态过程或某一状态的生态系统仅能形成动态平衡, 其性质取决于系统自身的调节能力(抵抗力与恢复力)和所处的演替阶段, 演替顶极通常是系统的一个稳定平衡状态, 此后系统开始转向非平衡状态; (3)反馈作用原理: 反馈作用决定或调控生态过程或生态系统的性质与功能, 正反馈可以导致生态过程或系统呈现单向增加或减少的变化, 而负反馈则能够维持生态平衡(包括生物稳态), 在生态-进化过程中反馈作用之间的平衡调控着生态系统的稳定或不稳定状态。实际上, 尺度依赖原理是针对生态现象和过程的总体认识视角而言, 动态平衡原理是着重于生态过程或状态的性质之考虑, 而反馈作用原理是聚焦于生态学核心问题——相互作用(生物与生物之间和生物与非生物之间)的概括。这些生态学基本原理既具有相对的独立性, 也存在一定的相容性, 它们存在着内在的必然联系。认识并确立生态学的基本原理, 不仅会促进生态学概念与理论的发展, 更有益于生态学科学框架的构建及精进完善。

In line with the evolution of fundamental concepts and theories in the discipline, ecology persists in developing its conceptual and theoretical framework. This paper puts forward and expounds on the potential foundational principles of ecology through the application of analytical, synthetic, and dialectical methods. (1) Scale-dependent principle. The regularities and mechanisms governing ecological processes are contingent upon spatial and temporal scales, as well as ecological organization or hierarchy. Corresponding concepts and theories are typically formulated for specific scales. Constructing a comprehensive theory that spans all scales continues to pose a substantial challenge. (2) Dynamic equilibrium principle. Considering the openness of ecosystems, especially their biological and ecological metabolic characteristics, a specific stage in an ecological process or a particular state of an ecosystem can only attain a dynamic equilibrium. The nature of this equilibrium depends on the system’s inherent regulatory capacity, encompassing both resistance and resilience, as well as the stage of succession. Typically, the climax of ecological succession signifies a stable equilibrium state for the ecosystem or community. Following this climax, the system may possibly shift into a non-equilibrium condition. (3) Feedback interaction principle. Feedback interactions play a crucial role in determining and regulating the nature and function of ecological processes and systems. Positive feedback can lead to unidirectional amplification or diminishment of these processes, while negative feedback generally maintains the equilibrium of ecological systems, including biological homeostasis. The dynamic balance between positive and negative feedback mechanisms within the ecological-evolutionary process governs the stability or instability of ecosystems. In actuality, the scale-dependent principle addresses the overarching cognitive perspective of ecological phenomena and processes, while the dynamic equilibrium principle focuses on the intrinsic nature of ecological processes or states. The feedback interaction principle, underscores the core issues in ecology, particularly the interactions among living organisms and between living organisms and non-living entities. These fundamental ecological principles or rules exhibit both relative independence and a degree of compatibility, yet they are inherently and inevitably interconnected. Understanding and establishing the fundamental principles of ecology will not only facilitate the progress of ecological concepts and theories but also contribute to the development and improvement of the scientific framework of ecology.