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The presented contribution in its first part summarizes several important theoretical findings of the system ecology supporting non-equilibrium paradigm of complex adaptive systems. We emphasise the concept of non-equilibrium thermodynamics of living systems and the Holling’s adaptive cycle of a social-ecological system. In natural forests, the phases of an adaptive cycle fit to a substantial extent also to stages and phases of a large and a small forest cycle, although there is a different terminology. Further, we have emphasised the natural role of disturbances and their explanation from the thermodynamic point of view – as an important component of an adaptive cycle, which supports conclusions that these natural phenomena not only participated in the evolution of the whole habitats, but from the long-term view, they may even increase the resilience and overall ecological stability of ecosystems. Finally, we have tried to apply the findings of the theories presented to derive or underlie several principles of the management of temperate deciduous and mixed natural forests, which we consider important.

The frequently used term ecology is currently interpreted in various ways. This scientific discipline has undergone relatively dynamic development since its inception, and its character is still widening and changing. Therefore, in this contribution we attempt to briefly summarize the subject and contents of current ecology, as well as to propose its more systemic and comprehensive definition. We try to enhance its present definitions especially by putting emphasis on the dynamics of nature (the dynamics of natural processes). We define current ecology as the science dealing with the structure, dynamics and functions of nature including evolution, where structure involves the distribution and abundance of individual organisms, habitats and ecosystems; dynamics include all the aspects of their life trajectories and cycles, including growth, development, reproduction or renewal, interactions and their changes, the cycling of matter, flows of energy and information and their transformations; and functions involve the properties, traits and niches of individual organisms and species in an ecosystem, as well as the properties and niches of ecosystems in the landscape, ecoregion or in the whole Earth system.

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