An Introduction to Mathematical Models in Ecology and Evolution: Time and Space / Edition 2

by Mike Gillman

Overview

Students often find it difficult to grasp fundamental ecological and evolutionary concepts because of their inherently mathematical nature. Likewise, the application of ecological and evolutionary theory often requires a high degree of mathematical competence.

This book is a first step to addressing these difficulties, providing a broad introduction to the key methods and underlying concepts of mathematical models in ecology and evolution. The book is intended to serve the needs of undergraduate and postgraduate ecology and evolution students who need to access the mathematical and statistical modelling literature essential to their subjects.

The book assumes minimal mathematics and statistics knowledge whilst covering a wide variety of methods, many of which are at the fore-front of ecological and evolutionary research. The book also highlights the applications of modelling to practical problems such as sustainable harvesting and biological control.

Key features:

• Written clearly and succinctly, requiring minimal in-depth knowledge of mathematics
• Introduces students to the use of computer models in both fields of ecology and evolutionary biology
• Market - senior undergraduate students and beginning postgraduates in ecology and evolutionary biology

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781405175159
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	04/20/2009
Series:	Ecological Methods and Concepts , #8
Edition description:	2nd Revised ed.
Pages:	168
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Based at the Open University since 1990, Mike Gillman has contributed to a diverse set of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in biological and environmental science. His research interests are equally broad, spanning population dynamics, community ecology and evolutionary biology. He has a particular interest in the environment and conservation of Neotropical forests

Table of Contents

Preface vi

1 Introduction 1

2 Simple models of temporal change 21

3 Stochastic models 44

4 Modelling structured populations 60

5 Regulation in temporal models 72

6 Modelling interactions 96

7 Community models 122

8 Spatial models 135

References 149

Index 157

Editorial Reviews

"In general, the explanations are clear and the book would be suitable for a modeling section in a year-long, undergraduate, advanced ecology course." (The Quarterly Review of Biology, 1 June 2011)

"Excellent ... .Recommended text book for courses on mathematical modelling in ecology and evolution." (Biological Conservation, April 2010)

"It deserves the merit of being one of the few books that have actual potential to attract readers that are often frightened by the mere vision of a Greek letter." (Annals of Botany, September 2009)

"Contains the most essential information to decrypt the current mathematical literature in ecology. It is presented simply, with applications in mind. It should be of great use." (Experimental Agriculture, 2009)

"This is an academic textbook with a good introduction to mathematical models mainly in ecology but also evolution, intended for advanced undergraduates and postgraduates. The models are well explained and usually easy to follow." (The Naturalist, 2009)

From the Publisher