Dynamic State Variable Models in Ecology: Methods and Applications

by Colin W. Clark, Marc Mangel

Overview

This book introduces readers to a set of powerful and extremely flexible modeling techniques, starting at "square one" and continuing with carefully chosen applications. Some of these applications of methodology include insect oviposition behavior, overwinter survival of birds and fish, avian migration, resource management, conservation biology, agroecology, and human behavior. This book also explains how to construct, test, and use dynamic state variable models in a wide range of contexts in evolutionary ecology, and its complete and up-to-date coverage allows readers to immediately begin using the described techniques. Dynamic State Variable Models in Ecology is designed for self-instruction or for use in upper division undergraduate or graduate courses. It is ideal for students and scientists interested in behavior, ecology, anthropology, conservation biology, and related fields.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780198028628
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	02/10/2000
Series:	Oxford Series in Ecology and Evolution
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Lexile:	1450L (what's this?)
File size:	6 MB

Table of Contents

1. The Basics2. Some Details of Technique3. Using the Model4. Oviposition Behavior of Insect Parasitoids5. Winter Survival Strategies6. Avian Migration7. Human Behavioral Ecology8. Conservation Biology9. Agroecology10. Population-Level Models11. Stochasticity, Uncertainty, and Information as a State Variable12. Measures of FitnessAppendix: Programs Available at the OUP Web SiteReferencesIndex

Editorial Reviews

"Clark ... and Mangel ... offer, as its title implies, a self-teaching introduction to the construction, testing, and application of dynamic state variable models. These are highly flexible individual optimization models of behavior involving restraints and tradeoffs as they affect individual fitness. This model approach employs the computational techniques of backward and forward iteration to arrive at some understanding of a phenomenon that cannot be studied directly. The first three chapters cover the basics of developing and using mechanistic dynamic state variable models. ... The remaining nine chapters provide examples of the use of dynamic state variable models in a variety of contexts ... The book demands some minimal proficiency in mathematics and skill in computer programming. A useful reference and manual for ecology, behavioral and conservation biology, and evolutionary ecology scientists. Graduate students; faculty and researchers."—Choice

From the Publisher