Simulating Ecological and Evolutionary Systems in C

by Will Wilson

Overview

Computer simulations are a powerful tool for understanding ecological and evolutionary systems. Simulating Ecological and Evolutionary Systems in C models a diverse range of biological processes and systems, including competition, foraging, predation, mating systems, and life-history optimization, by simulating large collections of interacting individuals. Using the programming language C, the book starts with elementary programs modeling stochastic birth-death processes, with programming complexity increasing as the chapters progress. Wilson covers all the important features of C: arrays, files, pointers, and structures, within biologically motivated simulations. Although computer simulations of extremely complicated biological processes are released from rigid mathematical constraints, he places each of the simulations in the context of a mathematical formulation examined either analytically or numerically.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521776585
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	06/22/2000
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	6.97(w) x 9.92(h) x 0.94(d)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction; 2. Immigration-emigration models; 3. Logistic birth-death models; 4. Random numbers and visualisation; 5. Two-species competition model; 6. A programming project; 7. Foraging model; 8. Maintenance of Gynodioecy; 9. Diffusion and reactions; 10. Optimal allocation schedules; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"This book is a gold mine, if you have the tools and interest to work it...Wilson's treatment of the relationships between analytical and stochastic models is one of the outstanding features of this bookoa powerful learning tool." Ecoscience

From the Publisher