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Contents:
1 - Elementary population dynamics; 2 - Life history analysis; 3 - Projection matrices: structured models; 4 - A closer look at the 'dynamics' in population dynamics; 5 - Patterns in space and metapopulations; 6 - Predator-prey (consumer-resource) interactions; Epidemiology; 8 - Competition and a little bit of mutualism; 9 - What this book was about.
Review:
"The problem with population dynamics is that it's becoming increasingly maths-based. Discuss" It could be an exam question (and probably none too easy at that). Whilst this could be seen as a complaint by those for whom observation is the key object of study it cannot be denied that maths provides us with a very powerful set of predictive and analytical tools. If we also accept that many students join courses with a range of maths skills and knowledge it follows that we need to approach the study of population ecology in a new way. This text provides such an example - a mathematical treatment of population ecology but with enough basic explanation left in to allow anyone to see how the formulae were derived (although it must be noted that some basic maths is required such as calculus and matrices).
The book starts with the basic population equations and shows they are derived from quite simple ideas: exponential equations and the impact of intraspecific competition on feedback mechanisms i.e density dependence. This is then extended to a series of examples such as forestry. From this point, the book takes these simple models and expands the ideas and uses to make the resulting analyses closer to real life situations. Chapter two looks at life histories starting with an explanation behind the r and k strategies. It then shows how the costs of reproduction fit into the basic models. The next two chapter introduce some of the complications found in real populations. Chapter three looks at projection matrices - the probabilities of future populations from a given state whilst chapter four considers the problems arising from non-linear responses. Up to this point we have the basic ideas of mathematical population ecology. From this point we can start to look at some of the extensions to these basic ideas. In chapter five we see the way in which population distributions and scale can be addressed - important in understanding scale problems but equally valuable in the burgeoning field of geographic information systems. The next three chapters examine various aspects of species interactions. For chapter six this is predator prey relations whilst chapter seven takes the less usual path of using ecological techniques in epidemiology. Although, as the authors rightly point out, this is hardly new in terms of ecological science it is less common in basic texts and it shows how the authors have taken their examples from a very wide gamut. Chapter eight finishes the trio with an examination of various forms of competition. A final chapter acts as a guide (readers might wish to start here before going to chapter one!) and a showcase for the ways in which this branch of ecology can be used.
It must be said that this is a specialised text requiring a fair knowledge of basic maths to gain the most from it. That said, it repays the reader with a steady ground-up approach to the building of the subject without which one can be left floundering. A very good text for the undergraduate in this field whilst the educator will find many useful ideas to bring into ecology teaching.