Population Biology: Concepts and ModelsPopulation biology has been investigated quantitatively for many decades, resulting in a rich body of scientific literature. Ecologists often avoid this literature, put off by its apparently formidable mathematics. This textbook provides an introduction to the biology and ecology of populations by emphasizing the roles of simple mathematical models in explaining the growth and behavior of populations. The author only assumes acquaintance with elementary calculus, and provides tutorial explanations where needed to develop mathematical concepts. Examples, problems, extensive marginal notes and numerous graphs enhance the book's value to students in classes ranging from population biology and population ecology to mathematical biology and mathematical ecology. The book will also be useful as a supplement to introductory courses in ecology. |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
0-year-olds allele frequency analysis approach assume assumption behavior birth rate capita growth rate change in allele chapter coexistence colonization complex compute conclude density dependence discrete discussed disease dN dt ecology eigenvalues epidemic equation evolutionarily stable strategy example exponential growth fraction functional response Gause genotype Hawk heterozygote host host-parasitoid illustrated in Figure increase infectives interaction isocline iteroparous K₁ K₂ laboratory Leslie matrix linear logistic model look Lotka-Volterra model matrix metapopulation mutation N₁ N₂ negative number of individuals number of prey offspring one-locus model oscillations outcome p²s Paramecium parameter parasitoid patches occupied payoff phase plane plants polymorphism population biology population genetics population growth population level predator predator and prey predator isocline predator-prey model predict q²t qualitative question recessive lethals reproductive value selection semelparous simple model solution solve species stable age distribution strategy survival Taylor series theory tion two-species variability vector zero