Soay Sheep: Dynamics and Selection in an Island Population - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521529905 ISBN 13: 9780521529907

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2004

Synopsis

Soay Sheep synthesises one of the most detailed studies of demography and dynamics in a naturally regulated population of mammals. Unlike most other large mammals, the Soay sheep population of Hirta in the St Kilda archipelago show persistent oscillations, sometimes increasing or declining by more than 60% in a year. Soay Sheep explores the causes of these oscillations and their consequences for selection on genetic and phenotypic variation within the population, drawing on studies over nearly twenty years of the life-histories and reproductive careers of many individuals. Covering population dynamics, demography and their effects on selection, energetic and resource limitations on the interaction between sheep and parasites, and the adaptive significance of their reproductive characteristics, it provides unique insights into the regulation of other herbivore populations and the effects of environmental change on selection and adaptation. It will be essential reading for vertebrate ecologists, demographers, evolutionary biologists and behavioural ecologists.

About this title

Review

' A major, very important book in population biology, with first class contributors ... a most valuable contribution to the ecology literature. I recommend it most highly.' Charles J. Krebs, University of British Columbia

'A remarkable long-term study by a remarkable group of scientists ... a pleasure to read... exemplifies how great advances in animal ecology can be achieved through the cooperation of researchers with different skills and interests.' Marco Festa-Bianchet, Université de Sherbrook

'Soay Sheep will undoubtedly become a classic text in population biology literature. The editors should be acknowledged for producing a book that, even with so many coauthors, follows a coherent style and contains careful cross-referencing across its chapters.' TRENDS in Ecology and Evolution

Book Description

Soay Sheep synthesises one of the most detailed studies of demography and dynamics in a naturally regulated population of mammals. Drawing on studies over nearly twenty years, it provides unique insights into the regulation of herbivore populations and the effects of environmental change on selection and adaptation. Essential reading for vertebrate ecologists, demographers, evolutionary biologists and behavioural ecologists.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0521529905
• ISBN 13: 9780521529907
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 408
• Editor: Clutton-Brock T. H., Pemberton J. M.