Quantitative Ecological Theory: An Introduction to Basic Models - Softcover

Rose, M.R.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0709922892 ISBN 13: 9780709922896

Publisher: Springer, 1987

Synopsis

This is an inadvertent book, though it did arise naturally enough from a course I give in theoretical ecology. But I wouldn't have given the course at all if one colleague in my department hadn't left for a leave of absence, while another abruptly resigned. This propelled me to the fore where this teaching responsibility was concerned, one I had never had any intention of discharging. Then it turned out that one of my students was regularly unable to make half the classes. As a result, I began giving him my lecture notes each week. As I knew that someone else would be reading them, I began to write my notes more carefully. Naturally enough, the other students soon began to demand the notes too. Eventually they were indulged. Thus I found myself writing a textbook manuscript. By the next year, the students were handed all their notes in one package at the outset. But these were still just hand-written. Inevitably, the demand that they be typed arose. This I didn't want to do until I found a publisher. As it turned out, Tim Hardwick of Croom Helm was willing to have his firm fill this role, to my great satisfaction. • and his considerable frustration. I have been a desultory author about producing this final text, and can only express my gratitude for his enduring patience over more than 18 months of delays.

About this title

Synopsis

This text is concerned with theoretical ecology and the mathematical basis of ecological theory. It examines the construction and analysis of models prevalent in current theory. These include a priori models, simulation, phenomenological models and inductive models. The book is not intended as a general text but more as a manual, with relevant background information, on how to construct and develop models in a mathematical way. Of the major theoretical "issues" in ecology, the problem of ecosystem stability, co-existence of competitors, chaos, predator-prey cycles, and multiple stable-states are all considered as they arise naturally from discussion of particular models. Some basic grounding in ecology, population biology and mathematics is assumed on the part of readers, who will be mainly students taking advanced courses in ecology.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 1987
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0709922892
• ISBN 13: 9780709922896
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 250