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Overview
Elements of Mathematical Ecology provides an introduction to classical and modern mathematical models, methods, and issues in population ecology. The first part of the book is devoted to simple, unstructured population models that ignore much of the variability found in natural populations for the sake of tractability. Topics covered include density dependence, bifurcations, demographic stochasticity, time delays, population interactions (predation, competition, and mutualism), and the application of optimal control theory to the management of renewable resources. The second part of this book is devoted to structured population models, covering spatially-structured population models (with a focus on reaction-diffusion models), age-structured models, and two-sex models. Suitable for upper level students and beginning researchers in ecology, mathematical biology, and applied mathematics, the volume includes numerous clear line diagrams that clarify the mathematics, relevant problems throughout the text that aid understanding, and supplementary mathematical and historical material that enrich the main text.
Synopsis
An introduction to classical and modern mathematical models, methods, and issues in population ecology.
Booknews
Kot (applied mathematics, U. of Washington) presents an introductory text on the methods of classical and mathematical models and methods in population ecology. Covering density dependence, bifurcations, demographic stochasticity, time delays, population interactions, and application of optimal control theory to the management of renewable resources; the first section of the work presents simplified unstructured population models. Structured models are then discussed, with chapters covering spatially structured, age-structured, and two- sex models. The material is focused on mechanistic models that generate hypotheses, rather than complex models for detailed forecasts. Formal theorems and proofs are at a minimum. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)