An Introduction to Methods and Models in Ecology, Evolution, & Conservation Biology

by Braude, Stanton; Low, Bobbi S.

• ISBN13: 9780691127248
• ISBN10: 0691127247
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-01-24
• Publisher: Princeton Univ Pr

Summary

This unique textbook introduces undergraduate students to quantitative models and methods in ecology, behavioral ecology, evolutionary biology, and conservation. It explores the core concepts shared by these related fields using tools and practical skills such as experimental design, generating phylogenies, basic statistical inference, and persuasive grant writing. And contributors use examples from their own cutting-edge research, providing diverse views to engage students and broaden their understanding.This is the only textbook on the subject featuring a collaborative "active learning" approach that emphasizes hands-on learning. Every chapter has exercises that enable students to work directly with the material at their own pace and in small groups. Each problem includes data presented in a rich array of formats, which students use to answer questions that illustrate patterns, principles, and methods. Topics range from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and population effective size to optimal foraging and indices of biodiversity. The book also includes a comprehensive glossary.In addition to the editors, the contributors are James Beck, Cawas Behram Engineer, John Gaskin, Luke Harmon, Jon Hess, Jason Kolbe, Kenneth H. Kozak, Robert J. Robertson, Emily Silverman, Beth Sparks-Jackson, and Anton Weisstein. Provides experience with hypothesis testing, experimental design, and scientific reasoning Covers core quantitative models and methods in ecology, behavioral ecology, evolutionary biology, and conservation Turns "discussion sections" into "thinking labs" Restricted instructor's manual also available

Author Biography

Stanton Braude is lecturer in biology at Washington University in St. Louis. Bobbi S. Low is professor of resource ecology at the University of Michigan.

Table of Contents

Figures	p. vii
Tables	p. xi
Preface	p. xv
Acknowledgments	p. xvii
Introduction	p. xix
Evolutionary Biology
Evolution and Pesticide Resistance: Examining Quantitative Trends Visually	p. 3
Lizard Ecomorphology: Generating and Testing Hypotheses of Adaptation	p. 12
Phyiogenetic Inference: Examining Morphological and Molecular Datasets	p. 22
Life History Tradeoffs in Avian Clutch Size: Interpreting Life History Data and Evaluating Alternative Hypotheses	p. 36
Mimicry: Experimental Design and Scientific Logic	p. 51
Demography and Population Ecology
Life Table Analysis	p. 63
Lotka-Volterra Competition Modeling	p. 69
Explosive Population Growth and Invasive Exotic Species	p. 79
Island Biogeography: Evaluating Correlational Data and Testing Alternative Hypotheses	p. 91
Population Genetics
Hardy-Weinberg: Evaluating Disequilibrium Forces	p. 107
Drift, Demographic Stochasticity, and Extinction in Woggles	p. 117
Conservation of Small Populations: Effective Population Sizes, Inbreeding, and the 50/500 Rule	p. 125
Dispersal and Metapopulation Structure	p. 139
Quantitative Ecological Tools
Understanding Descriptive Statistics	p. 155
Understanding Statistical Inference	p. 179
Sampling Wild Populations	p. 189
Quantifying Biodiversity	p. 198
Environmental Predictability and Life History	p. 214
Modeling Optimal Foraging	p. 226
Synthetic Exercises and Writing Assignments
Evaluating Competing Hypotheses of Regional Biodiversity	p. 235
Preparing and Evaluating Competitive Grant Proposals for Conservation Funding	p. 239
Tracing the History of Scientific Ideas: From Darwin, Connell, or Soule to the Present	p. 245
Glossary	p. 251
Contributors	p. 263
Index	p. 265
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