Modelling for Field Biologists and Other Interesting People

by Hanna Kokko

• ISBN13: 9780521538565
• ISBN10: 0521538564
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-07-16
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

Students of evolutionary and behavioural ecology are often unfamiliar with mathematical techniques, though much of biology relies on mathematics. Evolutionary ideas are often complex, meaning that the logic of hypotheses proposed should not only be tested empirically but also mathematically. There are numerous different modelling tools used by ecologists, ranging from population genetic 'bookkeeping', to game theory and individual-based computer simulations. Due to the many different modelling options available, it is often difficult to know where to start. Hanna Kokko has designed this book to help with these decisions. Each method described is illustrated with one or two biologically interesting examples that have been chosen to help overcome fears of many biologists when faced with mathematical work, whilst also providing the programming code (Matlab) for each problem. Aimed primarily at students of evolutionary and behavioural ecology, this book will be of interest to any biologist interested in mathematical modelling.

Table of Contents

Preface

Modelling philosophy, where we get momentarily lost in a forest, but emerge intact

Population genetics, where we find males that treat females quite badly, and some salmon get caught

Quantitative genetics, where we learn to handle a bewildering number of loci, after which a whiff of predators does not scare us at all

Optimization methods, where spiders get quite exhausted, and the author confesses an embarrassing mistake from the distant past

Dynamic optimization, where we travel north, and learn how to survive the winter

Game theory, where we get caught in a traffic jam, and end up wondering where all those trees came from

Self-consistent games and evolutionary invasion analysis where winter is approaching once again, and we wonder if the promise of the coming spring should convince us to stay put

Individual-based simulations, where virtual butterflies try to fly out of our reach, until ruthless exploitation of student labour finally captures them

Concluding remarks, where we ask which chapter you liked most (or disliked least), and end the book with a most useful quote

quick guide to Matlab

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