Models in Ecology

by John Maynard-Smith

• ISBN13: 9780521294409
• ISBN10: 0521294401
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1978-11-30
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

This book is aimed at anyone with a serious interest in ecology. Ecological models of two kinds are dealt with: mathematical models of a strategic kind aimed at an understanding of the general properties of ecosystems and laboratory models designed with the same aim in view. The mathematical and experimental models illuminate one another. A strength of the account is that although there is a good deal of mathematics, Professor Maynard Smith has concentrated on making clear the assumptions behind the mathematics and the conclusions to be drawn. Proofs and derivations have been omitted as far as possible. The book is therefore comprehensible to anyone with a minimal familiarity with mathematical notation. This book was written in the twin convictions that ecology will not come of age until it has a sound theoretical basis and there is a long way to go before that state of affairs is reached.

Table of Contents

Preface

Introduction

Predator-prey systems without age structure

Breeding seasons and age structure

Predator-prey systems with age structure

Competition

Migration

Stability and complexity

the statistical mechanics of populations

Complexity at a single trophic level

Complexity with several trophic levels

Coevolution

Territorial behaviour

References

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.