The Theoretical Biologist's Toolbox: Quantitative Methods for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Cambridge University Press, 7/27/2006
EAN 9780521537483, ISBN10: 0521537487
Paperback, 390 pages, 24.7 x 17.4 x 2.2 cm
Language: English
Mathematical modelling is widely used in ecology and evolutionary biology and it is a topic that many biologists find difficult to grasp. In this new textbook Marc Mangel provides a no-nonsense introduction to the skills needed to understand the principles of theoretical and mathematical biology. Fundamental theories and applications are introduced using numerous examples from current biological research, complete with illustrations to highlight key points. Exercises are also included throughout the text to show how theory can be applied and to test knowledge gained so far. Suitable for advanced undergraduate courses in theoretical and mathematical biology, this book forms an essential resource for anyone wanting to gain an understanding of theoretical ecology and evolution.
Preface
1. Four examples and a metaphor
2. Topics from ordinary and partial differential equations
3. Probability and some statistics
4. The evolutionary ecology of parasitoids
5. The population biology of disease
6. An introduction to some of the problems of sustainable fisheries
7. The basics of stochastic population dynamics
8. Applications of stochastic population dynamics to ecology, evolution and biodemography.
'...this is a hugely engaging and interesting book. It's written with many asides and snippets of information about the topic, and particularly about the key figures in the history of theoretical biology ... I do recommend this book as an excellent read and insight into the methodology of the theoretical biologist at work ...' Biologist