Introduction to Population Ecology (PDF)

Introduction to Population Ecology, 2nd
Edition is a comprehensive textbook covering all aspects
of population ecology. It uses a wide variety of field and
laboratory examples, botanical to zoological, from the tropics to
the tundra, to illustrate the fundamental laws of population
ecology. Controversies in population ecology are brought fully up
to date in this edition, with many brand new and revised examples
and data.

Each chapter provides an overview of how population theory has
developed, followed by descriptions of laboratory and field studies
that have been inspired by the theory. Topics explored include
single-species population growth and self-limitation, life
histories, metapopulations and a wide range of interspecific
interactions including competition, mutualism, parasite-host,
predator-prey and plant-herbivore. An additional final chapter, new
for the second edition, considers multi-trophic and other complex
interactions among species.

Throughout the book, the mathematics involved is explained with a
step-by-step approach, and graphs and other

visual aids are used to present a clear illustration of how the
models work. Such features make this an accessible introduction to
population ecology; essential reading for undergraduate and
graduate students taking courses in population ecology, applied
ecology, conservation ecology, and conservation biology, including
those with little mathematical experience.