Theoretical Ecology: Principles and Applications

by Angela McLean (Primary Contributor)

Robert May's seminal book has played a central role in the development of ecological science. Originally published in 1976, this influential text has overseen the transition of ecology from an observational and descriptive subject to one with a solid conceptual core. Indeed, it is a testament to its influence that a great deal of the novel material presented in the earlier editions has now been incorporated into standard undergraduate textbooks. It is now a quarter of a century since the publication of the second edition, and a thorough revision is timely.

Theoretical Ecology provides a succinct, up-to-date overview of the field set in the context of applications, thereby bridging the traditional division of theory and practice. It describes the recent advances in our understanding of how interacting populations of plants and animals change over time and space, in response to natural or human-created disturbance. In an integrated way, initial chapters give an account of the basic principles governing the structure, function, and temporal and spatial dynamics of populations and communities of plants and animals. Later chapters outline applications of these ideas to practical issues including fisheries, infectious diseases, tomorrow's food supplies, climate change, and conservation biology. Throughout the book, emphasis is placed on questions which as yet remain unanswered.

The editors have invited the top scientists in the field to collaborate with the next generation of theoretical ecologists. The result is an accessible, advanced textbook suitable for senior undergraduate and graduate level students as well as researchers in the fields of ecology, mathematical biology, environmental and resources management. It will also be of interest to the general reader seeking a better understanding of a range of global environmental problems.

267 pages, Paperback

First published April 12, 2007

Reviews

[Brian Napoletano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides an excellent synopsis of the major topics in theoretical ecology. After making a strong case for the value of theory in ecology, the text reviews many of the classical and contemporary models used to examine single-species dynamics, metapopulations, predator-prey interactions, population dynamics (esp. plants), species compositions, the relationships between diversity and stability and community-level patterns. The text then devotes several chapters to the human dimensions of ecology, discussing topics such as food production, fisheries, conservation and climate change. The authors of these later chapters discuss ways in which the models presented in the first section can be used to address some of these conservation issues. May then concludes the volume with a brief synopsis and a series of interesting philosophical questions. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and would recommend it highly to anyone in ecology.