Theory-Based Ecology A Darwinian approach

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Synopsis

Ecology is in a challenging state as a scientific discipline. While some theoretical ecologists are attempting to build a definition of ecology from first principles, many others are questioning even the feasibility of a general and universal theory. At the same time, it is increasingly important that ecology is accurately and functionally defined for a generation of researchers tackling escalating environmental problems in the face of doubt and disagreement. The
authors of Theory-Based Ecology have written a textbook that presents a robust, modern, and mathematically sound theory of ecology, maintaining a strong link between empirical data, models, and theory. It is firmly based in Darwinian thought, since it was Darwin who first revealed the ecological
principles of the origin of species, and gave the evolution of diversity a process-based, mechanistic explanation.

The authors base their synthetic theory of Darwinian ecology on seven key principles: exponential growth, growth regulation, inherited individual differences, finiteness and stochasticity, competitive exclusion, robust coexistence, and constraints and trade-offs. Within this solid conceptual framework, they integrate classic and actual empirical knowledge from ecology and evolutionary biology, clarifying methodological and mathematical detail in clear and helpful text boxes. A wealth of
illustrated examples pertaining to different organisational levels (alleles, clones and species) helps to explain how the principles operate.

This is an invaluable resource for graduate level students as well as professional researchers in the fields of ecology, genetics, evolutionary ecology, and mathematical biology.

Book details

Author:
Liz Pásztor, Zoltán Botta-Dukát, Gabriella Magyar, Tamás Czárán, Géza Meszéna
ISBN:
9780191084157
Related ISBNs:
9780191084140, 9780199577859, 9780199577866
Publisher:
OUP Oxford
Pages:
N/A
Reading age:
Not specified
Includes images:
Yes
Date of addition:
2022-12-13
Usage restrictions:
Copyright
Copyright date:
2016
Copyright by:
Oxford University Press 
Adult content:
No
Language:
English
Categories:
Nonfiction, Science