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.
Contents
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.
Reviews
"This book is more than a toolbox, perhaps a better description would be workshop--where you get to not only see the tools but seem them in action." Ecology, Vol. 88, No. 7
"...an accessible introduction to different models and analyses in theoretical population biology. ...replete with exercises...allowing easy reference to (and reinforcement of) particular topics. ...an inspiration." - BioScience
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