Theoretical Ecology

Principles and Applications

Third Edition

Edited by Robert May and Angela R. McLean

Fundamental topics in modelling ecological systems are covered in eight chapters setting out broad principles
Provides a succinct, up-to-date overview of the field set in the context of applications, thereby bridging the division of theory and practice
Chapters written by leading scientists in collaboration with some of the brightest members of the next generation
Strong editorial leadership ensures a consistent style throughout the book
An invaluable reference work as well as ideal material for theoretical ecology courses

Theoretical Ecology

Principles and Applications

Third Edition

Edited by Robert May and Angela R. McLean

Description

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, environment and resources management. It will also be of interest to the general reader seeking a better understanding of a range of global environmental problems.

Theoretical Ecology

Principles and Applications

Third Edition

Edited by Robert May and Angela R. McLean

1:Introduction, Angela R McLean and Robert M May
2:How Populations Cohere: Five Rules for Cooperation, Martin A Nowak and Karl Sigmund
3:Single species dynamics, Tim Coulson and H Charles J Godfray
4:Metapopulations and Their Spatial Dynamics, Sean Nee
5:Predator Prey Interactions, Michael B Bonsall and Michael P Hassell
6:Plant Population dynamics, Michael J Crawley
7:Interspecific Competition and Multispecies Coexistence, David Tilman
8:Diversity and stability in ecological communities, Anthony R. Ives
9:Community: Patterns, George Sugihara, Michael J Crawley, and Robert M May
10:Dynamics of Infectious Diseases, Bryan Grenfell and Matthew Keeling
11:Fisheries, John R Beddington and Geoffrey P Kirkwood
12:A Doubly Green Revolution, Gordon Conway
13:Conservation Biology, Andy Dobson, Will Turner and David Wilcove
14:Climate Change and Conservation Biology, Jeremy T Kerr and Heather Kharouba
15:Unanswered Questions and why they Matter, Robert M May

Theoretical Ecology

Principles and Applications

Third Edition

Edited by Robert May and Angela R. McLean

Author Information

Edited by Robert May, Professor of Zoology at the University of Oxford and Imperial College, London, and Angela R. McLean, Professor of Mathematical Biology at the University of Oxford

Contributors:

Martin A Nowak, Harvard University
Karl Sigmund, University of Vienna
Tim Coulson, Michael P Hassell, Michael J Crawley, John R Beddington, Gordon Conway, Geoffrey P Kirkwood and Charles J Godfray, Imperial College
Sean Nee, University of Edinburgh
Michael B Bonsall and Will Turner, University of Oxford
David Tilman, University of Minnesota
Anthony R Ives, University of Wisconsin
George Sugihara, University of California, San Diego
Bryan Grenfell, The Pennsylvania State University
Matthew Keeling, University of Warwick
Andy Dobson and David Wilcove, Princeton University
Jeremy T Kerr and Heather Kharouba, University of Ottawa

Theoretical Ecology

Principles and Applications

Third Edition

Edited by Robert May and Angela R. McLean

Reviews and Awards

"I would recommend this book to those seeking an overview of modern theoretical ecology and those seeking an easy access point to any one of the main topics covered. British Ecological Society bulletin 2008 39:1"