Population Ecology

This carefully structured laboratory manual explores, by means of computer simulations, the key areas of population dynamics through time. Using simply presented exercises, it teaches the programming and analysing skills students need for creating their own models of population change. In this way, readers can contribute constructively to the conservation of endangered species and the control of pest species.

• Focus on biology rather than mathematical procedures
• Introduces new techniques and shortcuts gradually with carefully explained commands
• Includes an extensive glossary

Undergraduates and postgraduates taking courses in population ecology, behavioural ecology and conservation will find this an ideal accompaniment.

Preface.

Acknowledgements.

Exercise 1. Exponential Population Growth.

Exercise 2. Population Invasions.

Exercise 3. The Leslie Matrix: Age-Structured.

Exercise 4. The Leslie Matrix: Stage-Structured.

Exercise 5. Metapopulation Dynamics.

Exercise 6. Logistic Population Growth.

Exercise 7. Interspecific Competition and Coexistence.

Exercise 8. Interspecific Competition and Geographic Distributions.

Exercise 9. Predator-Prey Dynamics: Introduction to the Model.

Exercise 10. Predator-Prey Dynamics: Effect of Predator Efficiency.

Exercise 11. Predator-Prey Dynamics: Effect of Social Behavior.

Exercise 12. Predator-Prey Dynamics: Effects of Carrying Capacity and Satiation.

Exercise 13. Predator-Prey Dynamics: Harvesting a Prey Population.

Exercise 14. Optimal Foraging: Searching Predators that Minimize Time.

Exercise 15. Optimal Foraging: Searching Predators that Minimize Energy.

Exercise 16. Optimal Foraging: Sit-and-Wait Predators that Maximize Energy.

Exercise 17. Optimal Foraging: Pollinators.

Exercise 18. Microparasite-Host Dynamics.

Exercise 19. Macroparasite-Host Dynamics.

Exercise 20. Parasitoid-Host Dynamics.

Exercise 21. Conserving an Endangered Species.

Exercise 22. Controlling an Invasive Species.

Glossary to MATLAB Commands.

Index.

Color, Marker, and Line Styles for the Graphs.

Ruth Bernstein is the author of Population Ecology: An Introduction to Computer Simulations, published by Wiley. Population Dynamics: An Introduction to Computer Simulations is a practical-based guide that teaches the student how to apply and modify the classical mathematical models of population dynamics. Assuming little in the way of advanced mathematical skills, the models used within population ecology and conservation biology are introduced through the use of simple computer simulations. Exercises are presented in as simple form as possible, enabling the student to focus on biology rather than mathematical procedures. New techniques and shortcuts are introduced gradually with commands carefully explained and defined in an extensive glossary.

Key features:

• An introduction to population dynamics by means of computer simulations.
• Exercises based on MATLAB where no previous experience is required.
• Prepares students for programming and analyzing their own models of population change.
• Designed to accompany an undergraduate course in ecology, population biology and conservation.