Mathematics for Ecologists by Chaston, Ian - 1971

Butterworths, 1971. Soft cover. Very Good/No Jacket. 5.5" X 8.5. P/B 132 pages, condition is very good, minor edge wear. The growing awareness of the pressing problems of future world food supplies and the dangers of uncontrolled pollution have caused society to demand that ecologists produce immediate answers on the mechanisms which control animals and their environments. These answers can usually only be obtained by applying the tools of systems analysis and computers, and therefore the current texts and research papers on ecology often contain complex mathematical arguments. Unfortunately many biologists receive only a very brief coverage of mathematics during their training and consequently often have difficulty in fully assessing the validity of the conclusions presented in modern research. The purpose of this book is to introduce the basic principles underlying the application of such techniques as calculus, matrices, and linear programming in order that the reader may then at least comprehend the rationale of the equations being currently proposed as the quantitative descriptions of ecological phenomena. Throughout the text, the mathematics is presented by using it to solve ecological examples readily identifiable to the reader, thus establishing a direct biological application for the theories being taught. This approach will be both helpful and interesting to the reader, providing him with a substantial background in mathematics and encouraging him to use the subject in his own work. Thus this book will be of real practical value to all ecologists and biologists, at both student and professional level.