Product Description

Ecology: Principles and Applications is a comprehensive textbook for A-level students and first-year undergraduates taking courses in biology, geography and Earth sciences, who require an introduction to ecology. Studies of human ecology are integrated into the text, and the links to related disciplines are emphasised. The text begins with the ecology of individual organisms and moves on, through communities and ecosystems, to global considerations of biogeography, co-evolution and conservation. Case histories, historical perspectives, controversial theories and extension material are highlighted throughout the book. The second edition has been brought up to date with current syllabuses by the addition of further material on the key issue of conservation, giving excellent coverage of the principles of conservation and using case studies to provide examples of conservation policies in practice. The authors are experienced teachers of ecology at sixth form and undergraduate level.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #136150 in Books
• Published on: 1998-12-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 336 pages

Review
‘… a good readable textbook on ecology, which will be very useful to its targeted readership’ Tony Browne, The Open University Geological Society

Customer Reviews

A great introduction to ecology
This is an excellent introduction to the subject of ecology. Easy to read without being oversimplified, it provides a detailed overview of the principles of ecology. It's main strength is the constant use of examples and case studies to illustrate the points.
It looks at the functioning of individuals and species within environments, environmental factors, interactions within ecosystems, biomes, and behavioural and genetic factors, as well as distribution and conservation.
Ecological terms are explained as they are encountered, making it easier for those new to the subject. Scientific studies are described which inform the principles described, and conflicting theories explained.
Some understanding of biology is presupposed, and the mathematical content assumes some knowledge of equations, logarithms and scientific notation: although the case studies are so well explained in the text, that the principle of each one can be understood even if the mathematics remain a mystery!

There is also an emphasis on the application of ecology to conservation, and two chapters at the end concentrate specifically on conservation.
As someone new to the subject but with an interest in conservation and how ecosystems work, I found this a fascinating, informative book.