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.

This carefully structured laboratory manual explores, by meansof computer simulations, the key areas of populationdynamics through time. Using simply presented exercises, itteaches the programming and analysing skills students need forcreating their own models of population change. In this wayreaders can contribute constructively to the conservation ofendangered species and the control of pest species.* Focus on biology rather than mathematical procedures* Introduces new techniques and shortcuts gradually withcarefully explained commands* Includes an extensive glossaryUndergraduates and postgraduates taking courses in populationecology, behavioural ecology and conservation will find this anideal 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 GeographicDistributions.Exercise 9. Predator-Prey Dynamics: Introduction to theModel.Exercise 10. Predator-Prey Dynamics: Effect of PredatorEfficiency.Exercise 11. Predator-Prey Dynamics: Effect of SocialBehavior.Exercise 12. Predator-Prey Dynamics: Effects of CarryingCapacity and Satiation.Exercise 13. Predator-Prey Dynamics: Harvesting a PreyPopulation.Exercise 14. Optimal Foraging: Searching Predators that MinimizeTime.Exercise 15. Optimal Foraging: Searching Predators that MinimizeEnergy.Exercise 16. Optimal Foraging: Sit-and-Wait Predators thatMaximize 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.