Introductory Ecology is a core introductory text providing a basic synthesis of how individual organisms interact with their physical environment, and with each other, to generate the complex ecosystems we see around us. The unifying theme of the book is biodiversity-its patterns, causes, and the growing worldwide threats to it.
Features:
- strong coverage of applied and evolutionary ecology
- applications of ecology to the real world
- a question-orientated approach
- the only comprehensive treatment of ecology written for the introductory student
- an emphasis on definitions of key words and phrases
- an integration of experimental, observational and theoretical material
- examples drawn from all over the world and a wide variety of organisms
- a logical structure, building from the response of individual organisms to physical factors, through population growth and population interactions, to community structure and ecosystem function
- suggested further reading lists for each chapter
- boxes to explain key concepts in more depth
