Full Description
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.
Contents
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.
