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 proceduresIntroduces new techniques and shortcuts gradually with carefully explained commandsIncludes an extensive glossaryUndergraduates and postgraduates taking courses in population ecology, behavioural ecology and conservation will find this an ideal accompaniment.
Author(s): Ruth Bernstein
Edition: 1
Publisher: Wiley
Year: 2003
Language: English
Pages: 170
Population Ecology......Page 3
Contents......Page 7
Preface......Page 9
Acknowledgements......Page 11
EXERCISE 1 Exponential Population Growth......Page 13
EXERCISE 2 Population Invasions......Page 19
EXERCISE 3 The Leslie Matrix: Age Structured......Page 23
EXERCISE 4 The Leslie Matrix: Stage Structured......Page 33
EXERCISE 5 Metapopulation Dynamics......Page 43
EXERCISE 6 Logistic Population Growth......Page 49
EXERCISE 7 Interspecific Competition and Coexistence......Page 59
EXERCISE 8 Interspecific Competition and Geographic Distributions......Page 67
EXERCISE 9 Predator–Prey Dynamics: Introduction to the Model......Page 75
EXERCISE 10 Predator–Prey Dynamics: Effect of Predator Efficiency......Page 79
EXERCISE 11 Predator–Prey Dynamics: Effects of Social Behavior......Page 85
EXERCISE 12 Predator–Prey Dynamics: Effects of Carrying Capacity and Satiation......Page 93
EXERCISE 13 Predator–Prey Dynamics: Harvesting a Prey Population......Page 99
EXERCISE 14 Optimal Foraging: Searching Predators that Minimize Time......Page 107
EXERCISE 15 Optimal Foraging: Searching Predators that Maximize Energy......Page 113
EXERCISE 16 Optimal Foraging: Sit-and-wait Predators that Maximize Energy......Page 121
EXERCISE 17 Optimal Foraging: Pollinators......Page 127
EXERCISE 18 Microparasite–Host Dynamics......Page 131
EXERCISE 19 Macroparasite–Host Dynamics......Page 135
EXERCISE 20 Parasitoid–Host Dynamics......Page 141
EXERCISE 21 Conserving an Endangered Species......Page 149
EXERCISE 22 Controlling an Invasive Species......Page 157
Glossary of MATLAB Commands......Page 167
Index......Page 169
Color, Marker, and Line Style for the Graphs......Page 171
