Theory-Based Ecology

Ecology is in a challenging state as a scientific discipline. While some theoretical ecologists are attempting to build a definition of ecology from first principles many others are questioning even the feasibility of a general and universal theory. At the same time it is increasingly important that ecology is accurately and functionally defined for a generation of researchers tackling escalating environmental problems in the face of doubt and disagreement. Theauthors of Theory-Based Ecology have written a textbook that presents a robust modern and mathematically sound theory of ecology maintaining a strong link between empirical data models and theory. It is firmly based in Darwinian thought since it was Darwin who first revealed the ecologicalprinciples of the origin of species and gave the evolution of diversity a process-based mechanistic explanation.The authors base their synthetic theory of Darwinian ecology on seven key principles: exponential growth growth regulation inherited individual differences finiteness and stochasticity competitive exclusion robust coexistence and constraints and trade-offs. Within this solid conceptual framework they integrate classic and actual empirical knowledge from ecology and evolutionary biology clarifying methodological and mathematical detail in clear and helpful text boxes. A wealth ofillustrated examples pertaining to different organisational levels (alleles clones and species) helps to explain how the principles operate.This is an invaluable resource for graduate level students as well as professional researchers in the fields of ecology genetics evolutionary ecology and mathematical biology.