Applied population ecology : a supply-demand approach /

This work is a refreshing change from population ecology books that say a lot about classic population theory and next to nothing about its application to the real world. Although the title suggests more, the book might be more aptly titled "Applied Insect Population Ecology," because its major emphasis is on insect pest management. This approach, which introduces age structure, resource acquisition, and its allocation to growth in population models, in no way detracts from the text. The topics discussed are applicable to general population ecology. Chapters cover sampling theory, poikilotherm development as a basis for population modeling, life table analysis and k-values, functional response, resource acquisition in predator-prey systems, adding resources and effects of supply and demand relative to single species and age-structured multitrophic population models, and regional dynamics of insect populations. Four appendixes provide mathematical tools for applied ecologists. Of these, two are particularly useful and informative for any population ecologist: a mathematical overview of population models, and an introduction to stability analyses of population models. Population ecologists will find this book a highly useful reference and a source of new insights. Graduates through professionals. R. L. Smith emeritus, West Virginia University