Population Ecology An Introduction to Computer Simulations

About this book

Laboratory manual exploring, 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. Focus is on biology rather than mathematical procedures. Introduces new techniques and shortcuts gradually with carefully explained commands.

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.

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