Modeling of Living Systems From Cell to Ecosystem

About this book

Modeling is now one of the most efficient methodologies in life sciences. From practice to theory, Modeling of Living Systems develops this approach illustrated by many examples; general concepts and the current state of the art are also presented and discussed.

An historical and general introduction informs the reader how mathematics and formal tools are used to solve biological problems at all levels of the organization of life. The core of Modeling of Living Systems explains how this is done, based on practical examples coming, for the most part, from the author's personal experience. In most cases, data are included so that the reader can follow the reasoning process and even reproduce calculus. The final chapter is devoted to essential concepts and current developments. The main mathematical tools are presented in an appendix to Modeling of Living Systems and are written in an adapted language readable by scientists, professionals or students, with a basic knowledge of mathematics.

Contents

Preface  xi
Introduction  xv

Chapter 1. Methodology of Modeling in Biology and Ecology  1
Chapter 2. Functional Representations: Construction and Interpretation of Mathematical Models  59
Chapter 3. Growth Models – Population
Chapter 4. Models of the Interaction Between Populations  183
Chapter 5. Compartmental Models?  253
Chapter 6. Complexity, Scales, Chaos, Chance and Other Oddities  305

APPENDICES  383

Bibliography  597
Index  617

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