Mathematical Models of Plant-Herbivore Interactions addresses mathematical models in the study of practical questions in ecology, particularly factors that affect herbivory, including plant defense, herbivore natural enemies, and adaptive herbivory, as well as the effects of these on plant community dynamics. The result of extensive research on the use of mathematical modeling to investigate the effects of plant defenses on plant-herbivore dynamics, this book describes a toxin-determined functional response model (TDFRM) that helps explains field observations of these interactions. This book is intended for graduate students and researchers interested in mathematical biology and ecology.
Population Dynamics and Laboratory Ecology highlights the contributions laboratory studies are making to our understanding of the dynamics of ecological and evolutionary systems. Chapters address the scientific rationale for laboratory ecology, its historical role within the broader discipline, and recent advances in research. The book presents results from a wide range of laboratory systems including insects, mites, plankton, protists, and microbes. A common theme throughout the book is the value of microcosm studies in advancing our knowledge of ecological and evolutionary principles. Each chapter is authored by scientists who are leading experts in their fields. The book addresses fundamental questions that are of interest to biologists whether they work in the laboratory or field or whether they are primarily empiricists or theorists. Details a scientific rationale for laboratory systems in ecological and evolutionary studies Offers a view on historical role of laboratory studies Includes examples of recent research advances in ecology and evolution using laboratory systems, ranging from insects to microbes Integrates mathematics, statistics and experimental studies
In recent years, the study of difference equations has acquired a new significance, due in large part to their use in the formulation and analysis of discrete-time systems, the numerical integration of differential equations by finite-difference schemes, and the study of deterministic chaos. The second edition of Difference Equations: Theory and Applications provides a thorough listing of all major theorems along with proofs. The text treats the case of first-order difference equations in detail, using both analytical and geometrical methods. Both ordinary and partial difference equations are considered, along with a variety of special nonlinear forms for which exact solutions can be determined. Numerous worked examples and problems allow readers to fully understand the material in the text. They also give possible generalization of the theorems and application models. The text's expanded coverage of application helps readers appreciate the benefits of using difference equations in the modeling and analysis of "realistic" problems from a broad range of fields. The second edition presents, analyzes, and discusses a large number of applications from the mathematical, biological, physical, and social sciences. Discussions on perturbation methods and difference equation models of differential equation models of differential equations represent contributions by the author to the research literature. Reference to original literature show how the elementary models of the book can be extended to more realistic situations. Difference Equations, Second Edition gives readers a background in discrete mathematics that many workers in science-oriented industries need as part of their general scientific knowledge. With its minimal mathematical background requirements of general algebra and calculus, this unique volume will be used extensively by students and professional in science and technology, in areas such as applied mathematics, control theory, population science, economics, and electronic circuits, especially discrete signal processing.
The abundance of insects can change dramatically from generation to generation; these generational changes may occur within a growing season or over a period of years. Such extraordinary density changes or "outbreaks" may be abrupt and ostensibly random, or population peaks may occur in a more or less cyclic fashion. They can be hugely destructive when the insect is a crop pest or carries diseases of humans, farm animals, or wildlife. Knowledge of these types of population dynamics and computer models that may help predict when they occur are very important. This important new book revisits a subject not thoroughly discussed in such a publication since 1988 and brings an international scale to the issue of insect outbreaks. Insect Outbreaks Revisited is intended for senior undergraduate and graduate students in ecology, population biology and entomology, as well as government and industry scientists doing research on pests, land managers, pest management personnel, extension personnel, conservation biologists and ecologists, and state, county and district foresters.
In recent years, the study of difference equations has acquired a new significance, due in large part to their use in the formulation and analysis of discrete-time systems, the numerical integration of differential equations by finite-difference schemes, and the study of deterministic chaos. The second edition of Difference Equations: Theory and Applications provides a thorough listing of all major theorems along with proofs. The text treats the case of first-order difference equations in detail, using both analytical and geometrical methods. Both ordinary and partial difference equations are considered, along with a variety of special nonlinear forms for which exact solutions can be determined. Numerous worked examples and problems allow readers to fully understand the material in the text. They also give possible generalization of the theorems and application models. The text's expanded coverage of application helps readers appreciate the benefits of using difference equations in the modeling and analysis of "realistic" problems from a broad range of fields. The second edition presents, analyzes, and discusses a large number of applications from the mathematical, biological, physical, and social sciences. Discussions on perturbation methods and difference equation models of differential equation models of differential equations represent contributions by the author to the research literature. Reference to original literature show how the elementary models of the book can be extended to more realistic situations. Difference Equations, Second Edition gives readers a background in discrete mathematics that many workers in science-oriented industries need as part of their general scientific knowledge. With its minimal mathematical background requirements of general algebra and calculus, this unique volume will be used extensively by students and professional in science and technology, in areas such as applied mathematics, control theory, population science, economics, and electronic circuits, especially discrete signal processing.
Students often find it difficult to grasp fundamental ecological and evolutionary concepts because of their inherently mathematical nature. Likewise, the application of ecological and evolutionary theory often requires a high degree of mathematical competence. This book is a first step to addressing these difficulties, providing a broad introduction to the key methods and underlying concepts of mathematical models in ecology and evolution. The book is intended to serve the needs of undergraduate and postgraduate ecology and evolution students who need to access the mathematical and statistical modelling literature essential to their subjects. The book assumes minimal mathematics and statistics knowledge whilst covering a wide variety of methods, many of which are at the fore-front of ecological and evolutionary research. The book also highlights the applications of modelling to practical problems such as sustainable harvesting and biological control. Key features: Written clearly and succinctly, requiring minimal in-depth knowledge of mathematics Introduces students to the use of computer models in both fields of ecology and evolutionary biology Market - senior undergraduate students and beginning postgraduates in ecology and evolutionary biology
An introduction to biological networks and methods for their analysis Analysis of Biological Networks is the first book of its kind to provide readers with a comprehensive introduction to the structural analysis of biological networks at the interface of biology and computer science. The book begins with a brief overview of biological networks and graph theory/graph algorithms and goes on to explore: global network properties, network centralities, network motifs, network clustering, Petri nets, signal transduction and gene regulation networks, protein interaction networks, metabolic networks, phylogenetic networks, ecological networks, and correlation networks. Analysis of Biological Networks is a self-contained introduction to this important research topic, assumes no expert knowledge in computer science or biology, and is accessible to professionals and students alike. Each chapter concludes with a summary of main points and with exercises for readers to test their understanding of the material presented. Additionally, an FTP site with links to author-provided data for the book is available for deeper study. This book is suitable as a resource for researchers in computer science, biology, bioinformatics, advanced biochemistry, and the life sciences, and also serves as an ideal reference text for graduate-level courses in bioinformatics and biological research.
