Adaptive Herbivore Ecology

Adaptive Herbivore Ecology PDF

Author: R. Norman Owen-Smith

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2002-06-27

Total Pages: 398

ISBN-13: 9780521810616

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

A unique monograph describing plant-herbivore interactions in the context of large African herbivorous mammals.

Large Herbivore Ecology, Ecosystem Dynamics and Conservation

Large Herbivore Ecology, Ecosystem Dynamics and Conservation PDF

Author: Kjell Danell

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2006-05-25

Total Pages: 489

ISBN-13: 1139455842

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Most large herbivores require some type of management within their habitats. Some populations of large herbivores are at the brink of extinction, some are under discussion for reintroduction, whilst others already occur in dense populations causing conflicts with other land use. Large herbivores are the major drivers for forming the shape and function of terrestrial ecosystems. This 2006 book addresses the scientifically based action plans to manage both the large herbivore populations and their habitats worldwide. It covers the processes by which large herbivores not only affect their environment (e.g. grazing) but are affected by it (e.g. nutrient cycling) and the management strategies required. Also discussed are new modeling techniques, which help assess integration processes in a landscape context, as well as assessing the consequences of new developments in the processes of conservation. This book will be essential reading for all involved in the management of both large herbivores and natural resources.

Dynamics of Large Herbivore Populations in Changing Environments

Dynamics of Large Herbivore Populations in Changing Environments PDF

Author: Norman Owen-Smith

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2009-12-18

Total Pages: 216

ISBN-13: 9781444318609

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

This book aims to reconcile theoretical models of population dynamics with what is currently known about the population dynamics of large mammalian herbivores. It arose from a working group established at the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis at the University of California, Santa Barbara, to address the need for models that better accommodate environmental variability, especially for herbivores dependent on changing vegetation resources. The initial chapter reviews findings from definitive long-term studies of certain other ungulate populations, many based on individually identifiable animals. Other chapters cover climatic influences, emphasising temperate versus tropical contrasts, and demographic processes underlying population dynamics, more generally. There are new assessments of irruptive population dynamics, and of the consequences of landscape heterogeneity for herbivore populations. An initial review of candidate population models is followed up by a final chapter outlining how these models might be modified to better accommodate environmental variability. The contents provide a foundation for resolving problems of diminishing large mammal populations in Africa, over-abundant ungulate populations elsewhere, and general consequences of global change for biodiversity conservation. This book will serve as a definitive outline of what is currently known about the population dynamics of large herbivores.

Mathematical Models of Plant-Herbivore Interactions

Mathematical Models of Plant-Herbivore Interactions PDF

Author: Zhilan Feng

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2017-09-07

Total Pages: 240

ISBN-13: 1498769187

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

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.

Complex Population Dynamics

Complex Population Dynamics PDF

Author: Peter Turchin

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 2013-02-15

Total Pages: 471

ISBN-13: 1400847281

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Why do organisms become extremely abundant one year and then seem to disappear a few years later? Why do population outbreaks in particular species happen more or less regularly in certain locations, but only irregularly (or never at all) in other locations? Complex population dynamics have fascinated biologists for decades. By bringing together mathematical models, statistical analyses, and field experiments, this book offers a comprehensive new synthesis of the theory of population oscillations. Peter Turchin first reviews the conceptual tools that ecologists use to investigate population oscillations, introducing population modeling and the statistical analysis of time series data. He then provides an in-depth discussion of several case studies--including the larch budmoth, southern pine beetle, red grouse, voles and lemmings, snowshoe hare, and ungulates--to develop a new analysis of the mechanisms that drive population oscillations in nature. Through such work, the author argues, ecologists can develop general laws of population dynamics that will help turn ecology into a truly quantitative and predictive science. Complex Population Dynamics integrates theoretical and empirical studies into a major new synthesis of current knowledge about population dynamics. It is also a pioneering work that sets the course for ecology's future as a predictive science.

Evolutionary Ecology of Plant-Herbivore Interaction

Evolutionary Ecology of Plant-Herbivore Interaction PDF

Author: Juan Núñez-Farfán

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2020-07-30

Total Pages: 378

ISBN-13: 3030460126

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Plant-herbivore interactions are a central topic in evolutionary ecology. Historically, their study has been a cornerstone for coevolutionary theory. Starting from classic ecological studies at the phenotypic level, it has since expanded to molecular and genomic approaches. After a historical perspective, the book’s subsequent chapters cover a wide range of topics: from populations to ecosystems; plant- and herbivore-focused studies; in natural and in man-modified ecosystems; and both micro- and macro-evolutionary levels. All chapters include valuable background information and empirical evidence. Given its scope, the book will be of interest to both students and researchers, and will hopefully stimulate further research in this exciting field of evolutionary biology.

Only in Africa

Only in Africa PDF

Author: Norman Owen-Smith

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2021-10-07

Total Pages: 379

ISBN-13: 1108832598

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Demonstrates how Africa's physical features, savannas and abundant grazers enabled frugivorous apes to become savanna-living hunters.

Individual Behavior and Community Dynamics

Individual Behavior and Community Dynamics PDF

Author: John Fryxell

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 212

ISBN-13: 1468414216

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

A book blending evolution and trophic dynamics, taking into account recent advances in both behavioral and population ecology, is long overdue. A central objective of this book is to consider whether adaptive behavioral decisions on the individual organism level might tend to stabilize trophic interactions. A second major goal of the book is to explore the implications of presumably adaptive behaviors on trophic dynamics and the implications of trophic dynamics for the evolution of adaptive behaviors. All evolutionary biologists, ecologists, and behavioral ecologists should find this exciting volume essential reading.

Introduction to Modeling in Wildlife and Resource Conservation

Introduction to Modeling in Wildlife and Resource Conservation PDF

Author: Norman Owen-Smith

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2009-03-12

Total Pages: 336

ISBN-13: 1444308904

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

This book provides students with the skills to develop their own models for application in conservation biology and wildlife management. Assuming no special mathematical expertise, the computational models used are kept simple and show how to develop models in both spreadsheet and programming language format. Develops thought-provoking applications which emphasize the value of modeling as a learning tool Examines basic descriptive equations, matrix representations, consumer-resources interactions, applications in simulation, scenarios, harvesting, population viability, metapopulation dynamics, disease outbreaks, vegetation stage and state dynamics, habitat suitability assessment, and model selection statistics Includes a wide range of examples relating to birds, fish, plants and large African mammals