Book Review

by Paul Ganderton

Ricklefs RE. 1977. The Economy of Nature. Freeman. 4th edition. pp viii + 678. 22.95 pounds. ISBN 0 7167 2815 X.

This is the fourth edition of one of the key texts in basic ecological principles. As such it covers much the same ground as its competitors. 27 chapters are divided into 7 parts. The introduction, set apart from the other chapters, outlines some of the basic concepts in ecology serving as a "warm-up" to the main text. The first section, life and the physical environment, concentrates on how the former adapts to the latter. The following sections deal with ecosystems, organisms, populations, species interactions and communities. A final section deals with applied ecology concentrating on extinction, conservation and development. The range of material covered in each section ranges from the (fairly) basic to some quite advanced mathematics. Each chapter starts with an overview "panel" of points to be covered and finishes with a point-by-point summary and suggested reading list (not quite as up-to-date as one might hope). As one expects from Freeman, the illustrations and the general production of this text are excellent. The author has added large numbers of stunning colour photographs making the text a delight to use.

This book is aimed right at an audience not short of similar texts. How does this one fare against other established competition like Begon, Harper and Townsend? Unfortunately, there's no easy answer with this one. Both are excellently produced although Ricklef's colour plates are outstanding. Of the two, Ricklef's demands a greater basic knowledge and takes the reader further. Perhaps it's a case of test driving the two and making up your own mind! At least introductory ecology is well served.