Book Review

by Paul Ganderton

Chapman JL. and Reiss MJ. 1999. Ecology - Principles and Applications. 2nd ed. Cambridge University Press. pp vi + 330. ISBN 0 521 58802 2.

The first edition proved to be a useful introduction to the subject: the second is a considerable step forward. Most of the original chapters are still there with seemingly little alteration in page numbers for most of them. However, the greatest change is seen in the final chapters when conservation is enlarged to 2 chapters. The first one discusses the principles of conservation (using a philosophical-based approach). The second examines conservation in practice using a range of globally important cases. For the remainder of the text the organisation is the same. The first two chapters examine the ecology of the individual. This is followed by population dynamics and regulation. Three chapters devoted to causes of variation - genetics, behavioural ecology and sociobiology bring the reader to 9 chapters on the basic theme of dynamics and community ecology. Topics covered include habitats, trophic levels, energy, nutrients, communities, ecosystems, succession, biomes and biogeography. A chapter on co-evolution brings the reader to the conservation studies. Glossary, bibliography and index complete the text.

The authors appear to have made good use of the new edition. New material has been added in the text without increasing the volume and recent references are included. Whereas this editing is to be welcomed the greatest change is in the presentation of the text. This edition is far more likely to appeal to the reader than the first one. Increase in diagrams and the use of colour photographs make it far more pleasant to use. Students would find the material as accessible as before but with more to catch the eye. This is one upgrade worth the expenditure.