Book Review

by Paul Ganderton

Gotelli NJ. 1998. A Primer of Ecology. 2nd. ed. Sinauer. pp xviii + 236. ISBN 0 87893 274 7.

This primer actually covers a specific area of study - population and community ecology models. Thus the text is a mathematical primer covering the most important population models. The seven chapters can be divided roughly into two. The first 4 chapters examine various population growth models - exponential, logistic, age-structured and metapopulations. The remaining three chapters look at competition, predation and island biogeography. Each chapter follows a common format. Initially, the main models are outlined and their formulae derived. Variations are described and the use of each model to ecology discussed. This is followed by a small but valuable section on model assumptions (one area where texts of this type tend to fall short). This is followed by variations to the basic model idea.

The chapter is rounded off with empirical examples and some problems to be solved by the reader. The text itself is completed with a very useful appendix which describes, in detail, how a model is derived. Solutions to problems, glossary and references complete this guide.

Given the complexity of some of the models this is not a text for the younger student although sixth-formers with some mathematical training should have little difficulty in grasping the concepts. The detailed descriptions of model building and the useful discussions on model pros and cons also make this a valuable guide for the teacher.