Book Review

by Paul Ganderton

Stiling P. 1999. Ecology: Theories and Applications. 3rd ed. Prentice Hall. pp xviii + 638. ISBN 0 13 915653 4.

In covering an impressive range of material this text provides the beginner with a good grounding in ecology. 22 chapters are divided into 6 sections. The first section, a single chapter, asks the question of why and how to study ecology. It introduces the reader to real science and people and thus has the effect of both justifying the subject and putting a human face on it - a point often missed in texts. The next section deals with evolution and conservation: an interesting choice given the usual approach via the individual/autecology. Again this helps the reader gain a perspective on the subject. Behavioural ecology examines both selection and life history.

Population ecology, by far the largest section, covers growth, abiotic factors, mutualism, competition, predation, herbivory, parasitism and mortality. These three sections can be seen as leading the reader towards the bigger picture. Sections on community and ecosystems ecology complete the text, bringing together the various strands seen in the rest of the text. To complete the work there is a glossary, bibliography and index. Each chapter has a standard format which carries with it the philosophical underpinnings of the introduction. Chapter subheadings are usually in the form of statements which are justified by the material below them - providing a handy overview. Occasional sentences containing key material are highlighted. Often, chapters have small boxes (titled applied ecology) which uses the text material in new situations. Another box, this time called ecology in practice introduces some of the many ecologists around the world writing about the subjects, lives and interests. Summary and discussion question complete the chapter.

With basic ecology texts produced on a regular basis there is a need to differentiate the products to see relative advantages. The advantage here is the links provided through the publisher. In addition to a reader-friendly style emphasising the people element this text is linked into Prentice and Hall’s website giving access to a whole range of additional material making this a constantly relevant book. An excellent text with additional backup materials deserving a wide readership.