Quantitative Analysis of Marine Biological Communities

Quantitative Analysis of Marine Biological Communities
Author: Gerald J. Bakus
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 452
Release: 2007-01-22
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0470044403

Quantitative methods specifically tailored for the marine biologist While there are countless texts published on quantitative methods and many texts that cover quantitative terrestrial ecology, this text fills the need for the special quantitative problems confronting marine biologists and biological oceanographers. The author combines common quantitative techniques with recent advances in quantitative methodology and then demonstrates how these techniques can be used to study marine organisms, their behaviors, and their interactions with the environment. Readers learn how to better design experiments and sampling, employ sophisticated mathematical techniques, and accurately interpret and communicate the results. Most of this text is written at an introductory level, with a few topics that advance to more complex themes. Among the topics covered are plot/plotless sampling, biometrics, experimental design, game theory, optimization, time trends, modeling, and environmental impact assessments. Even readers new to quantitative methods will find the material accessible, with plenty of features to engage their interest, promote learning, and put their knowledge into practice: * One or more examples are provided to illustrate each individual quantitative technique presented in the text * The accompanying CD-ROM features two multimedia programs, several statistical programs, help to run complex statistical programs, and additional information amplifying topics covered in the text * References lead readers to additional information to pursue individual topics in greater depth Quantitative Analysis of Marine Biological Communities, with its extensive use of examples, is ideal for undergraduate and graduate students in marine biology. Marine biologists, regardless of their level of experience, will also discover new approaches to quantitative analysis tailored to the particular needs of their field.

Introduction to Quantitative Ecology

Introduction to Quantitative Ecology
Author: Timothy E. Essington
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 321
Release: 2021-09-30
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0192655442

Environmental science (ecology, conservation, and resource management) is an increasingly quantitative field. A well-trained ecologist now needs to evaluate evidence generated from complex quantitative methods, and to apply these methods in their own research. Yet the existing books and academic coursework are not adequately serving most of the potential audience - instead they cater to the specialists who wish to focus on either mathematical or statistical aspects, and overwhelmingly appeal to those who already have confidence in their quantitative skills. At the same time, many texts lack an explicit emphasis on the epistemology of quantitative techniques. That is, how do we gain understanding about the real world from models that are so vastly simplified? This accessible textbook introduces quantitative ecology in a manner that aims to confront these limitations and thereby appeal to a far wider audience. It presents material in an informal, approachable, and encouraging manner that welcomes readers with any degree of confidence and prior training. It covers foundational topics in both mathematical and statistical ecology before describing how to implement these concepts to choose, use, and analyse models, providing guidance and worked examples in both spreadsheet format and R. The emphasis throughout is on the skilful interpretation of models to answer questions about the natural world. Introduction to Quantitative Ecology is suitable for advanced undergraduate students and incoming graduate students, seeking to strengthen their understanding of quantitative methods and to apply them successfully to real world ecology, conservation, and resource management scenarios.

How to be a Quantitative Ecologist

How to be a Quantitative Ecologist
Author: Jason Matthiopoulos
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 501
Release: 2011-04-12
Genre: Mathematics
ISBN: 1119991722

Ecological research is becoming increasingly quantitative, yet students often opt out of courses in mathematics and statistics, unwittingly limiting their ability to carry out research in the future. This textbook provides a practical introduction to quantitative ecology for students and practitioners who have realised that they need this opportunity. The text is addressed to readers who haven't used mathematics since school, who were perhaps more confused than enlightened by their undergraduate lectures in statistics and who have never used a computer for much more than word processing and data entry. From this starting point, it slowly but surely instils an understanding of mathematics, statistics and programming, sufficient for initiating research in ecology. The book’s practical value is enhanced by extensive use of biological examples and the computer language R for graphics, programming and data analysis. Key Features: Provides a complete introduction to mathematics statistics and computing for ecologists. Presents a wealth of ecological examples demonstrating the applied relevance of abstract mathematical concepts, showing how a little technique can go a long way in answering interesting ecological questions. Covers elementary topics, including the rules of algebra, logarithms, geometry, calculus, descriptive statistics, probability, hypothesis testing and linear regression. Explores more advanced topics including fractals, non-linear dynamical systems, likelihood and Bayesian estimation, generalised linear, mixed and additive models, and multivariate statistics. R boxes provide step-by-step recipes for implementing the graphical and numerical techniques outlined in each section. How to be a Quantitative Ecologist provides a comprehensive introduction to mathematics, statistics and computing and is the ideal textbook for late undergraduate and postgraduate courses in environmental biology. "With a book like this, there is no excuse for people to be afraid of maths, and to be ignorant of what it can do." —Professor Tim Benton, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, UK

Quantitative Ecology

Quantitative Ecology
Author: David C. Schneider
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 432
Release: 2009-07-20
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0080925642

A follow-up to the highly successful first edition, this book reviews the manifold ways that scale influences the interpretation of ecological variation. As scale, magnitude, quantity, and measurement occupy an expanding role in ecology, this 2e will be an indispensable addition to individual and institutional libraries. In providing a context for resolution of ecological problems, ecologists will appreciate the significance of scale and magnitude addressed in this book. Written for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty researchers, this book synthesizes a burgeoning literature on the influences of scale. - Expanded by numerous explanatory figures and wide coverage of material - Topic is of crucial importance to ecologists - The most thorough, complete coverage available on quantitative ecology in the market

The Theoretical Biologist's Toolbox

The Theoretical Biologist's Toolbox
Author: Marc Mangel
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 323
Release: 2006-07-27
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1139455869

Mathematical modelling is widely used in ecology and evolutionary biology and it is a topic that many biologists find difficult to grasp. In this new textbook Marc Mangel provides a no-nonsense introduction to the skills needed to understand the principles of theoretical and mathematical biology. Fundamental theories and applications are introduced using numerous examples from current biological research, complete with illustrations to highlight key points. Exercises are also included throughout the text to show how theory can be applied and to test knowledge gained so far. Suitable for advanced undergraduate courses in theoretical and mathematical biology, this book forms an essential resource for anyone wanting to gain an understanding of theoretical ecology and evolution.

Elements of Marine Ecology

Elements of Marine Ecology
Author: R. V. Tait
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 471
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1461382971

The widening interest in marine biology has led to the establishment of an increasing number of school and undergraduate courses in the subject. There are many books on various aspects of marine biology which students can read with advantage, but few that are suitable as introductory reading at the commencement of studies. This book has been compiled primarily as an aid for zoology students at the start of a special course on marine biology. The text is an introduction to the author's annual course for undergraduates. The aim has been a concise presentation of information and ideas over the general field of marine ecology, with guidance on the selection of more advanced reading. The sources of further information given at the end of each chapter have been chosen as far as possible from books and journals to which students should have reasonably easy access. These lists provide a selection of additional reading which starts at an elementary level and be comes more advanced as the course proceeds. Students entering the author's course are usually in their third under graduate year, and a general knowledge of the phyla is therefore assumed.

Methods for the Study of Marine Benthos

Methods for the Study of Marine Benthos
Author: Anastasios Eleftheriou
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 443
Release: 2008-04-15
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0470995114

Ecosystems of the benthic environment are a sensitive index toecological change, and as such demand long-term and effectivemonitoring. Methods for the Study of Marine Benthos providescomprehensive information on the tools and techniques available tothose working in areas where the declining health of the sea,depletion of marine resources and the biodiversity of marine lifeare major concerns. In response to the need for increasingly detailed information onbottom-living communities, this fully revised new editionoffers: Contributions from a broad range of internationally recognisedexperts New information for those compiling environmental impactstatements, pollution assessments and working with eco-systemmanagement Two separate chapters on Imaging Techniques and DivingSystems A vital tool for all marine and environmental scientists,ecologists, fisheries workers and oceanographers, libraries in alluniversities and research establishments where these subjects arestudied and taught will find this book a valuable addition to theirshelves.

Quantitative Analysis of Ecological Networks

Quantitative Analysis of Ecological Networks
Author: Mark R. T. Dale
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 250
Release: 2021-04-15
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 1108632971

Network thinking and network analysis are rapidly expanding features of ecological research. Network analysis of ecological systems include representations and modelling of the interactions in an ecosystem, in which species or factors are joined by pairwise connections. This book provides an overview of ecological network analysis including generating processes, the relationship between structure and dynamic function, and statistics and models for these networks. Starting with a general introduction to the composition of networks and their characteristics, it includes details on such topics as measures of network complexity, applications of spectral graph theory, how best to include indirect species interactions, and multilayer, multiplex and multilevel networks. Graduate students and researchers who want to develop and understand ecological networks in their research will find this volume inspiring and helpful. Detailed guidance to those already working in network ecology but looking for advice is also included.