Overview

How much do we know about the living world? Enough to predict its future? First Ecology introduces the science of ecology and our species' place in the natural world. Beginning with natural selection, it describes our own evolution and expansion across the globe. Our understanding of the interactions between species, the communities they form, and their role in ecosystem processes provides a global perspective on the scale of environmental change. First Ecology shows how the main concepts in ecology underpin our efforts to manage and conserve natural systems. We see how population models, community organisation, and ecosystem processes are the basis of fisheries management, pest control and habitat restoration. It also provides an introduction to large-scale ecology and the scientific background to climate change and the rapid rate of species extinction. Understanding the science of ecology will be crucial to the environmental decisions our species face at the start of the twenty-first century. Companion Web Site includes web links, illustrations, answers to problems as well as additional problems with answers to problems as well as additional problems with answers. All the figures from the book will be available to download free from the companion website at: www oup.com/uk/booksites/biosciences/

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9780199261246

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This book is an outstanding introduction to ecology. Journal of Biological Education, Vol 40, No 2, Spring 2006 The writing is excellent and frequently fascinating, being full of invention and interesting examples. It is rare to find a textbook that is such a pleasure to read. Difficult concepts are introduced and explained clearly, always with a firm footing on sound scientific understanding. There has clearly been considerable care put into the text making it insightful, consistent and coherent. Dr Chris Joyce, University of Brighton, UK The holistic and non-technical approach taken in First Ecology is effective and appropriate for many introductory courses in ecology and environmental science. First Ecology is very broad in scope and ambitious in its objectives. It is also effective at weaving a diverse array of topics into a fairly cohesive text. Dr Mark Grover, Southern Utah University, USA

Author Information

Alan Beeby is the Head of the Division of Environmental Science at South Bank University, London. His first degree was in zoology, geomorphology and quaternary biogeography and he subsequently completed his PhD on the impact of lead on roadsides. His research still follows from this, though now he concentrates on the physiological and ecological impact of lead on key invertebrates. His research also includes methods of validating species which are used as monitors of environmental pollution. Alongside this research, he has published two books on undergraduate ecology, one of which provides a survey of applied ecological methods. Anne-Maria Brennan is a Senior Lecturer in Biological Sciences at South Bank University, London. Prior to this she was educated at the University of York, Imperial College London at Wye, and the University of Wales. She has previously undertaken teaching and consultancy at Imperial College London at Wye, and was a lecturer at the University of Greenwich and the Durrell Institute, University of Kent at Canterbury.

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