Ecological Methods 3e

This classic text, whose First Edition one reviewer referred to as "the ecologists' bible," has been substantially revised and rewritten. Not only have the advances made in the field since the Second Edition been taken into account, but the scope has been explicitly extended to all macroscopic animals, with particular attention being paid to fish as well as other vertebrates. Ecological Methods provides a unique synthesis of the methods and techniques available for the study of populations and ecosystems. Techniques used to obtain both absolute and relative population estimates are described, and approaches to the direct measurement of births, deaths, migration and the construction and interpretation of life tables are reviewed. The text is extensively illustrated, clearly describing a wide range of equipment and methods of analysis. Comprehensive and up-to-date bibliographies to each chapter fully cover the relevant literature, and references are given to available computer programs and internet addresses. The book has an active web site providing additional illustrations, details of equipment and programs, and references to work published since the revision was completed. Like the earlier editions, this book will be an indispensable source of reference to researchers and students at all levels in the fields of ecology, entomology and zoology. Completely revised and rewritten edition of a classic. Scope extended to all macroscopic animals, notably fish and other vertebrates. Active web site displaying additional material. References to computer programmes and internet addresses throughout the text. Affordable paperback. "This book provides a unique synthesis of the methods and techniques available for the study of populations and ecosystems. Techniques used to obtain both absolute and relative population estimates are described, and approaches to the direct measurement of births, deaths, migration and the construction and interpretation of life tables are reviewed. Subsequent chapters examine those methods used for the measurement and description of biodiversity, species packing, energy flow and tropic relationships Information about animal populations is sought for a variety of purposes; but the object of a study will largely determine the methods used and thus this must be clearly defined at the outset.