Nicholas J. Gotelli

A good overview on population dynamics and ecology modeling, and explained well. Probably only needs to be read by those in a class or going into the field, but still pretty helpful. Way more math heavy than you might expect

This is a very good introduction to the mathematical models used in population dynamics. The author begins with a simple exponential model of population growth, gradually extends the model to account for more realistic behavior (e.g. density effects, age-related effects, competition), and ends with a chapter on island biogeography. A very useful feature is that each chapter follows a regular format: model presentation and predictions, model assumptions, model variations and model examples. show more In addition, the examples at the end of each chapter, taken for scientific literature, show how these mathematical models apply to the analysis of real ecological systems. A minor drawback is that equation derivations are sometimes hard to follow. For example, in chapter 1, when switching from discrete-time to continuous-time equations, some notation seems to get re-used. The reader must be aware that what a symbol means (its units) will depend on the context.
I don't have a background in biology or ecology, but I enjoyed reading this book and learned a lot from it.
(This review is for the 1995 edition. This edition ends with chapter 7, Island Biogeography. Later editions, otherwise similar, have an additional chapter.) show less

Utilicé este libro como referencia para el curso de bioestadística avanzada del doctorado. Absolutamente recomendable porque enfoca el análisis desde el punto de vista del diseño de estudios y la hipótesis, lo que hace mucho más comprensible y facilita la digestión estadística.