Nicholas J. Gotelli

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. 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 the derivation of an equation is sometimes hard to follow. For example, in chapter 1, when switching between continuous-time and discrete-time equations, notation seems to get re-used. So, the reader must be aware that the meaning and units of a symbol may vary, depending on the equation it is being used in.
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.)… (altro)