A Primer of Population Biology

Designed to be self-teaching, A Primer of Population Biology shows how to apply simple mathematical models in population biology, shows how to construct such models, and provides a sense of the creative work in this field. Numerical problems throughout the text enable readers to test their growing mastery of the subject.<br/><br/>The major topics are population genetics, population and community ecology, and species equilibrium theory. Building from basic principles to advanced topics, the Primer fills a gap between introductory biology texts and advanced works in population biology. It can serve as a primary textbook for elementary courses in population biology. Or, in courses on genetics, evolution and ecology--where there is a need for all students to start at a reasonably high level of competence--it can serve as a supplementary text.<br/><br/>The Primer introduces many advanced topics at the elementary level without loss of rigor: genetic drift, measurement of rates of evolution, competition theory, reproductive value, and the theory of species equilibrium.