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Natural Regulation of Animal Populations (Paperback)
Loot Price: R1,376
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Natural Regulation of Animal Populations (Paperback)
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Surveying an area dense with conflicting observations and ideas,
this volume vividly depicts the current state of knowledge as well
as the great diversity of opinion in the field of population
ecology. Ten papers by outstanding authorities focus on three main
issues-the effects of environment and population density on
population dynamics, the influence of animal behavior on population
growth, and the possibilities of genetic feedback or short-term
evolutionary change in control of animal populations. An incisive
introduction by the editor establishes a frame of reference and
supplies succinct resolutions of some of the important
controversies dealt with in these pages.
Choosing from a vast literature that has been polemical, often
confusing, and at times acrimonious, the book offers several
classic arguments that clarify the functional, statistical, and
evolutionary aspects of the relationship of population density to
population growth. M. E. Solomon lays the groundwork for the
ensuing debate by classifying the terms and relevant concepts of
"density-dependence" as they apply to population dynamics. Other
probing articles questions whether the density of animal
populations is actually regulated by particular mechanisms or by
random chance, provide counterexamples of the regulation of animal
numbers, and explore effects of population density on the growth
rates of various animal populations.
Aside from the negative effects or responses of the environment,
including hazardous weather and food shortages, increasing evidence
shows that a definite social or behavioral regulation may result
from the interaction of individuals or groups within the animal
population. This concept, ignored by some ecologists and considered
universal by others, is discussed by several of the contributors.
Perhaps the most noteworthy proponent of the idea that "social
regulation" is for the "purpose" of preventing overpopulation and
consequent destruction of resources is V. C. Wynne-Edwards. His
paper outlines a theory that has stimulated wide discussion and
caused reevaluation of many established views.
"Ian A. McLaren" is Professor emeritus, department of Biology at
Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia. His expertise is
population and evolutionary biology of plankton, seals, and birds.
Dr. McLaren has contributed numerous papers to books and scholarly
journals in the fields of population and evolutionary ecology. Dr.
McLaren is also a fellow of the Arctic Institute.
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