Mathematical modelling is an essential tool in present-day
ecological research. Yet for many ecologists it is still
problematic to apply modelling in their research. In our
experience, the major problem is at the conceptual level: proper
understanding of what a model is, how ecological relations can be
translated consistently into mathematical equations, how models are
solved, steady states calculated and interpreted. Many textbooks
jump over these conceptual hurdles to dive into detailed
formulations or the mathematics of solution. This book attempts to
fill that gap. It introduces essential concepts for mathematical
modelling, explains the mathematics behind the methods, and helps
readers to implement models and obtain hands-on experience.
Throughout the book, emphasis is laid on how to translate
ecological questions into interpretable models in a practical
way.
The book aims to be an introductory textbook at the
undergraduate-graduate level, but will also be useful to seduce
experienced ecologists into the world of modelling. The range of
ecological models treated is wide, from Lotka-Volterra type of
principle-seeking models to environmental or ecosystem models, and
including matrix models, lattice models and sequential decision
models. All chapters contain a concise introduction into the
theory, worked-out examples and exercises. All examples are
implemented in the open-source package R, thus taking away problems
of software availability for use of the book. All code used in the
book is available on a dedicated website.
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