Ecological modeling

"Ecological Modeling: A Common-Sense Approach to Theory and Practice is a down-to-earth guide for students, teachers, and professional ecologists." "The text candidly addresses the question "What do I really need to know to begin building and using ecological models in a responsible manner?" In addition to providing a common-sense introduction to the basic principles of systems modeling, the authors suggest a practical strategy for dealing with pitfalls commonly encountered during model development. The ties between theory and practice, which beginning modelers often find so elusive, are demystified via the step-by-step development of three models representing ecological systems of increasing complexity."--Jacket.