Modelling for Field Biologists and Other Interesting PeopleStudents of evolutionary and behavioural ecology are often unfamiliar with mathematical techniques, though much of biology relies on mathematics. Evolutionary ideas are often complex, meaning that the logic of hypotheses proposed should not only be tested empirically but also mathematically. There are numerous different modelling tools used by ecologists, ranging from population genetic 'bookkeeping', to game theory and individual-based computer simulations. Due to the many different modelling options available, it is often difficult to know where to start. Hanna Kokko has designed this 2007 book to help with these decisions. Each method described is illustrated with one or two biologically interesting examples that have been chosen to help overcome fears of many biologists when faced with mathematical work, whilst also providing the programming code (Matlab) for each problem. Aimed primarily at students of evolutionary and behavioural ecology, this book will be of interest to any biologist interested in mathematical modelling. |
From inside the book
Results 1-5 of 33
Page 8
... parameters that interact with each other in producing a diversity of outcomes – but when asked why the model produces these effects of A and B, we still have no answer that can be expressed in a language that anyone's intuition can ...
... parameters that interact with each other in producing a diversity of outcomes – but when asked why the model produces these effects of A and B, we still have no answer that can be expressed in a language that anyone's intuition can ...
Page 11
... parameters? Rarely. Very complicated individual-based models are perhaps most useful if they try to answer a question such as ... parameter combinations. Not being causally transparent, the outcome of such models could, in the worst case ...
... parameters? Rarely. Very complicated individual-based models are perhaps most useful if they try to answer a question such as ... parameter combinations. Not being causally transparent, the outcome of such models could, in the worst case ...
Page 16
... parameters and variables.2 Simple and logical notation could make all the difference between achieving that 'eureka ... parameter but a variable; one does not pre-set it to any particular value, but its value and evolution over time is ...
... parameters and variables.2 Simple and logical notation could make all the difference between achieving that 'eureka ... parameter but a variable; one does not pre-set it to any particular value, but its value and evolution over time is ...
Page 20
... parameter (see footnote 2 (p.16)) that specifies the strength of the mating advantage conferred by allele A. If m1⁄41, A does not bring any advantage over a males, while values of m much greater than 1 mean that A has a very strong ...
... parameter (see footnote 2 (p.16)) that specifies the strength of the mating advantage conferred by allele A. If m1⁄41, A does not bring any advantage over a males, while values of m much greater than 1 mean that A has a very strong ...
Page 23
... parameter values. If we had been a little too quick and assumed y1⁄4mx instead of Eq. (2.1), looking at a figure with y shooting through the 100% roof (try this out!) would have set the alarm bells ringing. Now that we know the ...
... parameter values. If we had been a little too quick and assumed y1⁄4mx instead of Eq. (2.1), looking at a figure with y shooting through the 100% roof (try this out!) would have set the alarm bells ringing. Now that we know the ...
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
allele argument assume assumptions barnacle behaviour benefit best response biological biomass Bird migration birds body condition breeding butterfly calculate choice consider costs defined definition denote depends derivative different values diploid dispersal distribution dynamic equals equation equilibrium evolution evolutionary rescue exactly example expected fecundity females figure find finding first fitness fixed foraging frequency function game theory gene genetic genotypes growth haploid happens height increase individuals influence Kokko look low-quality male male trait male’s mathematical mathematical beauty mating season mating success Matlab means morph mutant natural selection nonmigrants notation one’s optimal options outcomes pA·A parameter patch pay-off perhaps phenotypic photosynthesis plant plot population population genetic possible predators predict probability produce quantitative genetic reaction norm reason reflect reproductive success resident strategy result selection sexual simply simulations solutions specific sufficient survival switchpoint territories Turku zero
Popular passages
Page 16 - In that Empire, the craft of Cartography attained such Perfection that the Map of a Single province covered the space of an entire City, and the Map of the Empire itself an entire Province. In the course of Time, these Extensive maps were found...
Page 16 - Cartographers evolved a Map of the Empire that was of the same Scale as the Empire and that coincided with it point for point. Less attentive to the Study of Cartography, succeeding Generations came to judge a map of such magnitude cumbersome, and, not without Irreverence, they abandoned it to the Rigours of Sun and Rain. In the western Deserts, tattered Fragments of the Map are still to be found...
Page 8 - A(2:3,1:2) %from 2nd row to 3rd row, from 1st column to 2nd column ans =4 5 7 8 »A(2,:) %2nd row, all columns ans =4 5 6 The colon ( : ) is used for defining an arithmetic (equal difference) sequence without the...