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Adaptive Herbivore Ecology: From Resources to Populations in Variable Environments

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title Adaptive Herbivore Ecology: From Resources to Populations in Variable Environments
Authors and Contributors      By (author) R. Norman Owen-Smith
SeriesCambridge Studies in Ecology
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:392
Dimensions(mm): Height 229,Width 152
Category/GenreZoology and animal sciences
ISBN/Barcode 9780521148368
ClassificationsDewey:591.7
Audience
Professional & Vocational
Illustrations Worked examples or Exercises

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 3 June 2010
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

The adaptation of herbivore behaviour to seasonal and locational variations in vegetation quantity and quality is inadequately modelled by conventional methods. Norman Owen-Smith innovatively links the principles of adaptive behaviour to their consequences for population dynamics and community ecology, through the application of a metaphysiological modelling approach. The main focus is on large mammalian herbivores occupying seasonally variable environments such as those characterised by African savannahs, but applications to temperate zone ungulates are also included. Issues of habitat suitability, species coexistence, and population stability or instability are similarly investigated. The modelling approach accommodates various sources of environmental variability, in space and time, in a simple conceptual way and has the potential to be applied to other consumer-resource systems. This text highlights the crucial importance of adaptive consumer responses to environmental variability and is aimed particularly at academic researchers and graduate students in the field of ecology.

Reviews

Review of the hardback: ' ... an enjoyable and informative addition to the ecological literature. We are convinced others will find the book equally stimulating and useful.' Science