Ecology: Individuals, Populations and Communities [Paperback]

M. Begon (Author), J. L. Harper (Author), C. R. Townsend (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 8, 1996 | ISBN-10: 0632038012 | ISBN-13: 978-0632038015 | Edition: 3

This is the leading textbook of general ecology, with an unsurpassed world-wide reputation. While maintaining the basic structure of previous editions, this third edition is extensively rewritten to produce a forward-looking teaching resource that will lead the field to the end of the decade.

• Largely rewritten and fully updated.
  
• Maintains the balance between plant and animal ecology.
  
• Greatly expanded coverage of applied ecology.
  
• New chapter on conservation and sustainability.
  
• Completely new two colour artwork.

Editorial Reviews

Review

On the first edition

‘The freshness of approach and the breadth and depth of coverage make most of the opposition seem a rather stale and restricted diet by comparison….All ecology teachers and students would do well to sample this nouvelle cuisine.’ [Nature]

On the second edition

‘It is better than the first edition in dealing with communities and ecosystems, and its treatment of population biology, broadly defined, is superb. Presentation – both prose and graphics – is efficient and clear without being prosaic or simplistic. Remarkably free of dogma, Begon et al. offer the incompleteness of ecology in an explicit and inviting way.

When asked which text they judged best or a sophomore level general ecology course for biology students, Begon et al. was chosen by 8 out of 10.’ [Ecology]

From the Back Cover

Since publication of the first edition in 1986, Begon, Harper and Townsend’s Ecology has become the leading textbook on its field. Its reputation throughout the world is unparalleled.

Maintaining the structure of previous editions, this edition is radically revised to reflect the fundamental changes that have occurred in the teaching of ecology. In many universities increased emphasis is being given to applied issues and a whole new vocabulary has entered the syllabus to accommodate such areas as biodiversity, global warming and sustainability. In revising Ecology to meet these new requirements, the authors have once more produced a forward-looking textbook that will lead the field to the end of the decade.

Product Details

• Paperback: 1068 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 3 edition (May 8, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0632038012
• ISBN-13: 978-0632038015
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8.6 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #924,471 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best all around resource for ecological studies, May 22, 2003

By 

Ray L Phenicie (Farmington Hills, MI United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ecology: Individuals, Populations and Communities (Paperback)

Begon's book is the best way to get a serious handle on the complexities of ecology. This book attempts no dumbing down and gives more resources than could ever be used in a lifetime.
The explanations given for basic concepts are unique and cannot be found anywhere else. For example, this book makes a clear point about the relationship between evolution and ecology. Chapter One starts off with a discussion of natural selection that is unique; seems that one must rely on an ecologist for a full understanding of evolution. Begon suggests that the word abaptation be used to describe the match that most organisms display with their environment because that word carries with it the historical meaning that is left out of the picture when the word adaptation is used to descirbe the match between organism and environment.
All important areas of ecology are covered; population dynamics, energy in communities and biological diversity. Again, I have yet to see, after having examined several major publishers' offerings, a better book for either someone just getting started in ecology or a person already well versed in the topic.

1 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best ecology book I ever read, May 27, 2000

By 

Mario Dos Reis - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ecology: Individuals, Populations and Communities (Paperback)

An exelent book, covering almost any area of ecology. Lot's of useful references. An essential book for any ecologist.

0 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good clear introduction to ecology., June 8, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Ecology: Individuals, Populations and Communities (Paperback)

This textbook is an excellent introduction to anyone who wishes to study ecology in an academic context.I have found it very useful in my undergraduate studies.