Stable Isotope Ecology [Hardcover]

Brian Fry (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 10, 2006 | ISBN-10: 0387305130 | ISBN-13: 978-0387305134

A solid introduction to stable isotopes that can also be used as an instructive review for more experienced researchers and professionals. The book approaches the use of isotopes from the perspective of ecological and biological research, but its concepts can be applied within other disciplines. A novel, step-by-step spreadsheet modeling approach is also presented for circulating tracers in any ecological system, including any favorite system an ecologist might dream up while sitting at a computer. The author’s humorous and lighthearted style painlessly imparts the principles of isotope ecology. The online material contains color illustrations, spreadsheet models, technical appendices, and problems and answers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

From the reviews: "The purpose of the book . . .is to equip researchers with the essential tools of isotope research … . creates the basis for a graduate and post-graduate course in stable isotope ecology. … Fry’s understanding of the world of stable isotope ecology is impressive and extensive … . Fry does an excellent job of conveying to the reader the proper use of isotopes as they circulate within the biosphere, as well as introducing the exciting world of isotope ecology." (Zachary T. Aanderud, Ecology - The Ecological Society of America, Vol. 88 (3), 2007) "Brian Fry who has now produced a very timely contribution of eight chapters that are designed to introduce novice graduate students to the field of stable isotope ecology.… Additional resource material is supplied...figures, color versions of cartoons, and problem sets…this would make an excellent primary textbook for a graduate course and will be enjoyed by both isoPopes and isotopeteers." (Keith A. Hobson, Quarterly Review of Biology, Vol. 82, September, 2007)

From the Back Cover

Stable isotopes are frequently used as tracers in biological systems, and their ability to track changes and processes over time has made them increasingly important to ecological research. For ecologists, stable isotopes provide a natural way to directly trace details of element cycling in the environment. Stable Isotope Ecology provides a solid introduction to this advanced subject, and can also be used as an instructive review for more experienced researchers and professionals. The book approaches the use of isotopes from the perspective of ecological and biological research, but its concepts can be applied within other disciplines as well. In order to enable scientists to establish source-sink connections in ecological settings, Stable Isotope Ecology begins by reviewing fundamental topics of tracer fractionation and mixing. Several mini-reviews profile problems and successes encountered with isotope tracing in particular focus areas, while emphasizing the role that humans increasingly play in changing our planetary ecosphere. A novel, step-by-step spreadsheet modeling approach is also presented for circulating tracers in any ecological system, including any favorite system an ecologist might dream up while sitting at a computer. Just type in values and watch the isotope action unfold in the dynamic models. Fry's humorous and lighthearted style painlessly imparts the principles of isotope ecology, using a unique, hands-on approach to engage students. The mechanics of fractionation and mixing are laid out in simple steps, with numerous examples and accessible mathematics (algebra only).  The book encourages students to begin their own pilot project with stable isotopes. About the Author: Dr. Brian Fry is a Professor in the Coastal Ecology Institute and the Department of Oceanography and Coastal Studies at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His mother and father both used isotopes in their research careers, so he is a second generation isotope scientist.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Springer (July 10, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0387305130
• ISBN-13: 978-0387305134
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #736,885 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review by Catarina Vinagre, June 6, 2010

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Catarina Vinagre "C. Vinagre" (Lisbon, Portugal) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Stable Isotope Ecology (Hardcover)

This is a must read book for anyone starting to use stable isotopes in ecological studies. The most complex subjects are easily understood due to the direct language of the book.

5 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good book that interest me a lot, January 9, 2007

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Mu-hsin Yen "woodstar jupiter" (Taipei, Taiwan) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Stable Isotope Ecology (Hardcover)

The author gave readers clear points in chapters with his humorous style. If you are the reader that want to understant stable isotope issue in ecology this is absolutly a great book for begining.