Ecology- Theories And Applications

This substantially revised fourth edition brings to fore the fascinating aspects of ecology. As, an understanding of ecological principles is so essential for students as well as environmental scientists, this book provides a conceptual framework of ecology on which environmental science is based. A knowledge of such concepts enables one to take conservation measures and make attempts to restore the planet after the ravages of pollution.
This edition has undergone major changes. The introduction has been completely rewritten to introduce the students to the discipline of evolutionary and behavioural ecology, population ecology, community ecology, and ecosystems ecology-the four pillars on which this book is built. The population ecology section continues its focus on factors affecting population growth; however, more attention has been devoted to mutualism and commensalism and to parasitism.
While the format of the fourth edition remains similar to the third edition, with each chapter starting on an explanation of a concept followed by examples well illustrated with data, figures and tables, the pedagogical emphasis has been refocussed. For example, each chapter begins with a one-sentence outline on what each section in the chapter is about. Not only have a large number of diagrams but also some of colour photographs been added to illustrate the point of discussion. Finally, a summary at the end of each chapters recollect the major points and should prove to be an invaluable study aid.
Students pursuing courses in environmental science which is increasingly being taught in universities across the country, and environmental scientists will find this in-depth study highly useful.