Ecology studies biodiversity in its variety and complexity. It describes
how species distribute and perform in response to environmental changes.
Ecological processes and structures are highly complex and adaptive. In
order to quantify emerging ecological patterns and investigate their
hidden mechanisms, we need to rely on the simplicity of mathematical
language. Ecological patterns are emerging structures observed in
populations, communities and ecosystems. Elucidating drivers behind
ecological patterns can greatly improve our knowledge of how ecosystems
assemble, function and respond to change and perturbation. Mathematical
ecology has, thus, become an important interdisciplinary research field
that can provide answers to complex global issues, such as climate
change and biological invasions.
The aim of this book is to (i) introduce key concepts in ecology and
evolution, (ii) explain classic and recent important mathematical models
for investigating ecological and evolutionary dynamics, and (iii)
provide real examples in ecology/biology/environmental sciences that
have used these models to address relevant issues. Readers are exposed
to the key concepts, frameworks, and terminology in the studies of
ecology and evolution, which will enable them to ask the correct and
relevant research questions, and frame the questions using appropriate
mathematical models.
