Product Description
Begon, Townsend, and Harper's Ecology has long been regarded as the definitive textbook on all aspects of ecology. This new edition provides a comprehensive treatment of the subject, from the first principles of ecology to the current state of the field, and aims to improve students' preparedness to address the environmental problems of the new millennium.

Thoroughly revised and updated, this fourth edition includes:

three new chapters on applied ecology, reflecting a rigorous, scientific approach to the ecological problems now facing mankind
discussion of over 800 new studies, updating the text throughout
an updated, user-friendly design with margin notes and chapter summaries that serve as study aids
dedicated website at www.blackwellpublishing.com/begon

The resulting textbook is easy to use, lucid and up-to-date, and is the essential reference for all students whose degree program includes ecology and for practicing ecologists.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.5 based on 3 reviews)

GOOD FOR SCIENCE OLYMPIAD!

I may be the only person reviewing this book who's not in college. Anyway, I ordered this book because I needed to study for an event in science olympiad dealing with ecology. Ever since I received it, I have gotten first place at every tournament! The plethora of real-world examples in this book were very helpful. My only problem with it were the "illustrations". Come on, diagrams? Maybe... but illustrations? NO WAY! Except a few here and there. I also didn't like how all the diagrams were the exact same color.
April 16, 2007

good, solid review of Ecology

I'm a grad student in ecology, and this book is a wonderful review of the subject. The writing is straightforward and includes lots of examples from the scientific literature.

It's well written and has many levels, so it would be just as valuable for an undergrad with an interest in ecology as it is for the grad student boning up for qualifying exams (me!). Much better than comparable ecology books that I used as an undergraduate.
January 18, 2007

intricate interrelationships

The ecology presented in the text emphasises an interdependence between the individual organisms that constitute an ecosystem. This interdependence can be understood in several ways, as explained. Using a flow of energy through the system. Where you start with an infalling of sunlight to drive photosynthesis. Building from there into an intricate mesh of relationships.

Another view follows the flow of matter in an ecosystem. As on the ocean floor. Where photosynthesis is not feasible. This ecosystem might be usefully seen as depending on a continual descending of matter from the upper ocean. Granted, this ultimately is driven by sunlight. But following the bookkeeping of matter flow is perhaps a more meaningful approach for benthic ecosystems.
June 28, 2006

SIMILAR PRODUCTS

Foundations of Ecology: Classic Papers with Commentaries
by Leslie A. Real, James H. Brown

A Primer of Ecology, Fourth Edition
by Nicholas J. Gotelli

A Primer Of Ecological Statistics
by Nicholas J. Gotelli, Aaron M. Ellison

Evolution
by Douglas J. Futuyma

Community Ecology
by Peter J. Morin