Ecological Diversity and Its Measurement - Softcover

Magurran, Anne E. E.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 9401573603 ISBN 13: 9789401573603

Publisher: Springer, 2012

Synopsis

Although diversity is one of the central themes of ecology there is considerable disagreement ab out how it should be measured. I first encountered this problem 10 ycars ago whcn I started my research career and spent a long time pouring ovcr the literature in order to find the most useful techniques. The intervening decade has seen a further increasc in the number ofpapers devoted to the topic of ecological diversity but has led to no consensus on how it should be measured. My aim in writing this book is therefore to provide a practical guide to ecological diversity and its measurement. In a quantitative subject such as the measurement of diversity it is inevitable that some mathematics are involved, but at all times these are kept as simple as possible, and the emphasis is constantly on ecological reality and practical application. I hope that others ente ring thc fascinating ficld of ecological diversity will find it hclpful. This book grew out of my work in The School of Biological and Environmental Studies at the New University ofUlster, Coleraine, Northern Ircland. I am indebted to all the ecologists there for pro vi ding a stimulating atmosphere. Foremost among these were Amyan Macfadyen and Palmer Newbould. A number of the figures and tables in the book are based on data collected in Northern Irish woodlands.

About this title

From the Back Cover

Ecological diversity, or the variety and abundance of species in different habitats, is one of the central themes of ecology. However, much of the existing literature on this subject is diffuse, often confusing and beset by unnecessarily complicated mathematics. This book aims to provide a succinct and clear summary of the relevant literature and a practical guide to the measurement of diversity. It discusses the methods of describing ecological diversity in conjunction with specific recommendations for the selection and interpretation of diversity measures. In addition the book considers the sampling problems often encountered in ecological censusing. The work concludes with a discussion of the empirical value of diversity measures. A special feature that makes the book particularly accessible to readers without great expertise in mathematics is the inclusion of worked examples of the main diversity measures and models. The book should appeal to students taking advanced courses in ecology and also to professionals working in conversation and related areas of applied ecology.

Review

...this book is a stimulating and welcome guide through the diversity 'minefield'. By considering the more commonly used indices of diversity, Magurran makes plain their relationships, strengths and weaknesses. Trends in Ecology and Evolution

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 9401573603
• ISBN 13: 9789401573603
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 189