Thirty years ago, biologists could get by with a rudimentary grasp of mathematics and modeling. Not so today. In seeking to answer fundamental questions about how biological systems function and change over time, the modern biologist is as likely to rely on sophisticated mathematical and computer-based models as traditional fieldwork. In this book, Sarah Otto and Troy Day provide biology students with the tools necessary to both interpret models and to build their own.

The book starts at an elementary level of mathematical modeling, assuming that the reader has had high school mathematics and first-year calculus. Otto and Day then gradually build in depth and complexity, from classic models in ecology and evolution to more intricate class-structured and probabilistic models. The authors provide primers with instructive exercises to introduce readers to the more advanced subjects of linear algebra and probability theory. Through examples, they describe how models have been used to understand such topics as the spread of HIV, chaos, the age structure of a country, speciation, and extinction.

Ecologists and evolutionary biologists today need enough mathematical training to be able to assess the power and limits of biological models and to develop theories and models themselves. This innovative book will be an indispensable guide to the world of mathematical models for the next generation of biologists.

A how-to guide for developing new mathematical models in biology

Provides step-by-step recipes for constructing and analyzing models

Interesting biological applications

Explores classical models in ecology and evolution

Questions at the end of every chapter

Primers cover important mathematical topics

Exercises with answers

Appendixes summarize useful rules

Labs and advanced material available

About the Author

Sarah P. Otto is Professor of Zoology at the University of British Columbia. Troy Day is Associate Professor of Mathematics and Biology at Queen's University

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Hawking Books is dedicated to providing each customer with the highest standard of customer service.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Murrmoz LLC
PO Box 839, Edgewood, TX, 75117, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

We guarantee the condition of every book as it's described on the Abebooks web
sites. If you're dissatisfied with your purchase (Incorrect Book/Not as
Described/Damaged) or if the order hasn't arrived, you're eligible for a refund
within 30 days of the estimated delivery date. If you've changed your mind about
a book that you've ordered, please use the Ask bookseller a question link to
contact us and we'll respond within 2 business days.

Shipping Terms

We package all our items in secure new packaging and we always ship within 48 hours.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	5 to 14 business days	3 to 6 business days
First item	US$ 0.00	US$ 19.95

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.