Competition and Coexistence

The global loss of biodiversity has led to a renewed interest in the underlying mechanisms that explain spatial differences and temporal change of diversity. This book synthesises recent advances in our understanding of interactions that enhance or diminish coexistence among competing species. It features an innovative, spatial view of competition and coexistence. The chapters are logically grouped and stitched together by the central organising principle of spatial distribution and mobility of competing species and their resources. The text also covers ecological modelling and experimental evidence in the search for general principles across ecosystems, from lake plankton and rocky shore benthos to grasslands and insects.

From the reviews:

"... I found this book easy to read, with a concise and consistent style across chapters. Figures were clearly presented and effectively described. I would recommend this as a good introduction to current models and empirical studies of the role of competition in structuring communities for those not already familiar with the topic." (Ethology)
"Plant ecologists working on traditional problems of vegetation composition and tradeoffs among component species for limiting resources will derive a great deal from the book. It comprises a convenient and approachable primer on the theory of competition and coexistence and its real-life applications, and it would make for an excellent graduate-level seminar." (Plant Systematics and Evolution)

"This volume is an attempt to review and synthesize recent research on competition-coexistence relationships ... . Overall, I found this book easy to read, with a concise and consistent style across chapters. Figures were clearly presented and effectively described. I would recommend this as a good introduction to current models and empirical studies of the role of competition in structuring communities for those not already familiar with this topic." (Tad Theimer, Ethology, Issue 12, 2003)