Methods in Comparative Plant Population Ecology

This new book is intended to assist senior undergraduates and post-graduate students design their own experiments and establish a research program in plant population ecology. Practical advice is provided on how to set up a research program, how to ask pertinent questions and use science process skills in conducting research. Individual chapters cover facets of experimental design, statistics, experimental variables and treatments, measurements of plants and their environment, spatial pattern analysis, life tables, and modelling. Numerous citations to the current research literature are provided, and four case studies are referred to throughout the book to illustrate the use of methodology. The book provides guidance for researchers so that they can critically evaluate the problem that they are addressing, and determine the most suitable approach. The book will be of value to teachers who are developing field and laboratory modules in population ecology.

David J. Gibson is at Southern Illinois University, Illinois, USA.