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From: JAHAYES@MIAMIU.BITNET
Newsgroups: sci.math,sci.bio
Subject: Re: Mathematical ecology
Message-ID: <90226.183932JAHAYES@MIAMIU.BITNET>
Date: 14 Aug 90 23:39:32 GMT
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Organization: Miami University - Academic Computer Service
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Mathematical ecology is simply the application of mathematical
techniques to the analysis of ecological problems.  This might
consist of using linked differential equations to describe, say,
n-species interactions -- obviously, this could be addressed easily
using matrix techniques.  I'm currently using cellular automaton
theory to examine species distributions on a (roughly) two-dimen-
sional surface (e.g. coral reefs). I suppose that falls into the
field of mathematical ecology.
 
Some prominent workers in the field include Robert May, Simon
Levin, and Robert Levins.  There are several textbooks, although
Pielou's "Mathematical Ecology" is more a guide to enumeration
techniques (i.e. diversity indices, measures of contagion, etc.).
I could supply a list of some sample texts if you could be more
specific in your request (I especially recommend May's 1973
"Stability and Diversity in [or is it 'of'?] Model Ecosystems";
I believe it to be a flawed analysis, but it gives you some idea
of what can be done.  Also check out recent issues of the journals
Theoretical Population Biology, the Journal of Theoretical Biology,
Ecological Modelling, and the American Naturalist for some more or
less mathematical approaches.
 
Hope this helps. (Sorry if I've repeated some of this thread; I've
been out of town and our news server has gotten flakey in the interim).
------
Josh Hayes, Zoology, Miami University, Oxford OH 45056
jahayes@miamiu.acs.muohio.edu or jahayes@miamiu.bitnet
 
I don't need a disclaimer, because I never lie, and I'm always right.
So there. Nyah.