Natural Regulation of Animal Populations

Surveying an area dense with conflicting observations and ideas, this volume vividly depicts the current state of knowledge as well as the great diversity of opinion in the field of population ecology. Ten papers by outstanding authorities focus on three main issues-the effects of environment and population density on population dynamics, the influence of animal behavior on population growth, and the possibilities of genetic feedback or short-term evolutionary change in control of animal populations. An incisive introduction by the editor establishes a frame of reference and supplies succinct resolutions of some of the important controversies dealt with in these pages. Choosing from a vast literature that has been polemical, often confusing, and at times acrimonious, the book offers several classic arguments that clarify the functional, statistical, and evolutionary aspects of the relationship of population density to population growth. M. E. Solomon lays the groundwork for the ensuing debate by classifying the terms and relevant concepts of "density-dependence" as they apply to population dynamics. Other probing articles questions whether the density of animal populations is actually regulated by particular mechanisms or by random chance, provide counterexamples of the regulation of animal numbers, and explore effects of population density on the growth rates of various animal populations. Aside from the negative effects or responses of the environment, including hazardous weather and food shortages, increasing evidence shows that a definite social or behavioral regulation may result from the interaction of individuals or groups within the animal population. This concept, ignored by some ecologists and considered universal by others, is discussed by several of the contributors. Perhaps the most noteworthy proponent of the idea that "social regulation" is for the "purpose" of preventing overpopulation and consequent destruction of resources is V. C. Wynne-Edwards. His paper outlines a theory that has stimulated wide discussion and caused reevaluation of many established views.

Politics & Social Sciences

McLaren, Ian A

Sociology

Routledge

xviii 172p cloth with white and orange jacket, index, bibliography, clean pages, very good copy from a Cambridge college library

Education in a small democracy - New Zealand (World education series)

Routledge & K.Paul

<p>Originally published in 1974. Here is a detailed discussion of educational change in New Zealand with implications which should provoke a fresh approach both to the educational tradition in Britain and to the problems of other educational systems which are subject to democratic control. It is primarily concerned with developments in the quarter-century between 1945 and 1970. With frequent reference to events preceding and following this period, the author stresses throughout the professed educational ideal of all post-war New Zealand governments: to provide equality of opportunity in education. He deals with principles of policy and administrative control, including the universities and estimates the influence on official policy of interest groups inside and outside the educational system. He examines social issues which include the extent to which governments have failed to promote equality of opportunity in the schooling of minority groups in the country, and treats, in an historical perspective, the perennial vexed question of state aid to private schools. The concluding chapters describe and analyse the characteristics, difficulties and prospects of primary, secondary and tertiary education.</p>

Education in a Small Democracy (Routledge Library Editions: Comparative Education)

Education & Teaching

Schools & Teaching

All the Birds of Nova Scotia aims to help observers evaluate bird sightings in Nova Scotia by focusing on the finer details of occurrence and identification. Compiling and evaluating a broad range of historical and contemporary data gathered by both ornithologists and amateur observers, Ian McLaren provides brief accounts of the status and key identification issues for all bird species, distinctive subspecies, and variations believed to have occurred in Nova Scotia up to 2010. In these accounts, readers can find answers to questions such as: Where does the bird normally occur? Is it common or rare, or becoming more, or less, common? Is it unusually late or early for the season? This book is required reading for any serious observer of Nova Scotia birds.

All the Birds of Nova Scotia: Status & Critical Identification

Sports & Outdoors

Field Guides

Gaspereau Pr

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Books by McLaren, Ian A