Introduction to ecology

This book "gives a balanced, up-to-date account of ecology which makes an ideal introduction to the subject for any intelligent reader. The book evolved from seven years' experience of lecturing, as assigned reading for a one-semester course for second-year students: 'There is, however, nothing in the book which should be beyond the comprehension of first-year science students . . . It is my hope that mathematics and jargon could be completely circumvented by those wishing to set them aside and follow the arguments in prose, that arts students and even artists would be able to glean from the book of the great fun that ecologists find in their own peculiar way of looking at nature . . , my aim has been to capture enough of ecology's enjoyment to give a little pleasure in the reading.' The author has succeeded in his aim admirably. Serious students must still consult text-books and the original literature, but such an introduction will whet their appetites..."