Description
Begins with background on evolution, morphology, and population dynamics, and general themes in the biology of predator-prey interactions, followed by description of how different taxonomic groups affect and are affected by their prey. The final section examines conclusions on predator-prey co-evolution, on natural enemies within the community, and on humans as predators or as managers of natural enemies in biological pest control. Not for the squeamish predator-prey interactions are not a pretty sight. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.
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This book is about disease and death. It is an ecologist's view of Darwin's vivid evocation of Nature, red in tooth and claw. An international team of authors examines broad patterns in the population biology of natural enemies, and addresses general questions about the role of natural enemies in the population dynamics and evolution of their prey. For instance, how do large natural enemies like wolves differ from small natural enemies like bacterial diseases in their effects on prey abundance? Is it better to chase after prey, or sit and wait for it to come to you? How should prey behave in order to minimize the risk of being eaten? The answers are all in this fascinating senior undergraduate/postgraduate text.
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