• Specifically devised for first year life science students or students from other disciples taking ecology as a standalone unit: breadth and depth are perfectly balanced for a first course in ecology
• Assumes little background knowledge and leads students gradually into the subject to build understanding, making it ideal for students from a range of disciplines
• Uses a human angle to introduce ecological concepts in a way students will relate to and engage with, developing students' confidence at each step
• Detailed examples and case studies help build on the principles introduced in the text, allowing students to see ecological techniques in action

New to this edition

• Case studies in each chapter provide a captivating insight into how ecologists approach problems
• All diagrams are presented in full colour, and many new stunning photographs help students to visualise the concepts being described
• Expanded coverage of soil; climate change; biodiversity; competition; conservation and sustainability presents a true picture of ecology today

Readership: Beginning undergraduates in the life sciences either majoring in ecology or studying ecology as a stand-alone unit on a range of courses, including those that assume little scientific background.

Alan Beeby, Reader in Ecology in the Department of Applied Science, London South Bank University, UK, and Anne-Maria Brennan, Deputy Head of the Department of Applied Science, London South Bank University, UK

"This well written text begins with human evolution, and then leads on through species and populations (single or interacting) to communities and ecosystems - and the way they respond to disturbance, natural or human created. The book is notable for the skilful way it weaves together basic concepts with practical applications." - Lord Robert May, University of Oxford

First Words
1: Origins
2: Species
3: Populations
4: Interactions
5: Communities
6: Systems
7: Balances
8: Scales
9: Checks