How Species Interact: Altering the Standard View on Trophic Ecology

Roger Arditi and Lev Ginzburg, who have already done much to broaden thinking about the functional response in ecology, present a tightly reasoned argument for the centrality of ratio dependence, by bringing together empirical evidence, mathematics, and the logic of emergent dynamics at time and spatial scales relevant to population change. Their book is essential reading for ecologists concerned with fundamental issues of population interaction. * Donald L. DeAngelis, University of Miami * This book is a valuable and timely contribution to ecological theory. The authors provide a personal perspective on the quantitative dimensions of trophic interactions based on empirical studies, detailed mechanistic models of predation, and more general philosophical considerations of symmetry and simplicity in science. * Robert D. Holt, Arthur R. Marshall, Jr., Chair in Ecology, University of Florida * A scholarly and insightful monograph expanding the framework for the theory of predator-prey interactions. Integrating theoretical work and empirical analyses, this definitive reference on ratio-dependent models should be read by anyone interested in the dynamics of interacting species. * Simon Levin, Moffett Professor of Biology, Princeton University The entire book is well-organized and very clearly written; it has a comprehensive index. Arditi and Ginzburg make it clear from the onset that the focus of the book lies on their own work. Given their quite comprehensive work, they still cover a lot of ground with this approach.Kerstin Wiegand, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institut für Zoologie und AnthropologieDonald L. DeAngelis Biology Department, University of Miami, Coral Gables *