Maximum Entropy and Ecology

A Theory of Abundance, Distribution, and Energetics

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Biological Sciences, Nature
Cover of the book Maximum Entropy and Ecology by John Harte, OUP Oxford
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: John Harte ISBN: 9780191621161
Publisher: OUP Oxford Publication: June 23, 2011
Imprint: OUP Oxford Language: English
Author: John Harte
ISBN: 9780191621161
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication: June 23, 2011
Imprint: OUP Oxford
Language: English

This pioneering graduate textbook provides readers with the concepts and practical tools required to understand the maximum entropy principle, and apply it to an understanding of ecological patterns. Rather than building and combining mechanistic models of ecosystems, the approach is grounded in information theory and the logic of inference. Paralleling the derivation of thermodynamics from the maximum entropy principle, the state variable theory of ecology developed in this book predicts realistic forms for all metrics of ecology that describe patterns in the distribution, abundance, and energetics of species over multiple spatial scales, a wide range of habitats, and diverse taxonomic groups. The first part of the book is foundational, discussing the nature of theory, the relationship of ecology to other sciences, and the concept of the logic of inference. Subsequent sections present the fundamentals of macroecology and of maximum information entropy, starting from first principles. The core of the book integrates these fundamental principles, leading to the derivation and testing of the predictions of the maximum entropy theory of ecology (METE). A final section broadens the book's perspective by showing how METE can help clarify several major issues in conservation biology, placing it in context with other theories and highlighting avenues for future research.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This pioneering graduate textbook provides readers with the concepts and practical tools required to understand the maximum entropy principle, and apply it to an understanding of ecological patterns. Rather than building and combining mechanistic models of ecosystems, the approach is grounded in information theory and the logic of inference. Paralleling the derivation of thermodynamics from the maximum entropy principle, the state variable theory of ecology developed in this book predicts realistic forms for all metrics of ecology that describe patterns in the distribution, abundance, and energetics of species over multiple spatial scales, a wide range of habitats, and diverse taxonomic groups. The first part of the book is foundational, discussing the nature of theory, the relationship of ecology to other sciences, and the concept of the logic of inference. Subsequent sections present the fundamentals of macroecology and of maximum information entropy, starting from first principles. The core of the book integrates these fundamental principles, leading to the derivation and testing of the predictions of the maximum entropy theory of ecology (METE). A final section broadens the book's perspective by showing how METE can help clarify several major issues in conservation biology, placing it in context with other theories and highlighting avenues for future research.

More books from OUP Oxford

Cover of the book Oxford Handbook of Genetics by John Harte
Cover of the book Paris Metro Tales by John Harte
Cover of the book The History of Emotions by John Harte
Cover of the book Aquatic Entomology by John Harte
Cover of the book Hegel: Lectures on the Philosophy of Religion:Volume I: Introduction and the Concept of Religion by John Harte
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of Tudor Literature by John Harte
Cover of the book Desperate Remedies by John Harte
Cover of the book Navigating the New Retail Landscape by John Harte
Cover of the book The Pursuit of Development by John Harte
Cover of the book Dialogues and Essays by John Harte
Cover of the book Economic Theory of Bank Credit by John Harte
Cover of the book Islam and its Past by John Harte
Cover of the book Letters of Credit by John Harte
Cover of the book Humanitarians at War by John Harte
Cover of the book The Dragon's Gift:The Real Story of China in Africa by John Harte
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy