Insects represent over half of all our biological diversity. They pervade terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems functioning as carnivores, herbivores and detritivores. Their ecology is of crucial economic importance to our planet and therefore ourselves--as pests of our crops, vectors of diseases, as beneficials in food webs, pollination and biological control. This textbook strikes a balance between theory and practice and between pure and applied ecology. In presenting the basic themes of insect ecology, it provides a sound background in evolutionary ecology, population dynamics, and environmental interactions. These concepts are subsequently applied to a number of topical issues including climate change, the conservation of biodiversity, epidemiology and pest management. Based on a wealth of international teaching expertise, Ecology of Insects is aimed at undergraduate and postgraduate students taking courses in insect ecology and applied entomology, as well as wider degree programmes in biology, general ecology, zoology, forestry and agriculture. Balances theoretical and applied aspects. Based on a proven and successful course structure. Tackles topical issues such as climate change, biodiversity and conservation. International range of examples. Emphasis on clarity and accessibility.

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Product Description: Insects are major pests of both natural and plantation forests in the tropics. This book is the first to provide a broad-based, international review of this subject at a level suitable for advanced students and practitioners. It describes the ecology and biology of the insects with special reference to the economic damage they cause to trees...read more (view table of contents, read Amazon.com's description)

Product Description: This practical new book, the first English language treatise on this subject, provides a unique synthesis of all aspects of forest insect ecology and control. The reader will find coverage on the nature of forest pests, along with extensive analysis of the role of climate, natural enemies, competition, and interactions with the host tree in insect population dynamics...read more