Applying Graph Theory in Ecological Research

This book clearly describes the many applications of graph theory to ecological questions, providing instruction and encouragement to researchers.

Mark R.T. Dale (Author)

9781107460973, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 9 November 2017

344 pages, 231 b/w illus. 16 colour illus. 14 tables
24.6 x 17.5 x 1.7 cm, 0.71 kg

Graph theory can be applied to ecological questions in many ways, and more insights can be gained by expanding the range of graph theoretical concepts applied to a specific system. But how do you know which methods might be used? And what do you do with the graph once it has been obtained? This book provides a broad introduction to the application of graph theory in different ecological systems, providing practical guidance for researchers in ecology and related fields. Readers are guided through the creation of an appropriate graph for the system being studied, including the application of spatial, spatio-temporal, and more abstract structural process graphs. Simple figures accompany the explanations to add clarity, and a broad range of ecological phenomena from many ecological systems are covered. This is the ideal book for graduate students and researchers looking to apply graph theoretical methods in their work.

Preface
1. Graphs as structure in the ecological context
2. Shapes of graphs: trees to triangles
3. Species interaction networks
4. Trophic networks: structure, partitioning, and dynamics
5. Species associations, communities, and graphs of social structure
6. Competition: hierarchies and reversals
7. Mutualism, parasitism, and bipartite graphs
8. Temporal or time-only graphs
9. Spatial graphs
10. Spatio-temporal graphs
11. Graph structure and system function: graphlet methods
12. Synthesis and future directions
Visual glossary
References
Index
Appendix.

Subject Areas: Biotechnology [TCB], Conservation of wildlife & habitats [RNKH], Conservation of the environment [RNK], Environmental management [RNF], Applied ecology [RNC], Biogeography [RGM], Plant ecology [PSTS], Ecological science, the Biosphere [PSAF], Maths for scientists [PDE]