Mathematical Ideas in Biology

This is a lucid introduction to some of the mathematical ideas which are useful to biologists.

J. Maynard Smith (Author)

9780521095501, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 1 November 1968

168 pages
20.3 x 12.7 x 1 cm, 0.19 kg

This is a lucid introduction to some of the mathematical ideas which are useful to biologists. Professor Maynard Smith introduces the reader to the ways in which biological problems can be expressed mathematically, and shows how the mathematical equations which arise in biological work can be solved. Each chapter has a number of examples which present further points of biological and mathematical interest. interest. Professor Maynard Smith's book is written for all biologists, from undergraduate level upwards, who need mathematical tools. Only an elementary knowledge of mathematics is assumed. Since there are already a number of books dealing with statistics for biologists, this book is particularly concerned with non-statistical topics.

1. Some consequences of scale
2. Population regulation: generations separate
3. Population regulation: generations not separate
4. The genetics of families
5. The genetics of populations
6. Target theory
7. Regulation and control
8. Diffusion and similar processes.

Subject Areas: Cellular biology [cytology PSF]