Gotelli (biology, U. of Vermont) offers a primer text on the basic concepts and equations that underlie population and community ecology, focusing on understanding mathematical models. Empirical examples in each chapter illustrate the use of the models. A new chapter on the estimation of species diversity has been added to this edition. It uses a mix of models and data to develop statistical equations. Some knowledge of calculus is assumed. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)