Townsend (zoology, U. of Otago) takes a new approach to studying ecology, conservation and biodiversity by focusing on real-world situations. Although he gives theory its due in a series of boxes on such subjects as essential niche theory and population dynamics, his primary emphasis is on how ecological phenomena relate to each other and to the specific plants, animals and humans involved. He first covers the ecological crises humans have made, then addresses ecological applications at the level of individual organisms, including life-history theory and management, migration and dispersal, and applications at the level of populations, including pest management and harvest management. He then turns to communities and ecosystems, covering succession, the food web and ecosystem theory, and then addresses regional and global issues, including landscape management and global climate change. Designed for classroom use, this also works as a professional reference. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)