Abstract
The Allure of the Few
Highlights
Population ecology—the science of what makes animal and plant populations change, persist, or go extinct—is the most theoretical and mathematical of all ecological disciplines, yet it yields a huge number of practical benefits
The most fundamental “law” in population ecology states that changes in the size of populations are determined by the balance of birth rates, death rates, immigration, and emigration
Further abstractions can yield exponential growth models, doubling times and estimates of per-generational change, while additional complications might include demographic and environmental fluctuations, age structure, and a selfreinforcing population decline as a population approaches extinction [3]. Do these simplifications or complications matter when it comes to the practical business of threatened species conservation, pest control, or the setting of harvest quotas [2]?
Summary
Population ecology—the science of what makes animal and plant populations change, persist, or go extinct—is the most theoretical and mathematical of all ecological disciplines, yet it yields a huge number of practical benefits. Courchamp F, Berec L, Gascoigne J (2008) Allee Effects in Ecology and Conservation.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
