• ISBN13: 9788126941490
• Binding: Hardcover
• Subject: Bio-Science and Agriculture
• Publisher: Atlantic Publishers & Distributors (P) Ltd
• Publisher Imprint: Atlantic
• Publication Date: July 4, 2025
• Pages: 129
• Original Price: INR 895.0
• Language: English
• Edition: N/A
• Item Weight: 310 grams

The study of ecology has become increasingly vital due to the growing ecological crisis that demands urgent attention. Introducing ecological studies at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels is essential for nurturing young minds, enabling them to understand, and tackle these pressing environmental issues. Fundamentals of Animal Ecology reveals the intricate relationships between organisms and their environments, influencing growth, reproduction, and evolution. This book serves as an accessible introduction to the field, offering engaging illustrations and clear examples that simplify complex concepts. It covers essential topics such as ecosystems, population ecology, and community dynamics, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of ecology. Designed for aspiring ecologists and students, the book is organized to support effective learning.

Key Features:

• Clear, student-friendly language
• A solid foundation for ecological studies
• Comprehensive coverage of core topics
• Well-structured for easy learning
• Visual aids and diagrams to enhance understanding

Dr. Aditi Sunil Shere-Kharwar (M.Sc., Ph.D., NET) graduated from Bangalore University (2007) and completed her post graduation from Savitribai Phule Pune University (2009), securing Ist rank and receiving the Late Nandu Dixit Memorial Prize.' She qualified NET in June 2009 and was awarded Ph.D. in 2018 from Savitribai Phule Pune University. She has over 15 years of teaching experience and is a recognized Ph.D. guide at Savitribai Phule Pune University. Specializing in Genetics and Systematics, she has over 13 years of research experience in molecular taxonomy, biodiversity studies, and ecology. She secured a Major Research Project from UGC at the young age of 28 years while pursuing her Ph.D., and has over 15 research articles and two books to her credit. She also serves on advisory boards and works as a reviewer for prominent scientific journals. Beyond academics, she actively contributes to citizen science, biodiversity documentation, and science communication, aiming to make scientific knowledge more accessible.

Cover Photo Courtesy: Dr. Aditi Sunil Shere-Kharwar

• "Preface...................................................................... vii
• Foreword.................................................................. ix
• Acknowledgments..................................................... xi
• List of Figures........................................................... xiii
• List of Tables............................................................ xvii
• 1. Concepts in Ecology................................................. 1
• Introduction.............................................................. 1
• Environment............................................................. 1
• Population................................................................ 1
• Community............................................................... 2
• Ecology..................................................................... 3
• Ecological Backlash............................................. 3
• Types of Ecology...................................................... 4
• Conclusion................................................................ 5
• 2. Ecosystem: Concepts, Types, and its Dynamics........ 7
• Introduction.............................................................. 7
• Biosphere.................................................................. 7
• Ecosystem................................................................. 8
• Abiotic Factors.................................................... 9
• Biotic Factors....................................................... 12
• Types of Ecosystems................................................. 13
• Terrestrial Ecosystems.......................................... 19
• Forest Ecosystem................................................. 19
• Grassland Ecosystem........................................... 20
• Desert Ecosystem................................................. 21
• Food Chain............................................................... 23
• Grazing Food Chain............................................ 23
• Detritus Food Chain............................................ 24
• Food Web................................................................. 25
• Energy Flow Through the Ecosystem....................... 26
• Ecological Pyramids.................................................. 28
• Pyramid of Numbers........................................... 28
• Pyramid of Biomass............................................. 29
• Pyramid of Energy............................................... 29
• Eutrophication.......................................................... 30
• Types of Eutrophication...................................... 30
• Conclusion................................................................ 33
• 3. Concept of Population.............................................. 35
• Introduction.............................................................. 35
• Characteristics of Population.................................... 35
• 1. Population Density.......................................... 35
• 2. Age Structure................................................... 37
• 3. Sex Ratio......................................................... 38
• 4. Natality........................................................... 39
• 5. Fecundity......................................................... 40
• 6. Mortality......................................................... 41
• 7. Senescence....................................................... 42
• 8. Survivorship Curves........................................ 43
• 9. Dispersion....................................................... 45
• 10. Dispersal........................................................ 47
• Growth Curves......................................................... 48
• 1. Exponential Growth........................................ 48
• 2. Logistic Growth.............................................. 49
• Population Regulation.............................................. 51
• Density-Dependent Factors.................................. 51
• Density-Independent Factors............................... 53
• Population Interactions............................................. 53
• Sampling Methods.................................................... 56
• Conclusion................................................................ 59
• 4. Community Structure and its Characteristics............ 61
• Introduction.............................................................. 61
• Importance of Community Studies...................... 62
• Community Structure.......................................... 62
• Community Characteristics....................................... 63
• 1. Species Diversity.............................................. 64
• 2. Species Abundance.......................................... 66
• 3. Dominance...................................................... 67
• 4. Stratification.................................................... 68
• 5. Ecotone and Edge Effect.................................. 70
• 6. Community Productivity................................. 71
• 7. Biotic Stability................................................. 72
• Ecological Succession................................................ 72
• Conclusion................................................................ 77
• 5. Interspecies Interactions............................................ 79
• Introduction.............................................................. 79
• Harmful Interactions................................................ 79
• Competition......................................................... 79
• Amensalism......................................................... 80
• Beneficial Interactions............................................... 81
• Mutualism........................................................... 81
• Commensalism.................................................... 82
• Antagonistic Interactions.......................................... 83
• Parasitism............................................................ 83
• Predation............................................................. 84
• Conclusion................................................................ 85
• 6. Biogeography............................................................ 87
• Introduction.............................................................. 87
• Concept of Old and New Worlds............................. 87
• Biogeographic Regions.............................................. 88
• Conclusion................................................................ 90
• 7. Adaptations in Animals............................................ 93
• Introduction.............................................................. 93
• Need for Adaptation................................................. 93
• Types of Adaptations in Animals.............................. 93
• Conclusion................................................................ 103
• Picture Courtesy....................................................... 105
• Index........................................................................ 109"