Simulating Ecological and Evolutionary Systems in C

"Simulating Ecological and Evolutionary Systems in C presents models of a diverse range of biological processes and systems, including competition, foraging, predation, mating systems, and life-history optimization, by simulating large collections of interacting individuals. Using the widely available computer programming language C, the book starts with elementary programs modeling stochastic birth-death processes, slowly increasing programming complexity as the chapters progress. All the important features of C are covered, including arrays, files, pointers, and structures, within biologically motivated simulations.

Although computer simulations of extremely complicated biological processes are released from rigid mathematical constraints, each of the simulations is also placed in the context of a mathematical formulation examined either analytically or numerically. Procedures covered include testing random number generators, producing PostScript files, root-finding, numerical integration and using the genetic algorithm. Written for advanced students and researchers who are familiar with theoretical concepts in ecology and evolution, this book provides a unique blend of ecological theory, ecological simulations, and details of the C programming language to guide those seeking to adopt a computational approach."--Jacket.