The Mathematics Behind Biological Invasions

This book investigates the mathematical analysis of biological invasions. Unlike purely qualitative treatments of ecology, it draws on mathematical theory and methods, equipping the reader with sharp tools and rigorous methodology. Subjects include invasion dynamics, species interactions, population spread, long-distance dispersal, stochastic effects, risk analysis, and optimal responses to invaders. While based on the theory of dynamical systems, including partial differential equations and integrodifference equations, the book also draws on information theory, machine learning, Monte Carlo methods, optimal control, statistics, and stochastic processes. Applications to real biological invasions are included throughout. Ultimately, the book imparts a powerful principle: that by bringing ecology and mathematics together, researchers can uncover new understanding of, and effective response strategies to, biological invasions. It is suitable for graduate students and established researchers in mathematical ecology.

Much of our current knowledge on biological invasion was derived from field studies, but many recent advances relied heavily on mathematics and computing, particularly mathematical modeling. While numerical simulations are clearly a useful approach, they have some serious drawbacks. Approximations errors and the number of parameter values can have

With potentially dangerous biological invasions increasing due to rises in international trade and travel, research in invasion biology becomes increasingly relevant. Mathematical models form an integral part of this research. This book presents: research on mathematical modeling of biological invasions, different forms of differential equations such as ordinary differential equations, reaction-diffusion models, and stochastic differential equations, detailed investigations as well as a thorough introduction to dynamical systems. Subjects range from theoretical to applied models on fascinating case studies, including: investigating how phenomena such as inducible defense or group defense can be incorporated into mathematical models, investigating how selective infections can influence the dispersal of invasive species, investigating how invasive mammals in New Zealand can be controlled to rescue the national bird, the Kiwi. The book is well suited not only for accomplished researchers but also for students with limited quantitative background interested in studying biological invasions.

Humans have moved organisms around the world for centuries but it is only relatively recently that invasion ecology has grown into a mainstream research field. This book examines both the spread and impact dynamics of invasive species, placing the science of invasion biology on a new, more rigorous, theoretical footing, and proposing a concept of adaptive networks as the foundation for future research. Biological invasions are considered not as simple actions of invaders and reactions of invaded ecosystems, but as co-evolving complex adaptive systems with emergent features of network complexity and invasibility. Invasion Dynamics focuses on the ecology of invasive species and their impacts in recipient social-ecological systems. It discusses not only key advances and challenges within the traditional domain of invasion ecology, but introduces approaches, concepts, and insights from many other disciplines such as complexity science, systems science, and ecology more broadly. It will be of great value to invasion biologists analyzing spread and/or impact dynamics as well as other ecologists interested in spread processes or habitat management.

Bioinvasion is fast becoming one of the world's most costly ecological problems, as it disrupts agriculture, drastically alters ecosystems, spreads disease, and interferes with shipping. The economic and environmental damages from alien plant, animals, and microbes in the United States, British Isles, Australia, South Africa, India, and Brazil acco

Carefully balanced to avoid distinct taxonomic, ecosystem, and geographic biases, the book addresses a wide range of invasive species (including protists, invertebrates, vertebrates, fungi, and plants), which have been studied in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments throughout the world by investigators equally diverse in their origins."--BOOK JACKET.

This book deals with the ecological effect a species can have when it moves into an environment that it has not previously occupied (commonly referred to as an 'Invasion'). It is unique in presenting a clear and accessible introduction to a highly complex area - the modelling of biological invasions. The book presents the latest theories and models developed from studies into this crucial area. It includes data and examples from biological case studies showing how the models can be applied to the study of invasions, whether dealing with AIDS, the European rabbit, or prickly pear cactuses. - ;In nature, all organisms migrate or disperse to some extent, either by walking, swimming, flying, or being transported by wind or water. When a species succeeds in colonising an area that it has not previously inhabited, this is referred to as an `invasion'. Humans can precipitate biological invasions often spreading disease or pests by their travels around the world. Using the large amount of data that has been collected from studies worldwide, ranging from pest control to epidemiology, it has been possible to construct mathematical models that can predict which species will become an invader, what kind of habitat is susceptible to invasion by a particular species, and how fast an invasion will spread if it occurs. This book presents a clear and accessible introduction to this highly complex area. Included are data and examples from biological case studies showing how these models can be applied to the study of invasions, whether dealing with AIDS, the European rabbit, or prickly pear cactuses. -