Author: Kevin J. Gaston, John I. Spicer
By WileyBlackwell

'Biodiversity' - a review., 2003-12-26
I am studing plant biology at degree level and this book was recommended to us to complement our 1st year lectures and give us an overview of biodiversity. An introduction it is: it familiarises the student with the 'what? where? and when?' of biodiversity. It seems to raise as many questions as it answers which is inevitable in a short book on such a vast topic and leaves the reader wanting to discover more. Although it perfectly complements my lectures (not suprising really as one of the authors is also one of my lecturers), it is overly simplistic at times for my liking and sometimes you can't help thinking, 'well thats just common sense really'. It is reasonably easy to read and follows a logical course starting with basic questions such as 'What is biodiversity?' and 'Where is it?' through to investigating more abstract concepts such as the subjective value of mantaining biodiversity. I found it easy to transfer ideas from this book to other areas of my course. It is a bit too short and concise (for the price)and the graphics and illustrations are somewhat uninspiring but it is none the less a good introduction to the science of biodiversity.

Author: Colin R. Townsend, Michael Begon, John L. Harper
By WileyBlackwell

A good overview of ecology, 2002-10-20
This book is a good background for ecology. All essential points and termanology is clearly given, making this book easier to revise from. However, there is not enough use of colour (or at least any colour apart from purple) to break the text, making it a more daunting read. Graphs and diagrams are clear, though dull in purple monohrome.

Overall, 'Essentials of Ecology' is good as a textbook, but not for enjoyment.

Author: Jamie Whittle
By Sandstone Press Ltd

Superb new work, 2008-04-20
This is a most thoughtful book, sensitively written by a new author, Jamie Whittle, who has a rich feel for Scotland, his heritage, the importance of the environment and the challenges for us all, wherever we are, in facing up to what it will take to live sustainably. His inter-weaving of a personal journey on his local river, with his personal journey as a young man in the world and his sharing of deep insights into the way we are and the history of his local area, results in an inspiring work.

Author: John D. Altringham
By OUP Oxford

Bats: Biology and Behaviour, 2002-01-26
An excellent book which is very readable but also has plenty of depth. Beautifully illustrated.

Author: Aulay MacKenzie, Andy Ball, Sonia Virdee
By Taylor & Francis

Good book if you dont like ecology or not!, 2003-12-09
I bought this book so that I could get through ecology on one of my modules. Its a excellent book. Each chapter includes key notes that summarise all the important facts and ideas. The book is intentionally designed for a student in the first place. Its worth purchasing you wont be disappointed!

Author: Andrew S. Pullin
By Cambridge University Press

Author: J. R. Krebs, N. B. Davies
By WileyBlackwell

excellent, very comprehensive, 2001-08-10
For students of behavioural ecology this provides a fantastic review of all major aspects of the subject in an easy to follow layout and a very readable, engaging style. Well organised and full of useful summary graphs, with some lovely colour plates thrown in, it is well worth buying. It is full of references to other literature, so is great as a stepping stone to more detailed study. A very comprehensive text, thoroughly recommended

Author: Michael Begon, Colin A. Townsend, John L. Harper
By WileyBlackwell

Begon et. al. "Ecology", 2003-12-10
This is an excellent undergraduate and postgraduate level introductory text for ecologists.
i purchased this book as a recommended text for an MSc in Ecology and have found it invaluable.
the chapters on community ecology are particularly well written. the whole text is underpinned with valid citation and useful references for further reading.
all in all an excellent purchase!

Author: Mark Ridley
By WileyBlackwell

very 'user-friendly', 2004-03-07
having only read half the book, i am very pleased. i have no background in biology / genetics but this book is, unlike many others, very accessible and fun to read. the style of writing is very comprehensible and it takes surprisingly little time to finish one chapter. the book is kept simple with helpful illustrations and some fotos. the chapter summaries could be slightly longer but they normally suffice for the qick reference. the side-margin notes help to locate essential text passages. the price is pretty much justified.

Author: P. J. Gullan, Peter Cranston
By WileyBlackwell

Insects: An Outline of Entomology, 2007-06-08
This book explains difficult concepts with ease and makes complicated terminology a breeze. It should not only be considered essential reading for any zoology student (which it is), but ideal for anyone intrested in insects and wishes for a better understanding.

A truly pleasurable read.