Textbook in PDF format

Essentials of Ecology, 4th Edition presents introductory ecology in an accessible, state-of-the-art format designed to cultivate the novice student's understanding of and fascination with the natural world. In a concise, engaging style, this text outlines the essential principles of ecology from the theoretical fundamentals to their practical applications. Full color artwork, simple pedagogical features and a wide range of carefully-chosen examples make this book an ideal introduction to ecology for students at all levels.
Introduction
Ecology and how to do it
Ecology’s evolutionary backdrop
Conditions and Resources
Physical conditions and the availability of resources
Climate and the world’s biomes
Individuals and Populations, Communities and Ecosystems
Birth, death and movement
Interspecific competition
Predation, grazing and disease
Molecular and evolutionary ecology
Communities and Ecosystems
From populations to communities
Patterns in species richness
The flux of energy and matter through ecosystems
Applied Issues in Ecology
Global biogeochemical cycles and their alteration by humans
Conservation ecology
The ecology of human population growth, disease, and food supply