E-Book Overview
| | Explores computer-intensive probability and statistics for ecosystem management decision making Simulation is an accessible way to explain probability and stochastic model behavior to beginners. This book introduces probability and statistics to future and practicing ecosystem managers by providing a comprehensive treatment of these two areas. The author presents a self-contained introduction for individuals involved in monitoring, assessing, and managing ecosystems and features intuitive, simulation-based explanations of probabilistic and statistical concepts. Mathematical programming details are provided for estimating ecosystem model parameters with Minimum Distance, a robust and computer-intensive method. The majority of examples illustrate how probability and statistics can be applied to ecosystem management challenges. There are over 50 exercises – making this book suitable for a lecture course in a natural resource and/or wildlife management department, or as the main text in a program of self-study. Key features: - Reviews different approaches to wildlife and ecosystem management and inference.
- Uses simulation as an accessible way to explain probability and stochastic model behavior to beginners.
- Covers material from basic probability through to hierarchical Bayesian models and spatial/ spatio-temporal statistical inference.
- Provides detailed instructions for using R, along with complete R programs to recreate the output of the many examples presented.
- Provides an introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) along with examples from Quantum GIS, a free GIS software package.
- A companion website featuring all R code and data used throughout the book.
- Solutions to all exercises are presented along with an online intelligent tutoring system that supports readers who are using the book for self-study.
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E-Book Content
Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Ecosystem Managers
STATISTICS IN PRACTICE Series Advisors Human and Biological Sciences Stephen Senn CRP-Sant´e, Luxembourg Earth and Environmental Sciences Marian Scott University of Glasgow, UK Industry, Commerce and Finance Wolfgang Jank University of Maryland, USA Founding Editor Vic Barnett Nottingham Trent University, UK
Statistics in Practice is an important international series of texts which provide detailed coverage of statistical concepts, methods and worked case studies in specific fields of investigation and study. With sound motivation and many worked practical examples, the books show in down-to-earth terms how to select and use an appropriate range of statistical techniques in a particular practical field within each title’s special topic area. The books provide statistical support for professionals and research workers across a range of employment fields and research environments. Subject areas covered include medicine and pharmaceutics; industry, finance and commerce; public services; the earth and environmental sciences, and so on. The books also provide support to students studying statistical courses applied to the above areas. The demand for graduates to be equipped for the work environment has led to such courses becoming increasingly prevalent at universities and colleges. It is our aim to present judiciously chosen and well-written workbooks to meet everyday practical needs. Feedback of views from readers will be most valuable to monitor the success of this aim. A complete list of titles in this series appears at the end of the volume.
Introduction to P