In this book, the golden mouse is used as a model to explore conceptual issues in ecology across all levels of organization from organism to landscape, integrating reductionist and holistic ecological science. Through intensive study of a single species, the authors demonstrate biological and ecological information applicable to many fields, including conservation and resource management.

At the individual level, the authors discuss topics such as natural history, systematics, behavior, nest construction, home range, and movements as well as the unique bioenergetic strategy of the golden mouse, their population dynamics, growth, and genetics. At the community level, coexistence with sympatric species, competitive interactions, mutualism, parasitism, and the benefits of semi-arboreal living are discussed. Chapters also provide direction for further research by including questions yet to be addressed, intended to promote future integrative studies across levels of organization.

Provides an in-depth discussion of the golden mouse at levels of organization from individual to landscape Uses the study of a single species as a model to explore broad conceptual issues in ecology Presents questions for future research in integrative ecosystem studies

Autorentext

Gary Barrett , Odum Professor of Ecology at the University of Georgia, is the author of Landscape Ecology of Small Mammals, published by Springer in 1999, which has sold 846 copies. He is also the author with the late Eugene Odum of Fundamentals of Ecology, 5/e, published in 2004.

George A. Feldhamer is Professor of Zoology, and Director of the Environmental Studies Program at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL.

Inhalt
The Golden Mouse: A Levels-of-Organization Perspective.- The Golden Mouse: Taxonomy and Natural History.- Levels of Organization.- Population Ecology of the Golden Mouse.- Community Ecology of the Golden Mouse.- Ecosystem Ecology of the Golden Mouse.- Landscape Ecology of the Golden Mouse.- Transcending Processes.- Relative Abundance and Conservation: Is the Golden Mouse a Rare Species?.- The Golden Mouse: A Model of Energetic Efficiency.- Nesting Ecology of the Golden Mouse: An Oikos Engineer.- Ectoparasites, Bots, and Vector-Borne Diseases Associated with the Golden Mouse.- New Perspectives and Future Challenges.- Aesthetic Landscapes of the Golden Mouse.- Future Challenges and Research Opportunities: What Do We Really Know?.