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About this book
Stable isotopes are used as tracers in biological systems, and their ability to track changes and processes over time has made them increasingly important to ecological and environmental research. For ecologists, stable isotopes provide a natural way to directly trace details of element cycling in the environment.
Stable Isotope Ecology provides a solid introduction to this advanced subject, and can also be used as an instructive review for more experienced researchers and professionals. The book applies the use of isotopes specifically to ecological and biological research, although the book's unifying concepts can be applied to other disciplines as well.
Fry's humor and lighthearted style painlessly impart the principles of isotopes while remaining scientifically rigorous--the mechanics of fractionation and mixing are laid out in easy steps, with numerous examples, and with accessible mathematics provided in supplemental Excel workbooks. The attached CD-ROM contains problem and answer sheets, Excel workbooks, technical appendices and color illustrations to further enhance the teaching and learning experiences.
Contents
Introduction.- Isotope Notation and Measurement.- Using Stable Isotope Tracers.- Isotope Chi ("I Chi").- Mixing.- Isotope Additions.- Fractionation.- Scanning the Future.- Appendix.
Customer Reviews
By: Brian Fry
390 pages, 143 illus
From the reviews: "The purpose of the book and accompanying CD is to equip researchers with the essential tools of isotope research ! . creates the basis for a graduate and post-graduate course in stable isotope ecology. ! Fry's understanding of the world of stable isotope ecology is impressive and extensive ! . Fry does an excellent job of conveying to the reader the proper use of isotopes as they circulate within the biosphere, as well as introducing the exciting world of isotope ecology." (Zachary T. Aanderud, Ecology - The Ecological Society of America, Vol. 88 (3), 2007) "Brian Fry who has now produced a very timely contribution of eight chapters that are designed to introduce novice graduate students to the field of stable isotope ecology. ! Additional resource material is supplied on a CD-ROM where figures, color versions of cartoons, and problem sets are found. ! this would make an excellent primary textbook for a graduate course and will be enjoyed by both isoPopes and isotopeteers." (Keith A. Hobson, Quarterly Review of Biology, Vol. 82, September, 2007)