Begon, Townsend, and Harper's Ecology has long been regarded as the definitive textbook on all aspects of ecology. This new edition provides a comprehensive treatment of the subject, from the first principles of ecology to the current state of the field, and aims to improve students' preparedness to address the environmental problems of the new millennium.
Thoroughly revised and updated, this fourth edition includes:
three new chapters on applied ecology, reflecting a rigorous, scientific approach to the ecological problems now facing mankind
discussion of over 800 new studies, updating the text throughout
an updated, user-friendly design with margin notes and chapter summaries that serve as study aids
The resulting textbook is easy to use, lucid and up-to-date, and is the essential reference for all students whose degree program includes ecology and for practicing ecologists.
 
Review
“Begon, Townsend and Harper has been the standard advanced textbook in ecology for nearly 20 years. I greatly welcome this fourth edition, which maintains the book’s position at the forefront of the discipline.”
Professor Sir John Lawton, Chairman, Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution, and formerly Chief Executive of the UK Natural Environment Research Council
"Now in its fourth edition, this text will continue to be recognized as a forerunner in the science of ecology; it is very comprehensive, exploring ecological concepts with relevant field and laboratory studies, enriched by clear examples and illustrations."
Journal of Biological Education
 
“With remarkable clarity and insight, these gifted authors lay the evolutionary foundation of the discipline and then build the superstructure of Ecology, layer by layer. This is a complete reworking of the earlier version, a lucid synthesis sprinkled with clear examples. My colleagues and I have used this text to teach ecology for more than 20 years, and not surprisingly it has been recognized as the leading text in the field; this new version guarantees it will remain in pole position for many years to come.”
Peter Hudson, Pennsylvania State University
 
“Begon, Townsend and Harper’s Ecology has been the cornerstone text for teaching ecology for almost two decades. Its comprehensive breadth and depth provides details on ecological concepts supplemented with relevant field and laboratory studies. Ecology will remain an essential text for students and practioners alike for many years to come.”
Michael Bonsall, Oxford University
 
“Ecology: From Individual, to Ecosystems is unparalleled among ecology texts for its breadth of coverage of contemporary ecology and for its clear presentation of even the more complex topics. The coverage of population ecology is superb, and the presentation of all topics is enriched both by extremely clear illustrations and a rich use of examples of human relationships with the environment. It should be read by all aspiring ecologists and the professors who teach them.”
Marcel Holyoak, University of California, Davis
"...Overall, this text has continued to earn its dominance in the market...For those for whom Essentials is too basic this is the text to read at the next level. It's comprehensive coverage and wide range of examples make it an essential purchase for basic/advanced ecology education."
TENews, September 2005