Ecological Implications of Natural Selection

Abstract

In 1967 my friend, Professor E. M. Polyshuk, a biographer and admirer of Vito Volterra (Polyshuk, 1977), introduced me to the classical book “Leçons sur la théorie mathématique de la lutte pour la vie” (1931), and its English version “The struggle for existence” (D’Ancona, 1954). They were the first two books on mathematical biology I had read and, thanks to this introduction, I have worked on different aspects of population theory ever since. In 1976 I was fortunate to meet in Rome Professor Eduardo Volterra who has shown me things and places related to the memory of his great father. It was a very special feeling to walk into the study room in Vito Volterra1 s house where he wrote most of his work on population theory during the 1920’s. All my professional life was directly influenced by the work of Vito Volterra. It is, therefore, a particular pleasure for me to participate in this memorial symposium.