Biogeography An Ecological and Evolutionary Approach

This book reveals how the patterns of life that we see today have been created by the two great ‘engines of the planet’: the geological engine – plate tectonics – that alters the conditions of life on the planet, and the biological engine – evolution – that responds to these changes by creating new forms and patterns of life. It remains the only textbook to cover all three arenas of biogeographical research: continental biogeography, island biogeography and marine biogeography.

Through eight successful editions, and more than 40 years, Biogeography: An Ecological and EvolutionaryApproach has provided a thorough and comprehensive exploration of the varied scientific disciplines and research that are essential to understanding the subject. The text has been praised for its solid background in historical biogeography and basic biology, which is enhanced and illuminated by discussions of current research.

Building on these foundations, the ninth edition incorporates recent advances such as the rise of molecular methods of investigation and presents a thoughtful exploration of the research and controversies that have transformed our understanding of the biogeography of the world. There is a new chapter on conservation biogeography by Richard Ladle that discusses new techniques for gathering and integrating data on the distribution of species, as well as substantial updates to existing chapters.

PRAISE FOR PREVIOUS EDITIONS

"May I congratulate [the authors] in once again making a subject that requires of the student a certain breadth of experience and a willingness to embrace many disciplines, attractive, appealing and accessible ... this publication will continue to be the authoritative and highly acclaimed text for students of biogeography."
--Dr Malcolm Greenwood, Loughborough University, UK

"This is a great compendium of the science of biogeography, broad but full of details… with new references and good coverage of recent breakthroughs. Its well-balanced coverage of most major biomes, including marine systems, really stands out."
--Pofessor George Robinson, SUNY at Albany, US

"The latest edition of Biogeography is an excellent overview of the history of biogeography and related sciences and how this has culminated in the latest advances in biogeography."
--Blumea, June 2005

"An excellent introductory text on biogeography… clearly and neatly written, very well structured and effectively illustrated ... yet again, the authors have very successfully revitalized their classic text and I am absolutely certain that it will remain a bestseller for many more years to come."
--Martin Kent (University of Plymouth) in Progress in Physical Geography

Through eight successful editions, and over nearly 40 years, Biogeography: An Ecological and Evolutionary Approach has provided a thorough and comprehensive exploration of the varied scientific disciplines and research that are essential to understanding the subject. The text has been praised for its solid background in historical biogeography and basic biology, that is enhanced and illuminated by discussions of current research.

This new edition incorporates the exciting changes of the recent years, and presents a thoughtful exploration of the research and controversies that have transformed our understanding of the biogeography of the world. It also clearly identifies the three quite different arenas of biogeographical research: continental biogeography, island biogeography and marine biogeography. It is the only current textbook with full coverage of marine biogeography.

It reveals how the patterns of life that we see today have been created by the two great Engines of the Planet - the Geological Engine, plate tectonics, which alters the conditions of life on the planet, and the Biological Engine, evolution, which responds to these changes by creating new forms and patterns of life.