Symbiotic Interactions (Oxford Science Publications) - Softcover

Douglas, A. E.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0198542941 ISBN 13: 9780198542940

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1994

Synopsis

Symbiotic interactions are those relationships between organisms that permit some species to overcome their physiological limitations by exploiting the capacities of others. This volume presents a modern synthesis of scientific knowledge of symbiosis, from the molecular mechanisms underlying its function to the ecological and evolutionary impact of such associations. With an emphasis on basic principles, the book takes the novel approach that symbiosis is a vehicle by which many organisms have gained access to complex metabolic capabilities. Examples are offered to illustrate this concept, including photosynthetic algae in corals, nitrogen-fixing bacteria in plant roots, and cellulose-degrading micro-organisms in herbivorous mammals. The traditional view of symbioses as mutually beneficial relationships is explicitly abandoned. The book draws together the wide-ranging literature on the topic, providing an integrated introduction that is accessible to undergraduates. The work serves as an excellent text for courses in symbiosis, and as a supplementary resource for students in ecology, evolutionary biology, and parasitology. As an up-to-date review of the field, the book will also be valued by graduate students and researchers.

About this title

About the Author

A. E. Douglas is at University of York.

Review

"This book is most timely. . .It will stimulate both aspiring and established biologists." --Nature

"This book has been nicely produced. It is exceptionally easy to read; technical jargon is kept to a minimum and the writing style is simple and clear, as well as up to date. Readers will particularly appreciate the abundant diagrams, summary tables, and photographs (which are uniformly crisp and well labeled)." --Ecology

". . .best suited as a supplemental text for courses such as microbiology, symbiosis and coevolution, and plant and animal physiology. Students are likely to appreciate the book's brevity and clarity." --Bioscience

". . .An excellent job of covering some familiar themes, such as algae in corals, ruminant microorganisms, luminescent bacteria of marine fishes, lichens, mycorrhizal associations, and nitrogen-fixing bacteria. A well written book with fine line illustrations, line drawings, and graphs. Highly recommended." --Choice

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0198542941
• ISBN 13: 9780198542940
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 156