Ant Ecology - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0199544638 ISBN 13: 9780199544639

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2010

Synopsis

Comprising a substantial part of living biomass on earth, ants are integral to the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. More than 12,500 species have been described to date, and it is estimated that perhaps as many still await classification.

Ant Ecology explores key ecological issues and new developments in myrmecology across a range of scales. The book begins with a global perspective on species diversity in time and space, and examines interactions at the community level before describing the population ecology of these social insects. The final section covers the recent ecological phenomenon of invasive ants: how they move across the globe, invade, affect ecosystems, and are managed by humans. Each chapter links ant ecology to broader ecological principles, provides a succinct summary, and discusses future research directions. Practical aspects of myrmecology, applications of ant ecology, debates, and novel discoveries are highlighted in text boxes throughout the volume. The book concludes with a synthesis of the current state of the field and a look at exciting future research directions. The extensive reference list and full glossary are invaluable for researchers, and those new to the field.

About this title

About the Author

Dr. Lori Lach is Research Assistant Professor at The University of Western Australia. She has conducted myrmecological research in many parts of the globe. Her current research interests include ant-plant and mutualistic interactions, and the consequences of biological invasions on these interactions. She is also interested in restoring native ant communities following ant invasion, and the development of restoration practices that facilitate invertebrate conservation.

Dr. Catherine Parr is the present Trapnell Fellow in African Ecology at the University of Oxford. She is a community ecologist with broad research interests encapsulating species coexistence and biodiversity conservation. Much of her research focuses on ant communities in the savannas of southern Africa and northern Australia. Current projects involve investigating the importance of habitat complexity in mediating competition.

Dr. Kirsti Abbott is an Assistant Lecturer and invasion ecologist at Monash University, with specific expertise in ants on islands, mutualisms, and management of invasive ants for biodiversity conservation. She is affiliated with isolated oceanic islands through advisory panels that help battle invasive ants, and has a passion for science communication and debate in the public arena. She currently teaches undergraduate students the importance of the practice and application of science in the hope they appreciate its contribution to the sustainability of the world we live in.

Review

"Ant Ecology is probably the most complete summary of what is known about the ecology of ants to date. It is a must-read for first-year graduate students either planning to use ants as a model system or interested in various aspects of ant ecology. Ant Ecology will serve as a reference for cutting-edge ecological research on ants by among the most up-ant-coming myrmecologists around."--Ecology

"This is the most comprehensive current volume covering ant ecology, in effect a multi-authored update of the ecological chapters of Holldobler and Wilson's Pulitzer Prize winning The Ants. The editors have successfully woven together pieces from a wide range of contributors to create an enjoyable volume that provides both a comprehensive overview for those new to the field, and a useful reference volume for experienced myrmecologists."--Trends in Ecology and Evolution

"Ant Ecology is a truly enjoyable book that highlights relevant, fascinating and up to date research on ant life diversity. Extremely well written in a simple and clear style which makes most of the contents appealing to a wide range of readers, even those without a strong background in biology. It clearly demonstrates recent advances in myrmecology and how the integration of traditional observational methods combined with modern tools such as genetics, complex modelling, climate data or geographical information systems techniques have the potential to unravel many of the unresolved questions about these enchanting social insect. Highly recommended."--Animal Behaviour

"I shall use this book as a reference source, dipping into the chapters that I need, and feel confident that it will allow me to get up-to-date and well informed about ants." -- Mark Young, Bulletin of the British Ecological Society

"Who will buy this book? It certainly should be held in the libraries of institutions with strong practical interests in entomological research. I am sure that most myrmecologists, amateur and professional would like to own their own copy. Open the book more or less anywhere and you will find that it is well written and, if you like ants, you will find it is very absorbing."--Graham W. Elmes for the Journal of Insect Conservation

"This is a book that far exceeds the expectations generated by its title; a 53-author work, but not narrow research papers, rather 16 thoughtful expert review articles by many of the most active current myrmecologists...This book is recommended formyrmecologists, entomologists, and field biologists." -- THE QUARTERLY REVIEW OF BIOLOGY

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0199544638
• ISBN 13: 9780199544639
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 424
• Editor: Lach Lori, Parr Catherine, Abbott Kirsti