Ecology and Evolution of Dung Beetles - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1444333151 ISBN 13: 9781444333152

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell, 2011

Synopsis

This book describes the evolutionary and ecological consequences of reproductive competition for scarabaeine dung beetles.  As well as giving us insight into the private lives of these fascinating creatures, this book shows how dung beetles can be used as model systems for improving our general understanding of broad evolutionary and ecological processes, and how they generate biological diversity. Over the last few decades we have begun to see further than ever before, with our research efforts yielding new information at all levels of analysis, from whole organism biology to genomics. This book brings together leading researchers who contribute chapters that integrate our current knowledge of phylogenetics and evolution, developmental biology, comparative morphology, physiology, behaviour, and population and community ecology. Dung beetle research is shedding light on the ultimate question of how best to document and conserve the world's biodiversity. The book will be of interest to established researchers, university teachers, research students, conservation biologists, and those wanting to know more about the dung beetle taxon.

About this title

About the Author:

Leigh Simmons was born and educated in the UK, and is currantly Professor of Evolutionary Biology at the University of Western Australia. His research interests lie in all aspects of reproductive biology, from the evolution of sperm form and function, to mate searching and courtship behaviour.

James Ridsdill-Smith was born and educated in the UK but carried out all his research in Australia working for CSIRO Entomology. He has been developing biological and ecological solutions to various pest problems and 15 years involved in the biological control of dung with scarabaeine dung beetles.

Review:

“The result is a complete book, highlighting however that there is still much to learn from these creatures.” (Ethology Ecology & Evolution, 1 May 2013)

“This book clearly demonstrates the value of dung beetles in a multitude of research disciplines and deserves a place on the bookshelf any scientist or natural historian.” (J Insect Conserv, 9 February 2012)

“Whilst this is already an interesting read, my overwhelming feeling is that there is an opportunity to greatly extend work on the ecology of dung beetles, with a real hope that they will provide genuine insight into common ecological problems. Perhaps this feeling is just what the authors hoped would be produced by their work.” (British Ecological Society Bulletin, 1 March 2012)

"I have however no doubt that there will be a second edition in five or so years time. And if any book deserves a second edition (with more in-situ photographs), it truly is this one." (The Amateur Naturalist magazine, 2011)

About this edition

• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 1444333151
• ISBN 13: 9781444333152
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 368
• Editor: Simmons Leigh W., Ridsdill-Smith T. James