Evolution on Islands: Originating from contributions to a Discussion Meeting of the Royal Society of London

Grant, Peter R. (editor)

ISBN 10: 0198501714 / ISBN 13: 9780198501718

Published by Oxford University Press, 1995

About this Item

Illustrated, (mainly maps and charts), octavo, pp xiv, 334, extremely clean internally, a slight bruise to the fore-edge of the first thirty pages, paperback, a similar small bruise to the upper cover otherwise the covers have just the slightest signs of use. Surprisingly scarce. [The study of patterns and processes of evolution on islands has played an important role in the development of general theories of how and why evolution occurs. Small, discrete pieces of the environment, islands are frequently isolated from the continental processes of gene flow. They are often inhabited by unique species, like the Komodo dragon, dodos, or daisies as tall as trees. They may display remarkable rapidity of diversifying evolution - nearly 1000 species of fruit-fly were formed in the Hawaiian archipelago in only a few million years. Thus, it is easy to see why islands have been referred to as 'natural experiments'. Such studies are continuing to yield exciting new fields for investigation as theoreticians attack questions of genetic change in island models and empirical biologists seek explanations of adaptive radiations in archipelagos. This unique book surveys our current knowledge and understanding of island evolution in eighteen chapters written by experts on various aspects of microevolution, speciation, and adaptive radiation. They cover the major trends and processes displayed by plants and animals, on tropical and temperate zone islands, and in lakes and tropical forest refugia. The book closes with a discussion of several unresolved issues that deserve further study.].

Seller Inventory # 018839

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Evolution on Islands: Originating from contributions to a Discussion Meeting of the Royal Society of London
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication Date: 1995
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0198501714
• ISBN 13: 9780198501718
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition: First Edition.
• Condition: Good
• Seller catalogs:
  • Natural History
  • Botany
  • Evolution

About this title

Synopsis

The study of patterns and processes of evolution on islands has played an important role in the development of general theories of how and why evolution occurs. Isolated from the continental process of gene flow, islands may display remarkable rapidity of diversifying evolution, as well as unique species. Evolution on Islands surveys our current knowledge and understanding of microevolution, speciation, and adaptive radiation on islands. Chapters written by experts in the field cover the major trends and processes displayed by plants and animals, on tropical and temperate zone islands, and in lakes and tropical forest refugia. This groundbreaking volume will be of interest to all students and researchers working in the fields of ecology and evolutionary biology.

About the Author

Peter Grant is at Princeton University.