Analytical Biogeography: An integrated approach to the study of animal and plant distributions [Paperback]

A.A. Myers (Editor), P. Giller (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 30, 1990 | ISBN-10: 0412400502 | ISBN-13: 978-0412400506 | Edition: 1

The study of the geographical distribution of organisms is truly multi-disciplinary. Unfortunately, however, this has often led to a fragmentation of the subject rather than unity. This book provides a balanced overview of this important area of study, written by a team of distinguished experts from such disciplines as botany, ecology, genetics, geography and palaeontology. Each contributor sets out clearly in non-technical jargon the principles, aims and visions of their own area of research. With a series of linking sections, the editors then draw together and put into perspective the various chapters so that common ground between the differing approaches is highlighted. The book contributes to the integration of different biogeographical approaches and it should be a useful source for a range of courses in biogeography, evolutionary studies and ecology, helping us to unravel the history of life on this planet. This book should be of interest to researchers, graduate and undergraduate students in a wide range of fields, including evolutionary, ecological, palaeontological, taxonomic and general biological sciences.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Reviews from the Hardback Edition:
`This volume is written by a worldwide group of scientists and superbly edited by Myers and Giller. The book provides an excellent discussion of the theoretical bases of biogeography; moreover, it provides an astute and lucid description of what science, in general, is all about. The treatment of the various aspects of biogeography is diverse yet well balanced.'
Choice
`Biogeography is as basic to biology as evolution, but the subject's development has been hindered by historical constraints... Analytical Biogeography shows that things have changed, and that biogeography can be a fascinating, rigorous and unified subject...'
Nature
`No-one who teaches an advanced course on biogeography should fail to obtain a copy of this book.'
Linnean Society Newsletter
`Deserves the attention of all evolutionary biologists, and of their students. It is one of the few books ... that performs the full sweep through the diverse fundamentals of evolutionary biology, including its strenghs, weaknesses, and some of its loose ends.'
The American Museum of Natural History
`...coverage of topics and approaches is better than one has any right to expect...The result is probably the best book available...'
Evolutionary Theory

Product Details

• Paperback: 584 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (September 30, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0412400502
• ISBN-13: 978-0412400506
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,715,234 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)