Biogeography: Introduction to Space, Time, and Life [Hardcover]

Glen MacDonald (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0471241938 | ISBN-13: 978-0471241935 | Publication Date: October 31, 2001

Illustrative examples from recent research publications and "classic" studies are prominently featured throughout the book.
Research techniques are highlighted in "special interest" boxes. Illustrations and descriptions of research techniques are provided with examples such as fire-scars from trees used to reconstruct disturbance, fossil pollen used to reconstruct vegetation change and plant migration, transect and quadrate sampling.
Includes key biogeographical theories that link space and time to the distribution of life. Some of these theories include: 1. Ranges, Reflicts, Refuges, Corridors, Barriers, 2. Centers of Origins, 3. Cladistics, 4. Variance, 5. Island BioGeography, 6. Diversity Theory, 7. Gap Analysis for Conservation.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“…a comprehensive and informative text that condenses the diversity embraced by the discipline and aptly represents current biogeographical thinking…”  (Transactions of the IBG, Vol.29, 2004)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 528 pages
• Publisher: Wiley (October 31, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471241938
• ISBN-13: 978-0471241935
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 1 x 10.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #67,820 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The first thorough synthesis of Biogeography, August 14, 2003

By 

Eric P. Perramond "Don Perrito" (Colorado Springs, CO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Biogeography: Introduction to Space, Time, and Life (Hardcover)

I waited a long time for this book to come out, after hearing about it at a professional conference. I was at first disappointed by the lack of more colorful graphics, but then when I was able to read the text thoroughly, it was clear that content was the reason to buy this.
While others have tried providing syntheses for biogeography, this is the first and only one that has struck me as appropriate for classroom use. It would be quite suitable for an upper-division undergraduate course in Biogeography and many in Biology will also find this volume useful, especially those in Ecology or Conservation Biology.

All in all, MacDonald's first stab at a modern synthesis of a growing field hits the mark, and should only improve with time and further editions. This volume, although pricey in hardback form, will make a great companion to Quammen's "Song of the Dodo Bird" in elucidating the complexity and beauty of biogeography. Kudos to the author.

3.0 out of 5 stars Biogeography, September 13, 2010

By 

geology student "geology lover" (geology capital, usa) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Biogeography: Introduction to Space, Time, and Life (Hardcover)

The book is alright. A bit repetative but if you are just starting out with geography I would recommend going to a library instead of spending money on the purchase. It would be useful as an index if you are going to pursue geography