Biogeography: an ecological and evolutionary approach. 5th edition

Abstract

This revised edition of a book first published in 1973 provides an insight into contemporary biogeography and its historical roots. The concept of biogeography is introduced, followed by a short discussion on biodiversity. Chapter 3 deals with distribution patterns, covering topics such as distribution barriers and endemicity. Next the concepts of community, ecosystem and biome are covered. The origin of diversity through speciation and evolution is then discussed. Chapter 6 reviews the theory of island biogeography outlining, for instance, its potential applicability to reserve design. The next chapter looks at past patterns of organism distribution, followed by a review of present day patterns. After a brief review of techniques for interpreting the past (eg phylogenetic cladistics), the effects of glaciation on biogeography are explored. The final chapter looks to the future by analysing the present and probable future influence (eg climatic deterioration) of humans on biogeography. -S.R.Harris