The Biology of Mutualism: Ecology and Evolution

ISBN-13: 9780195053920 / Angielski / Miękka / 1988 / 400 str.

Douglas H. Boucher

Opis

The view of nature as red in tooth and claw', as a jungle in which competition and predation are the predominant themes, has long been important in both the scientific and popular literature. However, in the past decade another view has become widespread among ecologists: the idea that mutualisms--mutually beneficial interactions between species--are just as important as competition and predation. This book is one of the first to explore this theme. Ideas and theories applicable to all sorts of mutualisms are presented and, where appropriate, examined in the light of concrete data. Themes explored include: the organisms involved, both animal and plant; how specializations evolved once mutualisms formed; how mutualisms affect population dynamics and community structure; and the role of mutualisms in different environments. The book will be of special interest to ecologists and a wide range of biologists.

Recenzje

"A useful book that illustrates the diversity of questions and approaches that are developing in the study of mutualism." —American Scientist

O autorze

About the Author Douglas H. Boucher is a Professor at the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Quebec.