This book is a unique collection of evolutionary and ecological perspectives in the study of biodiversity. The book traces past landmarks, current questions, and future trends in biodiversity research ranging from the evaluation of the fossil record and molecular phylogenies in looking at the genesis of diversity to population, community, and ecosystem-level approaches in understanding patterns of species persistence. Subject reviews, case studies, and discussions of techniques are combined to produce a state-of-the-art volume that will be welcomed by students and researchers in fields...

Extraordinary in the diversity of their lifestyles, insect parasitoids have become extremely important study organisms in the field of population biology, and they are the most frequently used agents in the biological control of insect pests. This book presents the ideas of seventeen international specialists, providing the reader not only with an overview but also with lively discussions of the most salient questions pertaining to the field today and prescriptions for avenues of future research.

After a general introduction, the book divides into three main sections: population...