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Over the past two decades, numerous field and experimental studies on the ecology and evolution of animal and plant interactions have been reported by botanists, zoologists, and ecologists. This textbook offers a comprehensive summary of this extensive and widely scattered literature, and in so doing presents the subject as a coherent, accessible discipline. The authors describe familiar areas, such as herbivory and pollination, and discuss new information on subjects such as seed dispersal, the genetics of coevolution, structural and chemical plant defenses, and the implications of human use of animal and plant communities. As they explore these issues, the authors raise provocative questions of fundamental importance: How can an earth teeming with plant-eating animals be so green? Do plants really need animals that pollinate their flowers and disperse their seeds? What happens to tropical plant communities when fruit-eating toucans and monkeys are killed by encroaching humans? By drawing together information on many diverse aspects of the subject--and presenting a challenging and insightful look into the complexities of plant and animal inter-relationships--this unique book represents a vital contribution to the ecological literature.

Tabla de contenidos provista por Syndetics

• Part I Evolutionary Ecology
• 1 Adaptation and Natural Selection
• 2 Testing Hypotheses in Evolutionary Ecology
• Part II A Green Earth and Its Enemies: Herbivory
• 3 Plant Defense and Animal Offense
• 4 Ecology of Herbivory
• 5 Evolution and Herbivory
• Part III Mutualisms: Uneasy Partnerships
• 6 Mechanics of Mutualism
• 7 Ecology of Mutualism
• 8 Natural Selection and Mutualism
• Part IV Ancient and Modern Communities
• 9 Ancient Communities
• 10 Plants and Animals in Modern Communities

Reseñas proporcionadas por Syndetics

CHOICE Review

A fascinating book that documents with quantitative studies the many plant-animal interactions that ecologists have long recognized as significant factors in interpreting ecosystem dynamics. Major sections discuss evolutionary ecology, herbivory, mutualisms, and ancient and modern communities. The ecology and evolution of herbivory is treated as well as the mechanisms of mutualism, their ecology and relation to natural selection. The book, which is well illustrated with photographs, figures, and tables, is most readable and informative since much of the literature is reviewed and related in coherent units. There are few books whose authors have attempted this approach, which adds to its timeliness and value. It could serve as a textbook or as a supplement to a number of ecological courses. Most ecologists will want it on their shelves and college libraries will find it a worthy addition. -W. A. Niering, Connecticut College

Notas de autor provistas por Syndetics

Henry F. Howe and Lynn C. Westley are both at the University of Iowa.