The Theory of Island Biogeography / Robert H. MacArthur, Edward O. Wilson.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

MacArthur, Robert H., author.

Wilson, Edward O., author.

Series:

Princeton landmarks in biology.

Princeton Landmarks in Biology

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Island ecology.

Biogeography.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (221 p.)

Edition:

With a New preface by Edward O. Wilson

Place of Publication:

Princeton, NJ : Princeton University Press, [2016]

Language Note:

In English.

Summary:

Biogeography was stuck in a "natural history phase" dominated by the collection of data, the young Princeton biologists Robert H. MacArthur and Edward O. Wilson argued in 1967. In this book, the authors developed a general theory to explain the facts of island biogeography. The theory builds on the first principles of population ecology and genetics to explain how distance and area combine to regulate the balance between immigration and extinction in island populations. The authors then test the theory against data. The Theory of Island Biogeography was never intended as the last word on the subject. Instead, MacArthur and Wilson sought to stimulate new forms of theoretical and empirical studies, which will lead in turn to a stronger general theory. Even a third of a century since its publication, the book continues to serve that purpose well. From popular books like David Quammen's Song of the Dodo to arguments in the professional literature, The Theory of Island Biogeography remains at the center of discussions about the geographic distribution of species. In a new preface, Edward O. Wilson reviews the origins and consequences of this classic book.

Contents:

Frontmatter

Contents

Preface to the Princeton Landmarks in Biology Edition

Preface

Symbols Used

CHAPTER ONE. The Importance of Islands

CHAPTER TWO. Area and Number of Species

CHAPTER THREE. Further Explanations of the Area-Diversity Pattern

CHAPTER FOUR. The Strategy of Colonization

CHAPTER FIVE. Invasibility and the Variable Niche

CHAPTER SIX. Stepping Stones and Biotic Exchange

CHAPTER SEVEN. Evolutionary Changes Following Colonization

CHAPTER EIGHT. Prospect

Glossary

References

Index

Notes:

Originally published: Princeton, N.J. : Princeton University Press, 1967.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 193-199).

Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (publisher's Web site, viewed 08. Jul 2019)

ISBN:

9781400881376

1400881374

OCLC:

933387491