Melanism: Evolution in Action describes investigations into a ubiquitous biological phenomenon, the existence of dark, or melanic, forms of many species of mammals, insects, and some plants. Melanism is a particularly exciting phenomenon in terms of our understanding of evolution. Unlike manyother polymorphisms, the rise of a melanic population within a species is a visible alteration. Not only this, but melanism may sometimes occur dramatically quickly compared to other evolutionary change. Examples of melanism include one of the most famous illustrations of Darwinian naturalselection, the peppered moth. This book, the first written on melanism since 1973, gives a lucid and up-to-date appraisal of the subject. The book is divided into ten chapters. The first four chapters place melanism into its historical and scientific context, with illustrations of its occurrence,and physical and genetic properties. Chapters 5-9 look in more detail at melanism in moths and ladybirds, explaining the diversity of evolutionary reasons for melanism, and the complexities underlying this apparently simple phenomenon. The final chapter shows how the study of melanism has contibutedto our understanding of biological evolution as a whole. Written in an engaging and readable style, by an author whose enthusiasm and depth of knowledge is apparent throughout, this book will be welcomed by all students and researchers in the fields of evolution, ecology, entomology, and genetics.It will also be of relevance to professional and amateur entomologists and lepidopterists alike.

Authored by leading experts in the field, this book provides the first comprehensive overview of the mechanisms of early patterning and morphogenesis in zebrafish. It summarizes the current knowledge and the key questions for the next decade of research.

In this revelatory work, Judith Hooper uncovers the intellectual rivalries, petty jealousies, and flawed science behind one of the most famous experiments in evolutionary biology. Bernard Kettlewell's 1953 experiment on the peppered moths of England made him a media star on the order of Jonas Salk -- but also an unlikely tragic hero. As Hooper recounts in this rollicking scientific detective story, the truth can be subverted when the stakes are very high. Book jacket.

Two events have recently improved the prospects of protecting fish and their environment in Switzerland: the acceptance of a new Federal Water Protection Law in the plebiscite of May 17th 1992, and the new Federal Legislation on Fisheries, in force since January 1st 1994. With this legal framework, the possibilities for protection of nature and landscape have now considerably improved in Switzerland. The most important aims of the Federal Law on Water Protection are to safeguard the natural habitats of the native flora and fauna and water as the habitat of aquatic organisms. This includes not only the preservation or restoration of water quality in lakes and rivers, but also, in rivers used for hydroelectricity, irrigation or as industrial or other water supplies, the maintenance of sufficient water to fulfill the minimal requirements for fish. However, good quality water in sufficient quan tities alone is not enough to guarantee the survival of fish. Intact fish habitats comprise various phYsical structures including plenty of hiding places, hunting grounds, reproduction and nursery areas within suitable distances from each other. This third aspect of conservation and restoration of aquatic habitats is a central point in the new Federal Law on Fisheries. Whereas the former versions of this law were more concerned with fishery regulations, the recent legislation defines new areas of responsibility for the federal and the cantonal governments.

Lepidoptera Genetics provides a systematic account of the genetics and karyology of Lepidoptera. Topics covered include the use of biometry in genetic studies; population genetics and polymorphism; the rise of industrial melanism; and the evolution of mimicry. The genetics of Rhopalocera and Heterocera is also discussed. This book is comprised of eight chapters and begins with an overview of Lepidoptera species and their genetics, paying particular attention to color and pigmentation, breeding, and resistance to insecticides, as well as the effect of seasonal variations and the environment on Lepidoptera. The next chapter outlines the tenets of genetics that are of value for Lepidoptera research, including particulate heredity, random assortment, sex-linked inheritance, maternal inheritance, and mosaicism. The reader is methodically introduced to the application of biometry to the study of Lepidoptera genetics; the evolution of mimicry in Lepidoptera; and the known heredity of Rhopalocera and Heterocera. The final chapter examines the karyology of Lepidoptera, focusing on the haploid karyotype, polyploidy, chiasmata frequency, supernumerary chromosomes, and sex chromatin. This monograph will be a useful resource for entomologists, geneticists, and biologists.