This important work explores the natural history, experimental approach, and integration of evolutionary and ecological literature of ant-plant mutualisms.

Publisher description

The first volume devoted to anthropogenic effects on interactions between ants and flowering plants, considered major parts of terrestrial ecosystems.

Interactions between plants and animals are incredibly diverse and complex and span terrestrial, atmospheric and aquatic environments. The last decade has seen the emergence of a vast quantity of data on the subject and there is now a perceived need among both teachers and undergraduate students for a new textbook that incorporates the numerous recent advances made in the field. The book is intended for use by advanced level undergraduate and beginning graduate students, taking related courses in wider ecology degree programmes. Very few books cover this subject and those that do are out of date.

Novel Aspects of Insect-Plant Interactions Edited by Pedro Barbosa and Deborah K. Letourneau Focusing on three trophic levels, this study widens the current understanding of the ecological interactions between plants, herbivores, and their parasitoids and predators. Emphasized are the mediating effects of plant-derived allelochemicals on those interactions. The text also covers microorganisms as mediators of intertrophic and intratrophic interactions; theory and mechanisms: plant effects via allelochemicals on the third trophic level; and key roles of plant allelochemicals in survival strategies of herbivores. 1988 (0 471-83276-6) 362 pp. Plant Stress-Insect Interactions Edited by E. A. Heinrichs "This is a far-reaching, seminal book that summarizes our understanding of the complexity of real-world ecology." —Choice This first major overview of the various abiotic and biotic stresses on plants outlines in detail what impact their responses have on their suitability as insect hosts. The effects of abiotic stress are catalogued in up-to-date research from leading specialists. The implications of plant stress on global food production in this era of diminishing croplands and rising populations is described, as well as avenues for the development of tolerant crop cultivars. 1988 (0 471-82648-0) 492 pp. Plant Resistance to Insects A Fundamental Approach C. Michael Smith This comprehensive text—developed out of the author’s vast field and academic experience—describes how biological and agricultural scientists identify and develop plant materials resistant to insects. Covers terminology and categories of resistance; investigative techniques for studying plant resistance; and crop management systems that use insect-resistant cultivars. Supplemented with tables detailing types and numbers of insect-resistant plant cultivars in the U.S. and formulae on quantifying plant tolerance of insects. 1989 (0 471-84938-3) 286 pp.

Plant-herbivore interactions are a central topic in evolutionary ecology. Historically, their study has been a cornerstone for coevolutionary theory. Starting from classic ecological studies at the phenotypic level, it has since expanded to molecular and genomic approaches. After a historical perspective, the book’s subsequent chapters cover a wide range of topics: from populations to ecosystems; plant- and herbivore-focused studies; in natural and in man-modified ecosystems; and both micro- and macro-evolutionary levels. All chapters include valuable background information and empirical evidence. Given its scope, the book will be of interest to both students and researchers, and will hopefully stimulate further research in this exciting field of evolutionary biology.

Although biologists recognize evolutionary ecology by name, many only have a limited understanding of its conceptual roots and historical development. Conceptual Breakthroughs in Evolutionary Ecology fills that knowledge gap in a thought-provoking and readable format. Written by a world-renowned evolutionary ecologist, this book embodies a unique blend of expertise in combining theory and experiment, population genetics and ecology. Following an easily-accessible structure, this book encapsulates and chronologizes the history behind evolutionary ecology. It also focuses on the integration of age-structure and density-dependent selection into an understanding of life-history evolution. - Covers over 60 seminal breakthroughs and paradigm shifts in the field of evolutionary biology and ecology - Modular format permits ready access to each described subject - Historical overview of a field whose concepts are central to all of biology and relevant to a broad audience of biologists, science historians, and philosophers of science