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Many animals regulate their population density by patterns of
behavior that would be easy to explain if the forces of natural
selection acted to optimize group properties. But Darwinian
selection acts on individuals, not groups, and most simple theories
have shown group selection to be too slow ever to oppose individual
selection successfully. In this book Michael Gilpin presents a
model, based on predator-prey dynamics, wherein nonlinear effects
are important, so that small advantages to the selfish individual
are nonlinearly amplified into disaster for his group. The result
is that group selection can be rapid and powerful. Of course many
instances of apparent group selection can be explained by kin
selection; in other cases, close examination reveals that seemingly
altruistic behavior directly benefits the individual genotype as
well as the group. The value of the monograph is that it provides a
robust model in which group selection, pure and unadulterated, can
be seen to work.
Habitat destruction has left many landscapes increasingly
fragmented. These isolated populations, or metapopulations, are in
a constant state of change-growing, shrinking, disappearing, and
reappearing. This unique volume brings together an international
team of ecologists, geneticists, and evolutionary biologists who
provide a comprehensive review of metapopulations. This book will
provide fundamental reading for anyone studying the spatial
dynamics of populations.
This book is an essential reference for anyone who is interested in
conservation and population dynamics.
Key Features
* Essential for biologists interested in spatial population
dynamics
* Serves as a valuable reference to conservationists
* Covers both the principal theories and field studies
* Reviews the ecology, genetics, and evolution of metapopulations
This book explores the ecological concepts and ideas involved in the practice of habitat restoration by taking a theoretical approach that will appeal to ecologists concerned with the structure and dynamics of communities. The contributors examine aspects of this new realization and its implications for both ecology and the practice of habitat restoration. What emerges is the outline of a new paradigm for ecological research and the basis for a stronger relationship between theory and practice in this area.
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