Ralph Tollrian is Assistant Professor of Ecology at the Zoological Institute at Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich. C. Drew Harvell is Associate Professor in the Section of Ecology and Systematics at Cornell University.
The Ecology And Evolution Of Inducible Defences
Par : ,Formats :
- Nombre de pages383
- PrésentationBroché
- Poids0.57 kg
- Dimensions14,6 cm × 23,3 cm × 2,4 cm
- ISBN0-691-00494-3
- EAN9780691004945
- Date de parution23/08/1999
- ÉditeurPrinceton University Press
Résumé
Inducible defenses-those often dramatic phenotypic shifts in prey activated by biological agents ranging from predators to pathogens-are widespread in the natural world. Yet research on the inducible defenses used by vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants in terrestrial, marine, and freshwater habitats has largely developed along independent lines. Ralph Tollrian and Drew Harvell seek to change that here. By bringing together leading researchers from all fields to review common themes and explore emerging ideas, this book represents the most current and comprehensive survey of knowledge about the ecology and evolution of inducible defenses.
Contributors examine organisms as different as unicellular algae and higher vertebrates, and consider defenses ranging from immune systems to protective changes in morphology, behavior, chemistry, and file history. The authors of the review chapters, case studies, and theoretical studies pinpoint unifying factors favoring the evolution of inducible defenses. Throughout, the volume emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating applied and theoretical ecology, evolution, genetics, and chemistry. In addition, Harvell and Tollrian provide an introduction and a conclusion that review the current state of knowledge in the field and identity areas for future research.