Biology, life sciences Books

Book SynopsisThe Lepidoptera are without doubt the best known insect order in today’s Europe. Nevertheless there is still a great lack of knowledge in some groups, such as the Geometridae. The northern and central European fauna is relatively well known, but the distribution and bionomics of a number of species are poorly known. This problem is much more marked in southern Europe where no books on Geometridae have been published for nearly a century. Data on the bionomics are frequently unavailable which makes it difficult to assess environmental threats to the geometrid species. Information on distribution is still grossly incomplete and many records have been based on misidentifications. These problems are mainly caused by the lack of comprehensive identification literature. The geographical area covered in this series ranges from North Cape to Gibraltar and Malta, and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Ural Mountains. Each volume will illustrate the adults of all species, and if possible also subspecies, in photographic colour plates of the highest quality. Sexual dimorphism as well as polymorphism will be illustrated. Most species will be shown at natural size, but some larger groups of small species such as the genera Idaea and Eupithecia will be shown enlarged.Trade ReviewThe book is excellent and I hope the next five volumes will be of the same high quality. Such monographs are crucial for future taxonomic studies aimed at improving our knowledge of the faunistic richness and biodiversity of Lepidoptera in Europe. [...] This book by A. Hausmann is recommended not only to all lepidopterists, but to all specialists engaged in applied entomology and conservation biology. - K. Spitzer, Eur. J. Entomol. 98: 276, 2001.

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Book SynopsisIn The Geometrid Moths of Europe volume 2 on Sterrhinae, a number of difficult genera such as Cyclophora, Scopula and Idaea are covered. Especially Idaea with more than 100 species occuring in Europe, has caused a lot of problems to identify, but based on the many specimens illustrated on the 24 colour plates, the species of this genus can be identified much easier now. Apart from its largest species, the genus Idaea is illustrated in 1.5 times natural size. The remaining Sterrhinae are in natural size on the colour plates. On additional black and white photos for species which are difficult to identify, their differential characters are pointed out with arrows. Three new species and three new subspecies are described. A map with the European distribution is given, and with dots for verified specimens. Finally there are line drawings of male and female genitalia of all species and also this volume contains a systematic catalogue of the European species and including those of the neighbouring regions such as North Africa, Macaronesia, Turkey, and the Middle East.Trade ReviewThis volume represents another significant contribution to a series on European Geometridae that will be seen in retrospect as perhaps the most significant milestone in our understanding of that fauna.[...] The book brings together an immense and diverse amount of information in a clear and cohesive manner that will retain its value for many years to come. It is therefore an investment well worth making. - Jeremy Holloway (Entomology Department, Natural History Musem, London). Journal of the Lepidopterists’ Society 60(2), 2006, 179–180

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Book SynopsisIn this volume 268 species of the Larentinae are covered. Many of the genera have caused serious problems in identification, but based on the larger number of specimens illustrated on the 25 colour plates, the species can now be identified much more easily. In additional black and white photos for species which are difficult to identify, differential characters are pointed out with arrows. As in the previously published volumes 1,2 and 4, maps with the European distribution are given with dots for verified specimens. There are photographs of male and female genitalia of all species and this volume also contains a systematic catalogue of the European species including those of the neighbouring regions of North Africa, Macaronesia, Turkey and the Middle East. This is the first volume including genetic information from DNA barcoding which proved to be a useful, additional tool in identification, taxonomy and species delimitation.Table of ContentsPreface 7 Abstract 8 Acknowledgements 13 Introduction 17 Abbreviations 21 Subfamilia Sterrhinae (addendum) 22 Lythriini 22 Subfamilia Larentiinae 29 Cataclysmini 41 Xanthorhoini 47 Euphyiini 164 Larentiini 174 Hydriomenini 210 Stamnodini 218 Cidariini 221 Operophterini 345 Asthenini 361 Phileremini 378 Rheumapterini 382 Solitaneini 411 Melanthiini 415 Chesiadini 442 Trichopterygini 504 Colour plates 525 Genitalia plates 577 Systematic checklist of the Geometridae of Europe and adjacent areas (vol. 3) 688 References 696 Index to scientific names 739

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Book SynopsisThis is a strongly revised edition of the authors’ An illustrated Key to European Sesiidae published in 1995. This book was printed in a very limited edition and was soon out of print. The Sesiidae of Europe contains comprehensive information on all European species of this Lepidoptera family of day flying moths. All the many taxonomical, biological and distributional changes in the last years are included. Introductory chapters comprise a short historical outline, brief information on the morphology, biology, phylogeny and distribution as well as collecting and rearing methods, and lists of European Sesiidae and their hostplants. Keys to all European genera and species are provided. The main part of the book presents a systematic survey of all European species. Diagnostic morphological characters, bionomics and distribution of each species are shortly described. For each species line drawings of male and female genitalia are given, for some species also of other diagnostic characters. The distribution is illustrated on maps. The book is concluded with 9 excellent colour plates with all European species illustrated.

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Book SynopsisThis handbook is the first comprehensive guide facilitating the identification of Australian water bugs. It provides an overview on all 15 families, 17 subfamilies, and 55 genera known to occur on mainland Australia, Tasmania and nearby islands. Illustrated keys, featuring a minimum of technical language, are offered to assist with the identification of adult water bugs. For each genus, the handbook includes a description of the characters used to identify the genus and to separate the genus from similar genera, an illustration to show overall appearance (“habitus”) of a representative species, an illustrated key to species recorded from Australia, overview of the biology of the genus, and a map showing the locations where the genus has been found in Australia.

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Book SynopsisThis book will enable the identification of each of the 57 species of butterfly that has been recorded from the Cayman Islands. There is a description of every butterfly, stressing its most important characteristics, with photographs of living and mounted specimens. The distribution, history and biology of each species are reviewed and the plants which provide adult butterflies with nectar or feed their caterpillars are tabulated. A general introduction includes a discussion of the affinities and size of the Caymanian butterfly fauna. The three islands share most of their butterfly species but each island has uniquely characteristic elements and five subspecies live only in the Cayman Islands. Knowledge is fundamental to conservation; it is hoped that both the casual butterfly watcher and those more committed to the study of butterflies will discover much of interest in this book and thereby make a contribution to the continuing survival of these beautiful insects.

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Book SynopsisThis is the first comprehensive synopsis of the biodiversity of Diptera, which with more than 150.000 described species contain more than one tenth of all described animal species. The first part is a review of what is already known, with treatments of all the major biogeographical regions and important archipelagoes; the second part contains case studies on open-ended taxa, Diptera as ecological indicators, and how to estimate the still unknown proportion of our fauna; and the third part discusses the digital and molecular tools needed to document the fauna. The book has an emphasis on principles and analytical approaches as well as on practical ‘how-to’ information and is intended for academicians and other professionals but with a significant outreach to students.Trade ReviewThis book is one of those rare things: a multi-author, multi-editor collection of papers that comes together in a truly essential volume. It is a milestone in dipterology and will be a much-consulted volume for anyone interested in biodiversity and biogeography... It is essential reading for anybody interested in Diptera or global zoogeography, and would be of value to anyone with an interest in taxonomy and biodiversity S.A. Marshall, University of Guelph, in Bulletin de la Société d'entomologie du Canada volume 42(2), June 2010 The nine regional treatments are very thorough reviews, each written by a leading dipterist of the continent or region... The book is very well designed, and has lots of pretty very sharp colour photographs. Diptera Diversity certainly deserves to be read by more entomologists than just dipterists...In short, entomologists with an interest in biodiversity, I would advise to buy this book as well, and it should not be missing from any entomological library. Erik J. Van Nieukerken, Tijdschrift voor Entomologie, volume 152, 2009 [T]his book serves well to elucidate both the state of progress as well as still existing shortcomings and impediments of dipterological biodiversity research today. M. Kotrba, Mitteilungen der Muenchner Entomologischen Gesellschaft, Band 99, 2009 This publication is very clearly arranged and printed, and good evidence of the leading position of dipterology within entomology.... All the 21 contributors are worldwide authorities on Diptera and all the chapters are clearly written and represented in Q.D. Wheeler words a "singular important empirical and theoretical achievement". M. Chvála, Eur. J. Entomol., volume 106, 2009 The most important highlight of this contribution is the inclusion of all major biogeographical regions and their wide coverage. What sets this book apart from others is the logistics of taxonomic coverage, encompassing all the major faunistic groups along with simultaneous deliverations on their diversity...The views of the contributing authors suggesting that integrative taxonomy is the only logical and practicaql way forward for taxonomy is well apparent in this treatise. Such proficient attempt to specifiy exactly where more work is needed is commendable and important as it is reflected in all the reveiws of major taxa included here... The comprehensive extent of topic and issues raised is fairly remarkable for any single volume. The fact that these are raised in the background of empirically rich volume based on extremely diverse taxon of worldwide importance is simply exceptional. Shakti Kumar Singh & V.V. Ramamurthy, Oriental Insects, volume 43, 2009.

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Book SynopsisThere are an estimated 40,000 species of chrysomelids, or leaf beetles, worldwide. These biologically interesting and often colorful organisms, such as the tortoise beetles, have a broad range of life histories and fascinating adaptations. For example, there are chrysomelids with shortened wings (brachypterous) and elytra (brachelytrous), other species are viviparous, and yet other leaf beetles have complicated anti predator-parasitoid defenses. Some species, such as corn rootworms (several species in the genus Diabrotica) constitute major agricultural crop pests. Research on Chrysomelidae 1 is a the first of an intended series of volumes on the Chrysomelidae edited by Jolivet, Santiago-Blay, and Schmitt.Trade Review“This volume is of good format and printing quality. It contains 38 superb color plates and colored cladistic diagrams. The book is indispensible for the specialist but also for those working at museums, universities and agriculture institutes, who are interested in the beetles that affect crops.” Pierre Jolivet. "This edited collective book has 20 contributions from 38 authors from all over the world. The contributions present many of the currents trends of research on Chrysomelidae, providing rich information on every field touched. It would be a valuable addition to the libraries of institutions/individuals, engaged in study of and investigations on leaf beetles." K. K. VermaTable of Contents1. Phylogeny, Molecular Biology. Species and speciation in Timarcha. Jesús Gómez-Zurita. Specialization is not a dead end: further evidence from Diabroticina beetles. Astrid Eben and Alejandro Espinosa de los Monteros. Seed-beetles in the age of the molecule: recent advances on systematics and host-plant association patterns. Gaël J. Kergoat, Alex Delobel, Bruno Le Rü and Jean-François Silvain. 2. Morphology and Anatomy. Comparative morphology of sclerites used by Camptosomatan leaf beetles for formation of the extrachorion (Chrysomelidae: Cryptocephalinae: Lamprosomatinae). Matthias Schöller. Towards the morphology and biology of the larvae of two sibling species in the genus Galerucella Crotch (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae). Oxana L. Nesterova. Body colouration in the leaf-beetle genera Oreina Chevrolat and Crosita Motschulsky and trends in its variation. Yuri E. Mikhailov. Reflections on male external genitalia in insects - their taxonomic significance, variability, and evolution - with particular reference to Chrysomelidae. Krishna K. Verma. Classification and habitat of brachelytrous Chrysomelidae (Coleoptera). Ron Beenen and Pierre Jolivet. 3. Palaeontology. Response of Chrysomelidae to Quaternary environmental changes. Scott A. Elias and Sveltana Kuzmina. 4. Relations to Plants. Tortoise beetles (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) of a tropical rain forest in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Vivian Flinte, Margarete Valverde de Macedo and Ricardo Ferreira Monteiro. Performance of Gratiana spadicea (Cassidinae) on its host and on five sympatric non hosts (Solanum: Solanaceae) in South Brazil. Lenice Medeiros and Gilson R. P. Moreira. 5. Biological and Ecological Studies. The biology of Aspidimorpha submutata Weise, 1899 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae). Hugh D. C. Heron. A new gall-inducing shining leaf beetle (Coleoptera : Chrysomelidae) from Thailand and its relevance to the evolution of herbivory in leaf-beetles. Fredric V. Vencl and Kenji Nishida. A new case of viviparity among Chrysomelinae. Christian Bontems and Chi-Feng Lee. 6. Taxonomy and Faunistics. Revision of Chaetocnema pulla species-group from the Afrotropical region with description of a new species from Central Africa (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Maurizio Biondi and Paola D’Alessandro. The pale-legged flea beetles Altica knabi Blatchley and A. pedipallida LeSage in North America (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Alticini). Laurent LeSage. On the origin of the Chrysomelid fauna of New Caledonia. Pierre Jolivet and Krishna K. Verma. 7. Population Biology. Population fluctuation of Mecistomela marginata (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae). Viviane Grenha, Margarete V. de Macedo and Ricardo Ferreira Monteiro. Validation and application of predictive models on bean leaf beetle, Cerotoma trifurcata, population dynamics in Central Iowa. Wai-ki Frankie Lam, Rayda K. Krell, Jeffrey D. Bradshaw, Marlin E. Rice and Larry P. Pedigo. 8. Parasitology. The diversity and specificity of parasitoids attacking Neotropical tortoise beetles (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae). Marie Cuignet, Donald Windsor, Jessica Reardon and Thierry Hance.

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Book SynopsisRoot-lesion nematodes of the genus Pratylenchus are recognised worldwide as one of the major constraints of crops of primary economic importance. Pratylenchus spp. comprises around 70 nominal species of worldwide distribution which parasitize a wide variety of plants. The book consists of ten chapters and presents summarised and specialised information concerning the importance of the Pratylenchus species in: agricultural crops, and their world distribution (chapter 1); taxonomy, systematic, general morphology and diagnostic traits of Pratylenchus spp. including new technologies based on biochemical and molecular analyses (chapters 2-6); biology, epidemiology, ecology, host-parasite relationships, and pathogenicity (chapters 7-9). Finally, it illustrates different management strategies for Pratylenchus species, including, crop rotation, host-plant resistance, chemical control, soil solarisation, and biological control (chapter 10). Trade Review"[...] this is a nicely presented, well-written book and is a must have volume for anybody who works with this damaging nematode genus." – Michael Wilson, Forest Pathology 38 (2008), 429–430 "Overall this book was well written, coherent and presented in a clear and logical format. The book is likely to be of interest to those who are actively involved with any type of research on Pratylenchus. Furthermore, the extensive reference list provides the reader with an excellent starting point for further research." – Matthew Back, Plant Pathology 58 (2009), 999-1000

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Book SynopsisThe prime function of the interstitial system is the processing of organic material flushed into the sand. It functions as a carbon sink, which has significant implications in this age, in which we are trying to fight carbon levels in the atmosphere. Copepods are top predators here and thus crucially important. This book presents the first data about cyclopoid and poecilostomatoid copepods from the Australian marine interstitial. It includes one new cyclopoid family, the second record of the poecilostomatoid family Polyankyaliidae, one new genus, and 21 new species. A zoogeographic analysis of the copepods recorded emphasizes the importance of looking at small-scale patterns when inferring Gondwanaland biogeography, and a number of distinct zoogeographic regions is now becoming apparent in Australia.Table of ContentsPREFACE AND SUMMARY INTRODUCTION MATERIAL AND METHODS TAXONOMIC ACCOUNT Order POECILOSTOMATOIDA Thorell, 1859 Family CLAUSIDIIDAE Embleton, 1901 Genus Hemicyclops Boeck, 1873 1. Hemicyclops nichollsi n. sp. Genus Cemihyclops n. g. 2. Cemihyclops cedunensis n. sp. Family POLYANKYLIIDAE Ho & Kim, 1997 Genus Polyankylis Ho & Kim, 1997 3. Polyankylis australis n. sp. Family CORYCAEIDAE Dana, 1852 Genus Onychocorycaeus M. Dahl, 1912 4. Onychocorycaeus pacificus (Dahl, 1894) 5. Onychocorycaeus catus (Dahl, 1894) Order CYCLOPOIDA Rafinesque, 1815 Family OITHONIDAE Dana, 1853 Genus Oithona Baird, 1843 6. Oithona nana Giesbrecht, 1892 Family CYCLOPINIDAE Sars, 1913 Genus Cyclopinella Sars, 1913 7. Cyclopinella tincanbayensis n. sp. Genus Hemicyclopina Herbst, 1953 8. Hemicyclopina martinezi n. sp. Genus Allocyclopina Kiefer, 1954 9. Allocyclopina australiensis n. sp. Genus Cyclopina Claus, 1862 10. Cyclopina unisetosa n. sp. 11. Cyclopina amita n. sp. 12. Cyclopina adelphe n. sp. 13. Cyclopina kasis n. sp. 14. Cyclopina kasignete n. sp.

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Book SynopsisOver the past 50 years, major changes have taken place in the distribution of aquatic plants in Europe. Many species have declined whilst other species have increased in abundance or spread, including several that were originally introduced from the New World. Despite the relative richness of the aquatic flora of Britain and Ireland, it is a neglected area of study. This book provides a summary of the distribution, habitat and reproductive biology of 200 taxa in 72 genera, with individual distribution maps, and also summarizes their distribution overseas. Unrevised Brill edition.Trade ReviewThis is an essential work for all people concerned with ecology and management of freshwater. - C.D.K. Cook, Watsonia

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Book SynopsisThis work is the culmination of well over 30 years’ personal study of Britain’s hepatic flora in the field which has enabled the author to take into account the full range of variation of each taxon. The Introduction comprises sections on Collection and preservation, Examination of material, Measurements, Habitats and distribution, Conservation, Function and use of keys, Explanation of text, Abbreviations and symbols used in the text, Explanation of figures, Abbreviations and symbols used in the figures (also provided on plastic bookmark). The systematic section begins with a Conspectus of classification followed by the accounts of genera with keys, and of species, each copiously illustrated in meticulous detail by the author – a magnum opus in its own right. The work concludes with Glossary, Vice-counties in the British Isles and map, Bibliography and Index. Unrevised Brill edition.Trade ReviewA landmark in the study of British Liverworts. - E. V. Watson, in the Foreword. It is for amateur and professional bryologists alike a long-awaited source of information in detailed descriptions and illustrations giving the means to identify species in the group. - Christine Rieser, The London Naturalist It is hardly possible to praise it too highly. - T.L. Blockeel, Yorkshire Naturalists’ Journal

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Book SynopsisA new view for studying and understanding biological evolution emerges when the concepts of phylogenetic systematics and exaptation are combined. A new definition of macroevolution is created. Preadaptation is shown to be a null concept and its comparison with exaptation is shown to be inappropriate. This book criticizes the prevailing view, the adaptationist, microevolutionary outlook, which considers adaptation as being the exclusive or main evolutionary process responsible for vertebrates having occupied the terrestrial environment. The authors argue that the macroevolutionary processes are significantly more important to explain an improbable evolutionary event. Their research shows that macroevolutionary processes are the dominant factors involved in the origin of terrestriality.Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgements List of Illustrations Notes for Reading This book 1 Phylogenetic Systematics or Cladistics, Introductory Information  1 From Darwin to Hennig  2 Which Animals Are We Dealing With?  3 The Skeleton 2 Adaptive Scenarios 3 Adaptationism, Microevolution, Macroevolution, and Exaptation 4 Monophyly and Geological Time as Counter-arguments to the Adaptationist View of the Origin of Terrestrial Vertebrates  1 Monophyly of Terrestrial Vertebrates  2 The Geologic Time Gap  3 The Extreme Diversity of the Actinopterygii  4 The Phyletic Nature of †Placoderms and †Acanthodians 5 Method Based on Cladistics: New Perspectives  1 Criticisms of Adaptationism  2 Characters  3 Life Styles  4 The Issue of Topology  5 The Origins of Limbs with Digits, Walking, and Terrestriality  6 Recent Phylogenies of Basal Tetrapoda Reveal an Additional Argument  7 Exaptation: Misunderstandings of the Concept  8 Complementary Considerations 6 Geological Time, Morphology, and Ecology  1 Characters  2 Abrupt Appearance of Several Characters  3 Evolutionary Space for Independent New Invasions of Land by Vertebrates after the Devonian 7 Absence of Correlation among Characters and Asynchrony in Their Origins as Additional Arguments 8 Synergy among Arguments and Summary Considerations of the Main Arguments 9 Exaptations, Not Preadaptations, at the Origin of Terrestriality in Vertebrates 10 Science and Its Limits  1 A Statement on Scientific Paradigms  2 A View on the Sociology of Science  3 Epilogue Glossary References Index

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Book SynopsisThis is a bold, brilliant, provocative and puzzling work. It demands a radical shift in standpoint, an almost paradoxical posture in which living systems are described in terms of what lies outside the domain of descriptions. Professor Humberto Maturana, with his colleague Francisco Varela, have undertaken the construction of a systematic theoretical biology which attempts to define living systems not as they are objects of observation and description, nor even as in­ teracting systems, but as self-contained unities whose only reference is to them­ selves. Thus, the standpoint of description of such unities from the 'outside', i. e. , by an observer, already seems to violate the fundamental requirement which Maturana and Varela posit for the characterization of such system- namely, that they are autonomous, self-referring and self-constructing closed systems - in short, autopoietic systems in their terms. Yet, on the basis of such a conceptual method, and such a theory of living systems, Maturana goes on to define cognition as a biological phenomenon; as, in effect, the very nature of all living systems. And on this basis, to generate the very domains of interac­ tion among such systems which constitute language, description and thinking.Table of ContentsEditorial Preface General Table Of Contents Foreword Introduction (by Professor Maturana) Biology Of Cognition Dedication Table of Contents I. Introduction II. The Problem III. Cognitive Function in General A. The Observer B. The Living System C. Evolution D. The Cognitive Process IV. Cognitive Function in Particular A. Nerve Cells B. Architecture C. Function D. Representation E. Description F. Thinking G. Natural Language H. Memory and Learning I. The Observer V. Problems in the Neurophysiology of Cognition VI. Conclusions VII. Post Scriptum Autopoiesis: The Organization Of The Living Preface (by Sir Stafford Beer) Introduction I. On Machines, living and Otherwise 1. Machines 2. Living Machines II. Dispensability of Teleonomy 1. Purposelessness 2. Individuality III. Embodiments of Autopoiesis 1. Descriptive and Causal Notions 2. Molecular Embodiments 3. Origin IV. Diversity of Autopoiesis 1. Subordination to the Condition of Unity 2. Plasticity of Ontogeny 3. Reproduction, a Complication of the Unity 4. Evolution, a Historical Network 5. Second and Third Order Autopoietic Systems V. Presence of Autopoiesis 1. Biological Implications 2. Epistemological Implications 3. Cognitive Implications Appendix: The Nervous System Glossary Bibliography Index Of Names

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Book SynopsisWhat is intrinsic value? What is the origin of value? Are people always superior to nature? This book is a philosophical analysis of the human relationship to the non-human world. It is a pioneering study of the philosophy of nature-conservation in relation to the discussion of intrinsic value. Vilkka develops a naturalistic or naturocentric theory of value that is based on ethical extensionism and pluralism. Vilkka analyzes natural values and environmental attitudes: zoocentrism, biocentrism, and ecocentrism. This book forms a taxonomy for nature having intrinsic value. The theory of intrinsic value is based on naturocentric and naturogenic values. The book questions the thesis of weak anthropocentrism that denies the existence of naturogenic values. In Vilkka's theory, animals and nature are the origin of value. She defends the existence of zoogenic and biogenic values in the non-human world and discusses the possibility of ecogenic value, nature as a whole having value independent of human or animal minds. Vilkka analyzes the goodness and rights of nature, the problem of priorities, and ecological humanism. A naturocentric recommendation is that the well-being of animals and nature should have priority over human values at least in some real decision contexts. Ecological humanism recommends an attitude of respect for people, animals, and nature. The book includes an extensive glossary, index, and bibliography.Table of ContentsPART I: ON BASIC CONCEPTS. ONE What Is Intrinsic Value? TWO Goodness in Nature. THREE The Forms of Intrinsic Value. PART II: NATURE CONCERNS. FOUR Zoocentrism. FIVE Biocentrism. SIX Ecocentrism. PART III: THREE BASIC ISSUES. SEVEN The Origin of Value. EIGHT Anthropocentrism and the Problem of Priorities. NINE The Rights of Animals and Nature. Notes. Bibliography. Glossary. About the Author. Index.

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Book SynopsisThis book addresses the ethical and political questions flowing from the vastly increased possibilities to manipulate the genetic properties of organisms, including human beings. Due to the great complexity of the scientific fields involved, these questions are framed and answered mostly by scientific experts. But the new technological possibilities and social practices connected with genetic manipulation intrude into domains that for a long time have been the provenance of religious and secular worldviews and touch upon deep-seated convictions and emotions. Moreover they are strongly influenced by economic and political interests. As a consequence, questions of scientific truth and technical control are getting more and more mixed up with questions regarding values and interests. Against this background, this book starts from the premise that neither clinging to the idea of value-neutral, disinterested science, nor the complete abandonment of this idea in favour of postmodern relativism will be of much help here. Instead the different contributions to this book explore the idea of a ‘lingua democratica’ for the life sciences and sketch the contours of this notion by focusing on a broad range of conceptual and practical issues in the field of genomics.Table of ContentsHarry Kunneman and Peter Derkx: Introduction Complexity Theory, Social Constructionism and Hermeneutics Paul Cilliers: A Crisis of Knowledge: Complexity, Understanding and the Problem of Responsible Action Erica Haimes: The Contributions of Social Constructionism to the Study of the Ethical, Social and Political Aspects of the Life Sciences Cees Pieters: Engineering, Humanistics and the Lingua Democratica: on Cross-Disciplinary Communications between ‘Strange Bedfellows’ Harry Kunneman: Ethical Complexity, Hermeneutics and Mode 3 Knowledge Ethics and Worldviews Cor van der Weele: Morality and Genomics: Which Comes First? Towards Cooperative Inquiry Andries De Smet, Sigrid Sterckx and Julian Cockbain: The Lack of Access to Medicines and the Health Impact Fund Scheme Fernando Suárez Müller: Human Rights and Transhumanism: is a Humanist Transhumanism Possible? Tatjana Kochetkova: The Spiritual Dimension of Human Enhancement: Remarks concerning the Discussion about Immortality Peter Derkx: Worldviews, Genomics and Enhanced Human Lifespan Corporations, Governments and Democracy Alle Bruggink: The Influence of Government and Industry on Technological Research in the Netherlands: a Personal Experience Anders Nordgren: Consumer Genomics Companies and Their Appeal to Empowerment Michiel Korthals: Fundamental Uncertainty as an Issue for Deliberative Democracy Guido Ruivenkamp and Joost Jongerden: From Prescription to Reconstruction: Opportunities for Subpolitical Choices in Biotechnological and Genomics Research Marli Huijer: Storytelling as a Way to Enrich Democratic Discussion: The Dutch Debate on Embryo Selection for Hereditary Breast Cancer About the Authors Index

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Book SynopsisAfter Darwin: Animals, Emotions, and the Mind explores questions of mind, emotion and the moral sense which Darwin opened up through his research on the physical expression of emotions and the human–animal relation. It also examines the extent to which Darwin’s ideas were taken up by Victorian writers and popular culture, from George Eliot to the Daily News.Trade Review"Richardson [...] has brought together a group of eminent literary critics, including Gillian Beer and David Amigoni, and high-caliber historians of the emotions [...] with leading contemporary evolutionay biologists and psychologists [...] this cross-disciplinary conjunction does raise some pertinent and highly interesting questions." – Gowan Dawson (University of Leicester), in: Victorian Studies, Volume 58, No. 2, p. 354-356. "After Darwin not only offers a fascinatingly diverse collection of ways to approach Darwin’s influential concenption of the emotions in an evolutionary framework, with contributions from experts in literature, psychology, biology and history, it also provides a rich impetus for future investigations." – Andrew Ball, University of Manchester, in Social History of Medicine 28.1 (2015) pp. 206-207 “extremely interesting and well organized collection of 11 original essays. […] no summary of these essays will sufficiently indicate their richness. […] This book shows how Darwin’s scientific theory – the product itself of deep imaginative sympathy – helped to transform our understanding of both humans and animals.” – George Levine (Rutgers University), in The George Eliot Review 45 (2014), pp. 83-85 "The book […] really intrigued me. […] I hope that [this book] somehow [finds its] way into your hands in the not too distant future. [It] really [is] that good." – Mark Bekoff (University of Colorado), in Psychology Today: Animal Emotions 12 December 2013. For the full review see: PSYCHOLOGY TODAY/ANIMAL EMOTIONS "Guided by the assumption that science and culture are at all times reciprocal, After Darwin successfully bridges the gap between science and the humanities. It also typifies the rising interest in the emotions as a field of study in their own right and is furthermore representative of Harriet Ritvo’s observation of ten years ago that ‘animals have been edging towards the academic mainstream’ (p. 8). Some chapters integrate less well into the overall agenda of the volume, but they all offer a unique way of thinking about emotions, animals and human nature, at the centre of which we ultimately find Darwin himself." – Stephanie Eichberg in: The British Journal for the History of Science, Volume 48, Issue 03, September 2015, pp. 523 - 525.Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Notes on Contributors List of Illustrations Introduction: Darwin and Interdisciplinarity: A Historical Perspective Angelique Richardson ‘Love and Hatred are Common to the Whole Sensitive Creation’: Animal Feeling in the Century before Darwin Jane Spencer ‘The Book of The Season’: The Conception and Reception of Darwin’s Expression Angelique Richardson The Backbone Shiver: Darwin and the Arts Gillian Beer Becoming an Animal: Darwin and the Evolution of Sympathy Paul White George Eliot, G.H. Lewes, and Darwin: Animals, Emotions, and Morals Angelique Richardson Between Medicine and Evolutionary Theory: Sympathy and Other Emotional Investments in Life Writings by and about Charles Darwin David Amigoni From Entangled Vision to Ethical Engagement: Darwin, Affect, and Contemporary Exhibition Projects Monika Pietrzak-Franger Reckoning with the Emotions: Neurological Responses to the Theory of Evolution, 1870-1930 L.S. Jacyna Darwin’s Changing Expression and the Making of the Modern State Rhodri Hayward Calling the Wild: Selection, Domestication, and Species Harriet Ritvo The Development of Emotional Life Michael Lewis Afterword: The Emotional and Moral Lives of Animals: What Darwin Would Have Said Marc Bekoff Index

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Book SynopsisGregory Bateson’s contribution to 20th century thinking has appealed to scholars from a wide range of fields dealing in one way or another with aspects of communication and epistemology. A number of his insights were taken up and developed further in anthropology, psychology, evolutionary biology and communication theory. But the large, trans-disciplinary synthesis that, in his own mind, was his major contribution to science received little attention from the mainstream scientific communities. This book represents a major attempt to revise this deficiency. Scholars from ecology, biochemistry, evolutionary biology, cognitive science, anthropology and philosophy discuss how Bateson's thinking might lead to a fruitful reframing of central problems in modern science. Most important perhaps, Bateson's bioanthropology is shown to play a key role in developing the set of ideas explored in the new field of biosemiotics. The idea that organismic life is indeed basically semiotic or communicative lies at the heart of the biosemiotic approach to the study of life. The only book of its kind, this volume provides a key resource for the quickly-growing substratum of scholars in the biosciences, philosophy and medicine who are seeking an elegant new approach to exploring highly complex systems.Trade ReviewFrom the reviews: "In this book are collected 14 essays on a range of topics related to, applying, or extending Bateson’s work and legacy. … Open minded biologists and semioticians, as well as students of Peirce, will be interested … in this book. … I recommend it highly." (Phillip Guddemi, Cybnetics and Human Knowing, Vol. 15 (3-4), 2008) "Biosemiotics studies the ‘sign character’ of processes ‘inside or between living systems,’ from a single cell, to organisms, to ecological systems … . The introduction and the 14 chapters of this book are well written and generally understandable by a nonexpert in biosemiotics or Bateson’s work." (H. I. Kilov, ACM Computing Reviews, April, 2009)Table of ContentsAcknowledgement.- List of contributors.- Introduction; J. Hoffmeyer.- 1. Angels fear revisited. Gregory Bateson’s cybernetic theory of mind applied to religion-science debates. Introduction. Bateson's redefinition of mind. Bateson as a scientist. Kinds of messages. Bateson and religion. Logical types in mental process. Discussion. References; M.C. Bateson.- 2. From thing to relation. On Bateson's bioanthropology. A deep symmetry. Creatura and pleroma. Relative being. A minded nature. Notes. References; J. Hoffmeyer.- 3. What connects the map to the territory? Bateson’s large synthesis. What goes from territory to map? An unresolved ambiguity. How to resolve the ambiguity. Abstraction. The epistemic cut. Ding an sich. The hands and the mind. How does it work? Conclusion. References; T. Cashman.- 4. The pattern which connects pleroma to creatura: the autocell bridge from physics to life. Introduction. The problem with protocells. The thermodynamic universe. Thermodynamics plus shape: iased molecular interactions. From thermodynamics to morphodynamics. Autocatalysis: a morphodynamic chain reaction. Molecular self-assembly. Autocell functions. The birth of evolvable teleodynamics. Discussion. Individuality. Value, purpose, end directedness and for-ness. Adaptation, function, and aboutness. Conclusions. References; T. Deacon, J. Sherman.- 5. Bateson’s method: double description. What is it? How does it work? What do we learn?. Introduction. Double desciption. Abduction. Logical types. The pattern which connects. Conclusions. Acknowledgements. References; J. Hui et al.- 6. Gregory Bateson's relevance to current molecular biology. Was Gregory Bateson a biologist? Reductionism in biology. From genome sequence to higher hierarchical levels. An integrative concept of 'biological information'.The problem of delimiting a semiotic network. From the binding of single molecules to complex 'locks-and-keys'. Where is regulation? Global and hierarchical regulation. Conclusions. References; L. Bruni.- 7. Process ecology: creatura at large in an open universe. Occidental pathway? Barriers to the sacred. The aleatoric nature. A cybernetic world. A transactional ecology. An ecological metaphysic. Fading issues. Conclusion: new and renewed dialogs. References; R.E. Ulanowicz.- 8. Connections in action – bridging implicit and explicit domains. Introduction. Connectedness in action - the CIA-hypothesis. The interpretation of PMv actication. The question of manipulability. Effects on conceptual task solving. Discussion. Acknowledgement. References; T.S.S. Shilhab, C. Gerlach.- 9. Bateson: biology with meaning. Information and the genome. The changing story of the gene. Biology, meaning, and language. Nature and culture. Meaning, beauty, and archetypes. References; B. Goodwin.- 10. Gregory Bateson's 'uncovery' of ecological aesthetics . Introduction. The U.N. millenial ecosystem assessment report. Aesthetics and the MA report. Aesthetics and Gregory Bateson. A new interface? The National Park Issue. Some theoretical issues about aesthetics. Scanning the interface. Conclusion. Notes. References; P. Harries-Jones.- 11. Collapsing the wave function of meaning: the epistemological matrix of talk-in-interaction. Introduction: no more words. Language as Newtonian 'Natural Law'. Boiling clean the data set of languaged interaction. A cybernetic modeling of language as an 'ecology of signs'. Fundaments of system order: the contingent responsivity of turn-taking. Transiently emergent order: transition relevance points. Stepping into the immediate next: adjacency pair interaction. Place as meaning: the stigmergy and structure of sequence

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisArthropods are invertebrates that constitute over 90% of the animal kingdom, and their bio-ecology is closely linked with global functioning and survival.Arthropods play an important role in maintaining the health of ecosystems, provide livelihoods and nutrition to human communities, and are important indicators of environmental change. Yet the population trends of several arthropods species show them to be in decline. Arthropods constitute a dominant group with 1.2 million species influencing earth’s biodiversity. Among arthropods, insects are predominant, with ca. 1 million species and having evolved some 350 million years ago. Arthropods are closely associated with living and non-living entities alike, making the ecosystem services they provide crucially important. In order to be effective, plans for the conservation of arthropods and ecosystems should include a mixture of strategies like protecting key habitats and genomic studies to formulate relevant policies for in situ and ex situ conservation.This two-volume book focuses on capturing the essentials of arthropod inventories, biology, and conservation. Further, it seeks to identify the mechanisms by which arthropod populations can be sustained in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and by means of which certain problematic species be managed without producing harmful environmental side-effects. This edited compilation includes chapters contributed by over 80 biologists on a wide range of topics embracing the diversity, distribution, utility and conservation of arthropods and select groups of insect taxa. More importantly, it describes in detail the mechanisms of sustaining arthropod ecosystems, services and populations. It addresses the contribution of modern biological tools such as molecular and genetic techniques regulating gene expression, as well as conventional, indigenous practices in arthropod conservation. The contributors reiterate the importance of documenting and understanding the biology of arthropods from a holistic perspective before addressing conservation issues at large. This book offers a valuable resource for all zoologists, entomologists, ecologists, conservation biologists, policy makers, teachers and students interested in the conservation of biological resources.Trade Review“It chiefly covers the status, function, importance and control of insects and other Arthropods in agricultural systems. … there is clearly a huge amount of valuable and interesting information in this book, which is an important reference work. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. … there are a number of colour plates of Arthropods and their habitats.” (Tom Brereton, Journal of Insect Conservation, Vol. 21, 2017)Table of Contents1. Arthropods: Evolution and EcologyA. K. Chakravarthy, Vasudev Kammar and P. R. Shashank2. Soil biodiversity and arthropods: Role in soil fertilityD. J. Bagyaraj, C. J. Nethravathi and K. S. Nitin3. Butterfly Communities of Ritchie’s Archipelago in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India: Implications for Conservation of Arthropods and Their HabitatsC. Sivaperuman and K. Venkataraman4. Documenting Arthropods in select Wild and Cultivated Ecosystems in Iran and KuwaitA. A. Seraj, M. Esfandiari and Wasmia Al-Houty5. An Appraisal of Select Insect Taxa in Sri LankaJ. P. Edirisinghe, W. A. I. P. Karunaratne, I. I. Hemachandra, N. R. Gunawardene and C. M. D. Bambaradeniya6. Utility of arthropods by indigenous communities: Sustaining natural resourcesM. Jayashankar, M. Charles, Vijeth V. Arya and Jayalaxmi Hegde7. Insects as human foodA. K. Chakravarthy, G. T. Jayasimha, R. R. Rachana and G. Rohini8. Arthropod communities on Rice: A blend of terrestrial and aquatic speciesL. Vijay Kumar, K. S. Nitin and Rajendra Prasad9. Arthropods on cotton: A comparison between Bt and non-Bt cottonA. K. Chakravarthy, Manja Naik and T. N. Madhu10. Arthropod Biodiversity on Jute and Allied Fibre CropsK. Selvaraj, B. S. Gotyal, S. P. Gawande, S. Satpathy and S. K. Sarkar11. Arthropod Diversity and Management in Legume Based Cropping Systems in the TropicsV. Sridhar and L. S. Vinesh12. Arthropod diversity in non-leguminous vegetable cropsN. R. Prasannakumar, K. P. Kumar and A. T. Rani13. Diversity of Mites on Vegetable crops, Kerala, South India: Documentation for Conserving Predatory and other Beneficial Mites on VegetablesK. V. Binisha, Haseena Bhaskar and Sosamma Jacob14. Arthropod Communities Associated with Mango (Mangifera indica L.): Diversity and InteractionsPoluru Venkata Rami Reddy and Kolla Sreedevi15. Arthropod communities on cashew: A perennial reservoir of species assemblagesP.S. Bhat, K. Vanitha, T.N. Raviprasad and K. K. Srikumar16. The Coconut Mite: Current Global ScenarioN. S. Aratchige, A. D. N. T. Kumara and N. I. Suwandharathne17. Arthropod communities in coffee: Reflecting tropical forest arthropod communitiesN. E. Thyagaraj, Manjunath Reddy, B. Doddabasappa and S. Onkara Naik18. Arthropod Pests and Natural Enemies Communities in Tea Ecosystems of IndiaNarayanannair Muraleedharan and Somnath Roy19. Forest Arthropod Communities in India: Their role and ConservationG. Mathew, K. P. Kumar and M. Chandrashekhariah20. Awareness on Pesticide Residues in Food Crops: A ChallengeG. V. Ranga Rao, B. Ratna Kumari, K. L. Sahrawat and S. P. Wani

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