Description
Book SynopsisOrigins of Biodiversity is a unique introduction to the fields of macroevolution and macroecology, which explores the evolution and distribution of biodiversity across time, space and lineages. Using an enquiry-led framework to encourage active learning and critical thinking, each chapter is based around a case-study to explore concepts and research methods from contemporary macroevolution and macroecology.The book focuses on the process of science as much as the biology itself, to help students acquire the research skills and intellectual tools they need to understand and investigate the biological world around them. In particular, the emphasis on hypothesis testing encourages students to develop and test their own ideas.This text builds upon the foundations offered in most general introductory evolutionary biology courses to introduce an exciting range of ideas and research tools for investigating patterns of biodiversity.
Trade ReviewAn exceptionally well-written textbook on large-scale evolution and ecology, which engages students by using a problem-based approach to recent controversies and debates. * Dr Peter Bennett, University of Kent *
The treatment of the topics is authoritative and up-to-date, and it is certainly written with modern undergraduates in mind. * Prof Arne Mooers, Simon Fraser University *
This book is well-placed to invigorate the fields of macroevolution and macroecology by filling a gap that will open up the subject to the next generation of budding young scientists. * Dr Kevin Arbuckle, Swansea University *
This book succeeds in being a different sort of textbook: one which helps the students to understand science better by helping them understand the process of knowledge creation. * Dr Richard Field, University of Nottingham *
Table of Contents1: What is macroevolution? What is macroecology?2: How did evolution get started?3: Does evolution favour increased size and complexity?4: What caused the explosion of animal evolution in the Cambrian?5: Were dinosaurs evolutionary failures?6: Was the diversification of mammals due to luck?7: Is sex good for survival?8: Why are most species small?9: Why are there so many kinds of beetles?10: Why are there so many species in the tropics?11: What is the future of biodiversity?
