The Theory of Island Biogeography
Robert H. MacArthur & Edward O. Wilson

One of Princeton University Press's Notable Centenary Titles.
With a new preface by Edward O. Wilson

Paper | 2001 | $50.00 / £34.95
224 pp. | 5 x 8

Shopping Cart | Reviews | Table of Contents

Biogeography was stuck in a "natural history phase" dominated by the collection of data, the young Princeton biologists Robert H. MacArthur and Edward O. Wilson argued in 1967. In this book, the authors developed a general theory to explain the facts of island biogeography. The theory builds on the first principles of population ecology and genetics to explain how distance and area combine to regulate the balance between immigration and extinction in island populations. The authors then test the theory against data. The Theory of Island Biogeography was never intended as the last word on the subject. Instead, MacArthur and Wilson sought to stimulate new forms of theoretical and empirical studies, which will lead in turn to a stronger general theory. Even a third of a century since its publication, the book continues to serve that purpose well. From popular books like David Quammen's Song of the Dodo to arguments in the professional literature, The Theory of Island Biogeography remains at the center of discussions about the geographic distribution of species. In a new preface, Edward O. Wilson reviews the origins and consequences of this classic book.

Review:

"Anyone interested in the history of modern ecology, evolutionary biology, and conservation biology should be aware of the content and impact of this seminal work."--Sharon Kingsland, Journal of the History of Biology

Endorsement:

"MacArthur and Wilson's is arguably the most influential book in biogeography in the last hundred years. With its emphasis on on-going processes of colonization and extinction, it provided a new framework to explain patterns in species diversity and served as a counterpoint to hypotheses relying on chance and solitary historical events. Many of the antecedents for what we now call conservation biology, invasion biology, and landscape ecology had their origins here."--Ted Case, University of California, San Diego

Table of Contents:

Preface to the Princeton Landmarks in Biology Edition vii
Preface xi
Symbols Used xiii
1. The Importance of Islands 3
2. Area and Number of Speicies 8
3. Further Explanations of the Area-Diversity Pattern 19
4. The Strategy of Colonization 68
5. Invasibility and the Variable Niche 94
6. Stepping Stones and Biotic Exchange 123
7. Evolutionary Changes Following Colonization 145
8. Prospect 181
Glossary 185
References 193
Index 201

Another Princeton book by Robert H. MacArthur:

• Geographical Ecology: Patterns in the Distribution of Species.

Another Princeton book by Edward O. Wilson:

• Caste and Ecology in the Social Insects. (MPB-12).

Series:

• Princeton Landmarks in Biology

Subject Area:

• Biological Sciences

Hardcover published in 1967

Shopping Cart:

For customers in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Asia, and Australia
Paper: $50.00 ISBN13: 978-0-691-08836-5

For customers in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and India
Paper: £34.95 ISBN13: 978-0-691-08836-5

Prices subject to change without notice

File created: 11/4/2009

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