Conceptual Breakthroughs in Evolutionary Ecology

Although biologists recognize evolutionary ecology by name, many only have a limited understanding of its conceptual roots and historical development. Conceptual Breakthroughs in Evolutionary Ecology fills that knowledge gap in a thought-provoking and readable format. Written by a world-renowned evolutionary ecologist, this book embodies a unique blend of expertise in combining theory and experiment, population genetics and ecology. Following an easily-accessible structure, this book encapsulates and chronologizes the history behind evolutionary ecology. It also focuses on the integration of age-structure and density-dependent selection into an understanding of life-history evolution. - Covers over 60 seminal breakthroughs and paradigm shifts in the field of evolutionary biology and ecology - Modular format permits ready access to each described subject - Historical overview of a field whose concepts are central to all of biology and relevant to a broad audience of biologists, science historians, and philosophers of science

Laurence Mueller is a Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of California, Irvine. His research includes the development of theoretical models to guide research and experimental evolutionary approaches to the study of adaptation. Dr. Mueller's specific research interests include the evolution of life-history phenotypes at different population density and the evolution of population stability. More recently Dr. Mueller's research has focused on the evolution of age-specific patterns of aging and physiological decline that occurs prior to death. He is the author of three books and over 120 research articles.