Plant-animal interactions

Thorough coverage of multitrophic-level plant-animal interactions. Discusses a wide range of significant aspects, such as herbivore-plant interactions (with coverage of insects as well as mammals), carnivorous plant ecology and evolution, pollination and population dispersal agents, plant communities as habitats for animals, interactions in agroecosystems, and coevolution. The most rapidly expanding subdiscipline of ecology is the study of interactions between animals and plants. Ecologists no longer consider the evolution of plants as being independent from their interactions with animals (and vice versa). This realization has created new excitement in the fields of biochemistry, physiology, taxonomy, as well as in ecology. In an easy-to-read style, this book captures that excitement, provides guidance through the scientific literature (more than 1,200 citations), and shows where progress will be greatest in the future. Each chapter is authored by a different expert, but the book seems written in a single voice. It is clear, authoritative, and well illustrated with charts and photographs. Topics covered include pollination biology, seed dispersal, insect and mammalian herbivory, ant-plant interactions, carnivorous plants, and community ecology. Will be eagerly read by advanced undergraduates who want to update their ecology and biology textbooks; graduate students and faculty will also find it of value. No library attempting to keep abreast with advances in ecology should be without it. -G. Stevens, Gustavus Adolphus College--Choice Review.