Big Questions in Ecology and Evolution

Prof. Tom Sherratt has authored and co-authored over 90 scientific publications in evolution and ecology, including several papers in Nature. Co-author of an earlier book for Oxford University Press on anti-predator defence, and an Associate Editor of The American Naturalist, Tom has a wide range of teaching and research interests, especially in entomology and evolutionary theory.Dr Dave Wilkinson has authored and co-authored over 80 scientific publications in biology, environmental science, archaeology and the history of science. He authored a previous award winning book for Oxford University Press,"Fundamental Processes in Ecology; an Earth systems approach". He has wide research and teaching interests in biology and environmental sciences.

• Preface ; 1. Why do we age? ; 2. Why sex? ; 3. Why cooperate? ; 4. Why species? ; 5. Why are the tropics so diverse? ; 6. Is nature chaotic? ; 7. Why is the land green? ; 8. Why is the sea blue? ; 9. When did we start to change things? ; 10. How will biosphere end? ; 11. General Conclusions ; Species List ; Glossary ; Bibliography ; Subject Index

Each chapter is an exciting and thrilling read...This is fascinating book. Every ecologist will profit from reading it, enjoying the in-depth-analysis of central ecological questions.