Intraspecific Genetic Diversity

Download Intraspecific Genetic Diversity PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 3540309632
Total Pages : 445 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (43 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Intraspecific Genetic Diversity by : Yuri Petrovich Altukhov

Download or read book Intraspecific Genetic Diversity written by Yuri Petrovich Altukhov and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2006-01-16 with total page 445 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Population and evolutionary genetics have been quickly developing ?elds of biological research over the past decades. This book compiles our current understanding of genetic processes in natural populations. In addition, the book provides the author’s original ideas and concepts based on the data obtained by himself and his close coworkers. The author introduces his pioneering concept of population genetic stability,and much of thebook is concerned with the factors and conditions of such stability. Why does genetic stability matter so much? Altukhov argues that the sustainable use of natural resources, including genetic resources of popu- tions, critically depends on the maintenance of their stability. The preser- tion of well-adapted genetic characteristics from one generation to the next is essential for this stability. Traditionally, population genetics has been - cusedonevolution andthe role of evolutionary factorsinshapinggenetic structures of populations. While the idea of a population as a dynamic unit of evolution has been widely accepted, the signi?cance of genetic stability and its implications for the long-term survival of populations and species have not been fully appreciated.

Intraspecific Genetic Diversity

Download Intraspecific Genetic Diversity PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 9783540809678
Total Pages : 438 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (96 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Intraspecific Genetic Diversity by : Yuri Petrovich Altukhov

Download or read book Intraspecific Genetic Diversity written by Yuri Petrovich Altukhov and published by Springer. This book was released on 2009-09-02 with total page 438 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Population and evolutionary genetics have been quickly developing ?elds of biological research over the past decades. This book compiles our current understanding of genetic processes in natural populations. In addition, the book provides the author’s original ideas and concepts based on the data obtained by himself and his close coworkers. The author introduces his pioneering concept of population genetic stability,and much of thebook is concerned with the factors and conditions of such stability. Why does genetic stability matter so much? Altukhov argues that the sustainable use of natural resources, including genetic resources of popu- tions, critically depends on the maintenance of their stability. The preser- tion of well-adapted genetic characteristics from one generation to the next is essential for this stability. Traditionally, population genetics has been - cusedonevolution andthe role of evolutionary factorsinshapinggenetic structures of populations. While the idea of a population as a dynamic unit of evolution has been widely accepted, the signi?cance of genetic stability and its implications for the long-term survival of populations and species have not been fully appreciated.

Intraspecific Genetic Diversity

Download Intraspecific Genetic Diversity PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 9783540254904
Total Pages : 464 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (549 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Intraspecific Genetic Diversity by : Yuri Petrovich Altukhov

Download or read book Intraspecific Genetic Diversity written by Yuri Petrovich Altukhov and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2005-11-24 with total page 464 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Population and evolutionary genetics have been quickly developing ?elds of biological research over the past decades. This book compiles our current understanding of genetic processes in natural populations. In addition, the book provides the author’s original ideas and concepts based on the data obtained by himself and his close coworkers. The author introduces his pioneering concept of population genetic stability,and much of thebook is concerned with the factors and conditions of such stability. Why does genetic stability matter so much? Altukhov argues that the sustainable use of natural resources, including genetic resources of popu- tions, critically depends on the maintenance of their stability. The preser- tion of well-adapted genetic characteristics from one generation to the next is essential for this stability. Traditionally, population genetics has been - cusedonevolution andthe role of evolutionary factorsinshapinggenetic structures of populations. While the idea of a population as a dynamic unit of evolution has been widely accepted, the signi?cance of genetic stability and its implications for the long-term survival of populations and species have not been fully appreciated.

Human Effects on Intraspecific Genetic Diversity

Download Human Effects on Intraspecific Genetic Diversity PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (122 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Human Effects on Intraspecific Genetic Diversity by : Katie Millette

Download or read book Human Effects on Intraspecific Genetic Diversity written by Katie Millette and published by . This book was released on 2020 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Intraspecific genetic diversity allows species to adapt and evolve in response to environmental disruptions and novel stressors. As the frequency and severity of environmental disturbances increases, species may be eroded of their evolutionary potential and unable to keep pace with their changing world. The complexity of the processes affecting intraspecific genetic diversity across spatial scales compromises our ability to predict how the patterns observed in nature translate to future evolutionary outcomes. Measuring and observing patterns of intraspecific genetic diversity contributes to our understanding of the extent to which we are affecting the resilience and future adaptability of populations.In this thesis, I extend research on what is known about patterns in intraspecific genetic diversity in the laboratory and nature, using a combination of experimental, field, and data surveys. First, I conducted a laboratory experiment to determine the mechanistic process(es) maintaining diversity in populations with divergent amounts of initial genetic diversity. I found that an initial high input of genetic diversity does not result in a proportional maintenance of genetic diversity. The composition of genotypic diversity shifted significantly to few genotypes, suggesting competition within populations may eliminate supplemental genetic diversity in populations and that the window for establishing local population genetic structure can be exceptionally short. I then conducted a population genetic survey of Daphnia from lakes across a landscape of variable environmental disturbance. My prediction of eroded intraspecific genetic diversity was upheld in some populations, except for the most polluted, which maintained high genetic diversity as a result of hybridization and introgression of closely related ecological species. This indicates that stressed habitats can have selective effects on genotypic structure but can also break pre-existing ecological barriers and facilitate habitat transitions. I then extend my assessment to the global scale, to evaluate how human land use and population density affect trends in intraspecific diversity in species of birds, fish, mammals, and insects worldwide. I show that human impacts on mitochondrial intraspecific genetic diversity changes with species and spatial scale, indicating that in the taxa assessed there is no global monotonic net effect of humans. The results indicate that some species experienced an increase, while other species experienced a decrease in genetic diversity over the period 1980-2016. Divergent effects of humans on the ecological processes governing population genetic structure, brief timespans in monitoring, as well as species-specific life history traits likely underlie the globally inconsistent effect of humans on animal intraspecific genetic diversity. My thesis demonstrates the dynamic nature of intraspecific genetic diversity in response to biological and anthropogenic conditions. These findings support the conservation strategy of preserving genetic variation within species and the management of populations from diverse environments as a solution to the elevated extinction risk of species"--

Handbook of Trait-Based Ecology

Download Handbook of Trait-Based Ecology PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
ISBN 13 : 1108472915
Total Pages : 311 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (84 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Handbook of Trait-Based Ecology by : Francesco de Bello

Download or read book Handbook of Trait-Based Ecology written by Francesco de Bello and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2021-03-11 with total page 311 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Trait-based ecology is rapidly expanding. This comprehensive and accessible guide covers the main concepts and tools in functional ecology.

Analysis of Genetic Variation in Animals

Download Analysis of Genetic Variation in Animals PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : IntechOpen
ISBN 13 : 9789535100935
Total Pages : 374 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (9 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Analysis of Genetic Variation in Animals by : Mahmut Caliskan

Download or read book Analysis of Genetic Variation in Animals written by Mahmut Caliskan and published by IntechOpen. This book was released on 2012-02-29 with total page 374 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Analysis of Genetic Variation in Animals includes chapters revealing the magnitude of genetic variation existing in animal populations. The genetic diversity between and within populations displayed by molecular markers receive extensive interest due to the usefulness of this information in breeding and conservation programs. In this concept molecular markers give valuable information. The increasing availability of PCR-based molecular markers allows the detailed analyses and evaluation of genetic diversity in animals and also, the detection of genes influencing economically important traits. The purpose of the book is to provide a glimpse into the dynamic process of genetic variation in animals by presenting the thoughts of scientists who are engaged in the generation of new idea and techniques employed for the assessment of genetic diversity, often from very different perspectives. The book should prove useful to students, researchers, and experts in the area of conservation biology, genetic diversity, and molecular biology.

Interspecific and Intraspecific Genetic Diversity of Thunnus Species

Download Interspecific and Intraspecific Genetic Diversity of Thunnus Species PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (115 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Interspecific and Intraspecific Genetic Diversity of Thunnus Species by : Mei-Chen Tseng

Download or read book Interspecific and Intraspecific Genetic Diversity of Thunnus Species written by Mei-Chen Tseng and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Interspecific and Intraspecific Genetic Diversity of Thunnus Species.

Incompatibility in Angiosperms

Download Incompatibility in Angiosperms PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 3662120518
Total Pages : 245 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (621 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Incompatibility in Angiosperms by : D. de Nettancourt

Download or read book Incompatibility in Angiosperms written by D. de Nettancourt and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-04-17 with total page 245 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Attempting to collect, sort out, comment on and summarize from available literature the relevant information dealing with a specific problem is always a difficult task which necessarily involves sub jective choices and implies a considerable risk of errors and omis sions. The difficulty is increased when, as in the case of incompati bility in angiosperms, the subject to be treated traces its history to preDarwinian times and reflects the total sum of numerous in vestigations dealing with widely different disciplines, such as ge netics, cytology, biochemistry, systematics and physiology, which no single reviewer may pretend to master sufficiently to avoid completely the possibility of misinterpretation. Furthermore, the complexity of the task is further augmented by the fact that the student of incompatibility, confronted as he or she is with still poorly understood phenomena of genetic control and molecular recognition, often tends to be speculative and, in some instances, over-imaginative at the time of fitting research observations and experimental data into appropriate models, schemes and hypo theses. The compensation for such a state of affair is, however, a strong one and lies in the remarkable willingness and readiness of "in compatibilists" to cooperate, and to provide information, ex planations and illustrations to anyone attempting to penetrate into their universe of research and of reflection.

Consequences of Intraspecific Genetic Variation for Population Dynamics and Niche Expansion

Download Consequences of Intraspecific Genetic Variation for Population Dynamics and Niche Expansion PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 160 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (729 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Consequences of Intraspecific Genetic Variation for Population Dynamics and Niche Expansion by : Deepa Ashok Agashe

Download or read book Consequences of Intraspecific Genetic Variation for Population Dynamics and Niche Expansion written by Deepa Ashok Agashe and published by . This book was released on 2009 with total page 160 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Intraspecific genetic diversity is an important attribute of natural populations and is deemed critical for their adaptive potential and persistence. However, we have limited empirical understanding of the impact of genetic diversity on population performance under different conditions. For my dissertation, I conducted long-term laboratory experiments with populations of the flour beetle Tribolium castaneum to test the consequences of genetic variation for population dynamic stability and niche evolution. In Chapter 1, I show that genetic variation prevented population extinction in a novel habitat. In addition, genetically diverse populations were more stable, both in a novel heterogeneous habitat and in their ancestral habitat. In the ancestral habitat, alleles from a single founding lineage dominated the dynamics, leading to increased stability of genetically diverse populations. However, such as selective effect was not observed in the novel heterogeneous habitat. Therefore, while genetic variation within populations increased their stability and persistence, the magnitude of the impact and its mechanism depended on the selective habitat. In Chapter 2, I ask whether genetic variation also facilitates resource niche expansion, i.e., use of a novel resource. Using stable carbon isotopes, I analyzed diets of beetles sampled from the above experiment and quantified the rate of change in resource use. Contrary to theoretical predictions, I found that genetic variation for resource use had no effect on the rate of niche evolution. Furthermore, behavioral niche expansion accounted for most of the adaptation to the novel resource, and the behavioral change hindered subsequent evolutionary change in resource use. It is thus apparent that in the short term, behavioral plasticity in niche use may impose far greater constraints on niche evolution than the amount of standing genetic variation. Mathematical models predict that intraspecific competition generates selection for niche evolution, and that genetic variation increases the response to selection. Therefore, I hypothesized that the impact of genetic variation on resource niche evolution may depend on the degree of intraspecific competition. In the final chapter of this thesis, I describe results of an experiment to test this hypothesis. I found that genetic variation and competition indeed interacted to increase the rate of niche expansion in T. castaneum, but that their impacts were temporally variable. Furthermore, the two factors acted on different components of niche evolution: while competition only affected the degree of niche expansion, genetic variation also promoted maintenance of individual variation in resource use. In summary, my thesis describes experiments to test for the ecological and evolutionary impacts of intraspecific genetic variation; and its interaction with behavioral plasticity, intraspecific competition, and resource availability. Genetic diversity and behavioral plasticity are common features of living organisms, and therefore it is vital to understand their combined consequences for population ecological and evolutionary dynamics. In addition, natural populations often face intense competition for limited resources. Hence the experimental results presented here can help us to better understand how populations overcome these resource constraints, given their specific genetic composition. Biologists are increasingly aware that the intricate connection between ecological and evolutionary dynamics is important to gain a more complete understanding of population biology. The work described here represents one of the few experiments providing such detailed mechanistic understanding of the interactions between- and consequences of - key ecological and evolutionary parameters. Finally, the results have important implications for conservation biology, because they show that the effects of genetic diversity can vary greatly depending on a number of population and environmental parameters.

Impacts of Intraspecific Genetic Diversity on Plant Species Interactions and Coexistence

Download Impacts of Intraspecific Genetic Diversity on Plant Species Interactions and Coexistence PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (535 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Impacts of Intraspecific Genetic Diversity on Plant Species Interactions and Coexistence by : Mark C. Bilton

Download or read book Impacts of Intraspecific Genetic Diversity on Plant Species Interactions and Coexistence written by Mark C. Bilton and published by . This book was released on 2007 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Intraspecific Genetic Diversity in Blennosperma Bakeri Heiser (Asteraceae)

Download Intraspecific Genetic Diversity in Blennosperma Bakeri Heiser (Asteraceae) PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 64 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (33 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Intraspecific Genetic Diversity in Blennosperma Bakeri Heiser (Asteraceae) by : Douglas G. Eakins

Download or read book Intraspecific Genetic Diversity in Blennosperma Bakeri Heiser (Asteraceae) written by Douglas G. Eakins and published by . This book was released on 1994 with total page 64 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Genetic Diversity and Erosion in Plants

Download Genetic Diversity and Erosion in Plants PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 3319259547
Total Pages : 439 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (192 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Genetic Diversity and Erosion in Plants by : M.R. Ahuja

Download or read book Genetic Diversity and Erosion in Plants written by M.R. Ahuja and published by Springer. This book was released on 2015-12-16 with total page 439 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Genetic erosion is the loss of genetic diversity within a species. It can happen very quickly, due to catastrophic events, or changes in land use leading to habitat loss. But it can also occur more gradually and remain unnoticed for a long time. One of the main causes of genetic erosion is the replacement of local varieties by modern varieties. Other causes include environmental degradation, urbanization, and land clearing through deforestation and brush fires. In order to conserve biodiversity in plants, it is important to targets three independent levels that include ecosystems, species and genes. Genetic diversity is important to a species’ fitness, long-term viability, and ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Chapters in this book are written by leading geneticists, molecular biologists and other specialists on relevant topics on genetic erosion and conservation genetic diversity in plants. This divisible set of two volumes deals with a broad spectrum of topics on genetic erosion, and approaches to biodiversity conservation in crop plants and trees. Volume 1 deals with indicators and prevention of genetic erosion, while volume 2 covers genetic diversity and erosion in a number of plants species. These two volumes will also be useful to botanists, biotechnologists, environmentalists, policy makers, conservationists, and NGOs working to manage genetic erosion and biodiversity.

Biodiversity of Fungi

Download Biodiversity of Fungi PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Elsevier
ISBN 13 : 0080470262
Total Pages : 797 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (84 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Biodiversity of Fungi by : Mercedes S. Foster

Download or read book Biodiversity of Fungi written by Mercedes S. Foster and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2011-04-28 with total page 797 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Biodiversity of Fungi is essential for anyone collecting and/or monitoring any fungi. Fascinating and beautiful, fungi are vital components of nearly all ecosystems and impact human health and our economy in a myriad of ways. Standardized methods for documenting diversity and distribution have been lacking. A wealth of information, especially regrading sampling protocols, compiled by an international team of fungal biologists, make Biodiversity of Fungi an incredible and fundamental resource for the study of organismal biodiversity. Chapters cover everything from what is a fungus, to maintaining and organizing a permanent study collection with associated databases; from protocols for sampling slime molds to insect associated fungi; from fungi growing on and in animals and plants to mushrooms and truffles. The chapters are arranged both ecologically and by sampling method rather than by taxonomic group for ease of use. The information presented here is intended for everyone interested in fungi, anyone who needs tools to study them in nature including naturalists, land managers, ecologists, mycologists, and even citizen scientists and sophiscated amateurs. - Covers all groups of fungi - from molds to mushrooms, even slime molds - Describes sampling protocols for many groups of fungi - Arranged by sampling method and ecology to coincide with users needs - Beautifully illustrated to document the range of fungi treated and techniques discussed - Natural history data are provided for each group of fungi to enable users to modify suggested protocols to meet their needs

Intraspecific Genetic Diversity and Divergence of Geographicallyisolated Populations of Sceloporus Graciosus Gracilis Using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA

Download Intraspecific Genetic Diversity and Divergence of Geographicallyisolated Populations of Sceloporus Graciosus Gracilis Using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 110 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (359 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Intraspecific Genetic Diversity and Divergence of Geographicallyisolated Populations of Sceloporus Graciosus Gracilis Using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA by : Michael R. Boyd

Download or read book Intraspecific Genetic Diversity and Divergence of Geographicallyisolated Populations of Sceloporus Graciosus Gracilis Using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA written by Michael R. Boyd and published by . This book was released on 1996 with total page 110 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Landscape Genetics

Download Landscape Genetics PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 1118525299
Total Pages : 298 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (185 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Landscape Genetics by : Niko Balkenhol

Download or read book Landscape Genetics written by Niko Balkenhol and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2015-11-09 with total page 298 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: LANDSCAPE GENETICS: CONCEPTS, METHODS, APPLICATIONS LANDSCAPE GENETICS: CONCEPTS, METHODS, APPLICATIONS Edited by Niko Balkenhol, Samuel A. Cushman, Andrew T. Storfer, Lisette P. Waits Landscape genetics is an exciting and rapidly growing field, melding methods and theory from landscape ecology and population genetics to address some of the most challenging and urgent ecological and evolutionary topics of our time. Landscape genetic approaches now enable researchers to study in detail how environmental complexity in space and time affect gene flow, genetic drift, and local adaptation. However, learning about the concepts and methods underlying the field remains challenging due to the highly interdisciplinary nature of the field, which relies on topics that have traditionally been treated separately in classes and textbooks. In this edited volume, some of the leading experts in landscape genetics provide the first comprehensive introduction to underlying concepts, commonly used methods, and current and future applications of landscape genetics. Consistent with the interdisciplinary nature of the field, the book includes textbook-like chapters that synthesize fundamental concepts and methods underlying landscape genetics (Part 1), chapters on advanced topics that deserve a more in-depth treatment (Part 2), and chapters illustrating the use of concepts and methods in empirical applications (Part 3). Aimed at beginning landscape geneticists and experienced researchers alike, this book will be helpful for all scientists and practitioners interested in learning, teaching, and applying landscape genetics.

Conservation and the Genetics of Populations

Download Conservation and the Genetics of Populations PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 1444309056
Total Pages : 664 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (443 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Conservation and the Genetics of Populations by : Fred W. Allendorf

Download or read book Conservation and the Genetics of Populations written by Fred W. Allendorf and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2009-03-12 with total page 664 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Conservation and the Genetics of Populations gives acomprehensive overview of the essential background, concepts, andtools needed to understand how genetic information can be used todevelop conservation plans for species threatened withextinction. Provides a thorough understanding of the genetic basis ofbiological problems in conservation. Uses a balance of data and theory, and basic and appliedresearch, with examples taken from both the animal and plantkingdoms. An associated website contains example data sets and softwareprograms to illustrate population genetic processes and methods ofdata analysis. Discussion questions and problems are included at the end ofeach chapter to aid understanding. Features Guest Boxes written by leading people in the fieldincluding James F. Crow, Nancy FitzSimmons, Robert C. Lacy, MichaelW. Nachman, Michael E. Soule, Andrea Taylor, Loren H. Rieseberg,R.C. Vrijenhoek, Lisette Waits, Robin S. Waples and AndrewYoung. Supplementary information designed to support Conservationand the Genetics of Populations including: Downloadable sample chapter Answers to questions and problems Data sets illustrating problems from the book Data analysis software programs Website links An Instructor manual CD-ROM for this title is available. Pleasecontact our Higher Education team at ahref="mailto:[email protected]"[email protected]/afor more information.

Eco-evolutionary Dynamics

Download Eco-evolutionary Dynamics PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Princeton University Press
ISBN 13 : 0691204179
Total Pages : 410 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (912 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Eco-evolutionary Dynamics by : Andrew P. Hendry

Download or read book Eco-evolutionary Dynamics written by Andrew P. Hendry and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2020-06-09 with total page 410 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In recent years, scientists have realized that evolution can occur on timescales much shorter than the 'long lapse of ages' emphasized by Darwin - in fact, evolutionary change is occurring all around us all the time. This work provides an authoritative and accessible introduction to eco-evolutionary dynamics, a cutting-edge new field that seeks to unify evolution and ecology into a common conceptual framework focusing on rapid and dynamic environmental and evolutionary change.