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Monographs in Population Biology #1
The Theory of Island Biogeography
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.
224 pages, Paperback
First published September 21, 1967
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 9, 2023
This book is one of the most comprehensive pieces looking at biogeography that I've read, and it was interesting to actually see the primary source for concepts I've learned through various other outlets. Admittedly, this book is very math heavy (a field I respect but don't often engage with), but the summaries manage to encapsulate the less-intuitive points in ways that clarify ideas and unintentionally illuminate novel conservation strategies. It's not the breeziest read, but I think for ecologists, this book is definitely worth the read.
August 31, 2013
Whew...this book was way over my head. I picked it up because it has been referred to in some ecology, conservation, and environmental books that I've been reading for my dissertation. I thought I would go back and look at one of the classics. However, there is a reason I'm a historian. The math, the graphs, the endless symbology...I had no idea what was going on. I found two passages on applying island biogeography theory to isolated pieces of wilderness on the mainland that I could comprehend and thought interesting, potentially helpful. I have no doubt that if you have a better background in this stuff you would get more out of it. I think I will stick to summaries of the work written for the layman.
August 5, 2016
An absolute classic. Hugely influential on spatial ecology and evolution of structured populations, and inspired a more theoretical/mathematical approach to biogeography. Although slightly dated, still worth a read by any ecologist.
May 7, 2020
A good book to read on the path to understanding the natural world better. As I remember it, it was well written for the layman to read.
August 8, 2011
One of the greatest books of all time.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews