The use of molecular markers has revolutionized ecological genetics in the last 20 years. The fundamental problem facing new researchers is which of the many markers should be used and how the resulting data should then be analyzed. Until now, these guidelines have been hidden away in specialist journals. Ecological Geneticsaddresses this fundamental problem in clear, accessible language, suitable for upper-level undergraduates through to research-level professionals.

The major topics in Ecological Geneticsare treated within separate chapters, including:

• genetic diversity of populations and species
• gene flow
• phylogeography, and
• speciation

Within each chapter the potentially suitable molecular markers are described and the resulting data from each type of marker are discussed, including the underlying concepts of the various modes of analysis. These are illustrated with examples from both the plant and animal kingdoms.

Researchers embarking on molecular approaches to ecological genetics (for instance, final-year undergraduates and new postgraduates) will find the book essential, and more experienced researchers will also find it of interest.

Molecular ecologists finally have a text-book that deals with their discipline. Ecological Geneticsfills the market-gap between general accounts of evolutionary biology and specialist texts focusing on individual research topics. The authors have brought together a useful mix of theory, practical approaches, conceptual issues, and individual case studies to provide a balanced and accessible overview of the field. Peter Hollingsworth, Royal Botanic Garden <!--end-->

"This book is a pleasure to read: it is clearly written, well organized and leaves no ambiguity." Andre A Dhondt, Cornell University, Trends in Ecology and Evolution, August 2004

"This book is a well-written, comprehensive overview of the essential techniques underlying ecological genetics. I would certainly recommend it to any new student undertaking postgraduate study in the field of molecular ecology." Dr. Jim Provan, Queen's University Belfast

The use of molecular markers has revolutionized ecological genetics in the last 20 years. This accessible, straightforward book provides the reader with the guidelines needed to decide which of these many markers should be used in research and how the resulting data should then be analyzed. The major topics within Ecological Genetics are treated within separate chapters. These include genetic diversity of populations and species, genetic structure, gene flow, phylogeography, and speciation. Within each chapter the potentially suitable molecular markers are described, and the resulting data from each type of marker is discussed, including the underlying concepts of the various modes of analysis. These are illustrated using examples from both the plant and animal kingdoms.

Dr Andrew Lowerecently took up a position as Research Lecturer in Ecological Genetics at the University of Queensland, Australia, after serving as a Senior Scientific Research Officer at the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Edinburgh, UK. He manages a global network of highly regarded research projects on speciation and hybridization, range-wide phylogeography and fine-scale population gene dynamics, and has published more than 50 articles and papers on these subjects in scientific journals and books.

Dr Stephen Harrisis Druce Curator of the Oxford University Herbaria, UK. As a University Research Lecturer he teaches in plant conservation genetics, and his research interests are molecular systematics, conservation genetics, and the effects of human activities on plant genetic variation and speciation. He has published more than 50 articles and papers on these subjects in scientific journals and books.

Dr Paul Ashtonis a Senior Lecturer in Botany at Edge Hill College of Higher Education, UK. He was instrumental in implementing one of the UK’s first degree programs in Conservation Biology. He is also an Associate Lecturer with the Open University and has recently developed a small research group to continue his long-held interests in plant speciation and introgression, while developing new interests in conservation genetics.

Preface.

Abbreviations.

1 Ecological Genetics.

2. Markers And Sampling In Ecological Genetics.

3. Genetic Diversity And Differentiation.

4. Gene Flow and Mating System.

5. Intraspecific Phylogenies And Phylogeography.

6. Speciation and Hybridization.

7. Case Studies In Ecological Genetics: Lycaenid Buterflies, Ragworts, Bears, and Oaks.

Appendices.

Glossary.

Index