Synopses & Reviews
The biological diversity of our planet is being depleted due to the direct and indirect consequences of human activity. As the size of animal and plant populations decrease, loss of genetic diversity reduces their ability to adapt to changes in the environment, with inbreeding depression an inevitable consequence for many species. This textbook provides a clear and comprehensive introduction to the importance of genetic studies in conservation. The text is presented in an easy-to-follow format with main points and terms clearly highlighted. Each chapter concludes with a concise summary, which, together with worked examples and problems and answers, emphasise the key principles covered. Text boxes containing interesting case studies and other additional information enrich the content throughout, and over 100 beautiful pen and ink portraits of endangered species help bring the material to life.
Review
"The greenhorn and the seasoned researcher alike will benefit from a reference copy on their shelves." Endangered Species"Finally there is a single source that clearly and lucidly explains the importance of genetics to conservation--this book will become a standard reference for the field." Ecology"Other than students of conservation genetics, this book is very highly recommended reading for all wildlife managers and researchers and in particular, ecological consultants and government scientists who have to take into consideration aspects of conservation genetics in their daily advice or assessment work...well edited and written so it is delightfully easy to read." Pacific Conservation Biology"...given its breadth and up-to-date treatment of the literature, the text should be of considerable value to students interested in conservation genetics and to the professional who needs a complete reference." TRENDS in Genetics"The authors have balanced student need for clarity and brevity with the requirements of conservation professionals for detailed applications... Other recent volumes dealing with conservation genetics are more limited in scope or are collections of case studies, so this volume meets the need for a comprehensive work." Choice
Synopsis
The first teaching text in the developing field of conservation genetics.
Synopsis
Presented in an easy-to-follow format, this clear and comprehensive textbook provides an accessible introduction to the emerging discipline of genetic studies in conservation. Includes chapter summaries, text boxes, worked examples, problems and solutions as aids to revision.
About the Author
Dick Frankham is Professor of Biology at Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia. He began his career in quantitative genetics, achieving international recognition for his work on Drosophila before turning to conservation genetics in the early 1990s. He has made a significant contribution to the establishment and advancement of the field and has become one of the major figures in the discipline. This has been recognised by his inclusion in '2000 Outstanding Scientists of the 21st Century'.Jon Ballou is Population Manager at the Smithsonian Institution's National Zoological Park in Washington DC, USA and an adjunct member of the faculty at the University of Maryland. His career has focused on developing the science underlying the practical management of small populations of endangered or threatened species, both captive and wild. The results of his studies have been instrumental in highlighting the key role played by genetics in wildlife conservation and management.David Briscoe is Associate Professor of Biology at Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia where he has been a close collaborator with Dick Frankham on Drosophila research, as well as working with others on rock wallabies, velvet worms and slime molds. An outstanding communicator, his inspirational teaching enthuses students at all levels and reaches beyond the academic sphere through television appearances and popular level books such as Biodiversity: Australia's Living Wealth to which he contributed.