The Biology of Mutualism: Ecology and Evolution

Front Cover
Douglas H. Boucher
Oxford University Press, 1985 - Science - 388 pages
The view of nature as `red in tooth and claw', as a jungle in which competition and predation are the predominant themes, has long been important in both the scientific and popular literature. However, in the past decade another view has become widespread among ecologists: the idea that mutualisms--mutually beneficial interactions between species--are just as important as competition and predation. This book is one of the first to explore this theme. Ideas and theories applicable to all sorts of mutualisms are presented and, where appropriate, examined in the light of concrete data. Themes explored include: the organisms involved, both animal and plant; how specializations evolved once mutualisms formed; how mutualisms affect population dynamics and community structure; and the role of mutualisms in different environments. The book will be of special interest to ecologists and a wide range of biologists.
 

Contents

H Lewis
29
The Natural History of Mutualisms D H Janzen
40
Benefit Models of Mutualism Kathleen
100
40
118
Department of Genetics Washington University
144
Equilibrium Populations and Longterm Stability
171
145
187
9
212
Departamento de Botanica Instituto
213
The Population Dynamics of Mutualistic Systems
250
The Dynamics of Microbial Commensalisms and Mutu
270
Mutualism Limited Competition and Positive Feed
305
Indirect Facilitation and Mutualism John Vander
326
A Food Web Approach to Mutualism in Lake Commu
344
Mutualism in Agriculture Douglas H Boucher
375
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About the author (1985)

Douglas H. Boucher is a Professor at the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Quebec.

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