This updated ecology textbook addresses the issue of diversity using a palaeoecological understanding of the time scales involved. It stresses natural selection and contingency in order to explain adaptation, and reflects the theoretical work of Robert May and his colleagues.
Exploring the dynamics of ecosystems and animal populations, this influential work delves into the reasons behind species diversity and population stability, such as the robin's consistent numbers despite high reproductive rates. Paul Colinvaux combines deep ecological knowledge with an engaging style, making complex concepts accessible. With a new foreword by Cristina Eisenberg, the book emphasizes the importance of understanding and preserving the environment, highlighting the critical role of ecologists in addressing these ecological questions.