Biogeography considers the distribution of biological units over a wide range of scales. The units range from genotypes, populations and species to families and higher taxa. Processes can be local, such as the isolation on islands due to sea-level fluctuations, or large-scale tectonic processes that separates continents and creates oceans. In all processes time is an important factor and by combining data on recent patterns with paleontological data the understanding of the distribution of extant taxa can be improved. This volume focuses on speciation due to isolation in island-like settings, and the evolution of large-scale diversity as the result of origination, maintenance and extinction.
From the reviews:
"This volume of the series 'Topics in Geobiology' focuses on speciation due to isolation in island-like settings, and the evolution of large-scale diversity as the result of origination, maintenance and extinction. ... Biogeography is seen here mainly in the context of paleontology, zoology, plate tectonics, and evolutionary processes resulting in genetic isolation and morphological differentiation on islands. ... A fascinating, outstanding and highly recommendable contribution to biogeography." R. Gerstmeier, Entomofauna, Vol. 29 (9), 2008.
"Willem Renema ... presents a balanced collection of chapters on a diversity of taxa, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and biogeographic phenomena. ... Each chapter is well laid out, following a structural format which is held consistent throughout the book. ... this is a rich collection of contributions that provides an eclectic sampling of current research on the responses of ancient biotas to the dynamics of barriers, dispersal routes, and islands. ... recommend highly to all scientists interested in the temporal and geographic dynamics of life." Mark V. Lomolino, Journal of Mammal Evolution, Vol. 16, 2009.
"This volume of the series 'Topics in Geobiology' focuses on speciation due to isolation in island-like settings, and the evolution of large-scale diversity as the result of origination, maintenance and extinction. ... Biogeography is seen here mainly in the context of paleontology, zoology, plate tectonics, and evolutionary processes resulting in genetic isolation and morphological differentiation on islands. ... A fascinating, outstanding and highly recommendable contribution to biogeography." R. Gerstmeier, Entomofauna, Vol. 29 (9), 2008.
"Willem Renema ... presents a balanced collection of chapters on a diversity of taxa, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and biogeographic phenomena. ... Each chapter is well laid out, following a structural format which is held consistent throughout the book. ... this is a rich collection of contributions that provides an eclectic sampling of current research on the responses of ancient biotas to the dynamics of barriers, dispersal routes, and islands. ... recommend highly to all scientists interested in the temporal and geographic dynamics of life." Mark V. Lomolino, Journal of Mammal Evolution, Vol. 16, 2009.