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VE01-58 Blackwell Encyclopedia of Human Evolution.
  Wood, Bernard/ 9781405155106
 
 
VE01-56 Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Thought, 2-Vols/Set.
  / 9780826418647
 
 
VE01-57 Astrobiology: Emergence, Search and Detection of Life.
  Basiuk, Vladimir A./ 9781588831378
 
  According to a brief definition, astrobiology is an area of modern knowledge which studies the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of Life in the Universe. The main aspects of astrobiology include experimental and theoretical modeling of the prebiotic and early biological evolution of Life on Earth or elsewhere; the search for present or past Life, biological or prebiotic molecules on other space bodies in our Solar System (for example Titan, Europa, Mars); the search for habitable environments in our Solar system as well as habitable planets outside it; studies of the ability of different Life forms to adapt to new environmental factors on Earth and in space. This explains why it is hard to find another example of a multidisciplinary field, which brings together collective efforts of experts in biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, spectroscopy, geology, volcanology, analytical and space instrumentation, among others. The present edition would be impossible without involving a similar list of scientists as contributors. The book is organized into three general sections and contains 19 chapters.
VE01-44-5 Intelligent Design and Religion as a Natural Phenomenon.
  Wilkins, John/ 9780754627630
 
  Over the past decade a strident public debate has arisen about the nature and origin of religions. Controversies include how exactly religion evolved, whether by individual or group selection, if it is adaptive, and if not, whether and how it is a side effect of evolution. This volume focuses on the issue of naturalizing religion: on the ways in which cognitive science and social sciences have treated religion as a natural phenomenon. It questions whether religious behaviour, institutions, and experiences can be explained in natural terms. The editor brings together some of the best published work on the definition of "religion", intelligent design and the evolution of religion.
VE01-44-4 Evolution of Culture, The.
  Linquist, Stefan/ 9780754627616
 
  Recent years have seen a transformation in thinking about the nature of culture. Rather than viewing culture in opposition to biology, a growing number of researchers now regard culture as subject to evolutionary processes. Recent developments in this field have shifted some of the traditional academic fault lines. Alliances are forming between researchers trained in anthropology, evolutionary biology, psychology and philosophy. Meanwhile, several distinct schools of thought have appeared which differ in their vision of what an evolutionary approach to culture should look like. This volume contains some of the most influential publications on these subjects from the past few decades. A theoretical background chapter and critical introduction identify the core issues at stake in the new study of cultural evolution. These chapters are followed by sections on each of the four dominant approaches: the phylogenetic approach, memetics, dual inheritance theory and niche construction. Following these are two chapters on closely related topics: the psychological mechanisms of culture and the existence of culture in non-human animals. Overall, this volume provides an up to date overview of some of the most exciting trends in contemporary evolutionary thought.
VE01-44-3 Evolutionary Ethics.
  Levy, Neil/ 9780754627586
 
  Might human morality be a product of evolution? An increasing number of philosophers and scientists believe that moral judgment and behaviour emerged because it enhanced the fitness of our distant ancestors. This volume collects some recent explorations of the evidence for this claim, as well as papers examining its implications. Is an evolved morality a genuine morality? Does an evolutionary origin deflate the pretensions of morality, or strip it of its force in guiding behaviour? Is an evolutionary approach compatible with realism about morality? All sides of these debates are represented in this volume.
VE01-44-2 Evolutionary Psychology.
  Linquist, Stefan/ 9780754627555
 
  Evolutionary approaches to the study of human beings have been able to explain the origin and maintenance of many of the features of our bodies. Many thinkers believe that an evolutionary approach will be equally fruitful when it comes to explaining the features of our minds. Since our behaviour is driven by our minds, our cognitive dispositions and processes are likely to have been a target of selection and adaptation. This volume collects recent prominent explorations of this theme, as well as the voices of dissenters who argue that our minds are far more significantly the product of culture than of evolution.
VE01-44-1 Philosophy of Evolutionary Biology.
  Wilkins, John/ 9780754627531
 
  The impact of evolutionary theory on the philosophy of science has been no less profound than its impact on the science of biology itself. Advances in this theory provide a rich set of examples for thinking about the nature of scientific explanation and the structure of science. Many of the developments in our understanding of evolution resulted from contributions by both philosophers and biologists engaging over theoretical questions of mutual interest. This volume traces some of the most influential exchanges in this field over the last few decades. Focal topics include the nature of biological functions, adaptationism as an explanatory and methodological doctrine, the levels of selection debate, the concepts of fitness and drift, and the relationship of evolutionary to developmental biology.
VE01-44 International Library of Essays on Evolutionary Thought, The., 5-Vols/Set.
  Levy, Neil/ 9780754627678
 
  The theory of evolution is one of science's great achievements and it plays a pivotal role in guiding new research. But could the theory also be capable of illuminating phenomena outside the scope of biology? The volumes in this series explore this question by bringing together some of the seminal writings of the past two decades which explore the relevance of evolution and evolutionarily-inspired thought to arenas of human life beyond the merely biological. The volume editors are experts in the philosophy of biology and they focus the volumes on particular controversies within each field: to what extent are the processes of selection and reproduction that explain changes in gene frequencies also at work in explaining the reproduction of ideas? Is the content of moral systems explained by evolution? Can evolution shed light on why we think as we do, perceive as we do, even feel as we do? The series also includes a volume devoted to an understanding of the theory of evolutionary biology as it is applied to the field. These volumes, which are essential for researchers in the areas of the philosophy of science, the history of ideas, applied philosophy, ethics and philosophy and theology, demonstrate a deepened appreciation for the power and ambition of evolutionary thought and a greater understanding of what it means to be an evolved being.
SE01-385 Essential Genetics: A Genomics Perspective.
  Hartl, Daniel L./ 9780763773649
 
  Updated to reflect the latest discoveries in the field, the Fifth Edition of Hartl's classic text provides an accessible, student-friendly introduction to contemporary genetics. Designed for the shorter, less comprehensive introductory course, Essential Genetics: A Genomic Perspective, Fifth Edition includes carefully chosen topics that provide a solid foundation to the basic understanding of gene mutation, expression, and regulation. New and updated sections on genetic analysis, molecular genetics, probability in genetics, and pathogenicity islands ensure that students are kept up-to-date on current key topics. The text also provides students with a sense of the social and historical context in which genetics has developed. The updated companion web site provides numerous study tools, such as animated flashcards, crosswords, practice quizzes and more! New and expanded end-of-chapter material allows for a mastery of key genetics concepts and is ideal for homework assignments and in-class discussion.
SE01-376 Exploring Bioinformatics: A Project-Based Approach.
  Clair, Caroline/ 9780763758295
 
  Exploring Bioinformatics: A Project-Based Approach is intended for an introductory course in Bioinformatics at the undergraduate level. Through hands-on projects, students are introduced to current problems in important areas of bioinformatics and then explore and develop solutions to these problems. Each chapter introduces a key problem, provides basic biological concepts, introduces computational techniques to address the problem and guides students through the use of existing web based tools and existing software solutions. This progression prepares students to tackle the ˇ§On Your Own Projectˇ¨ in which students will develop their own software solutions. Problems dealing with topics such as antibiotic resistance, genetic disease and genome sequencing provide context and relevance to capture student interest.
Alcamo's Fundamentals of Microbiology.
  Pommerville, Jeffrey/ 9780763762582
 
  The Ninth Edition of this classic text provides a firm foundation in microbiology with an emphasis on human disease. It is written for students in nursing and allied health programs and is appropriate for non-majors microbiology courses. With all of the pedagogical elements and student-friendly ancillaries that Dr. Pommerville is known for, this latest edition provides numerous new updates and additions, including the latest disease data and statistics, added material on emerging disease outbreaks, and expanded use of concept maps and much more.
Mammalogy.
  Ryan, James/ 9780763762995
 
  Mammalogy is the study of mammals from the diverse biological viewpoints of structure, function, evolutionary history, behavior, ecology, classification, and economics. Newly revised and updated, the fifth edition of Mammalogy aims to explain and clarify the subject as a unified whole. In recent years we have witnessed significant changes in the taxonomy of mammals. The authors have kept pace with such changes in the field and have revised each chapter reflect the most current data available. New pedagogical elements, including chapter outlines, further reading sections, and questions for discussion, help readers grasp key concepts and explore additional content on their own. Two new chapters on domestication and mammal diseases are available on the Mammalogy companion website.
Lewin's Cells.
  Cassimeris, Lynne/ 9780763766641
 
  Completely revised and updated to incorporate the latest data in the field, Lewin's CELLS, Second Edition is the ideal resource for advanced undergraduate and graduate students entering the world of cell biology. Redesigned to incorporate new learning tools and elements, this edition continues to provide readers with current coverage of the structure, organization, growth, regulation, movements, and interaction of cells, with an emphasis on eukaryotic cells. Under the direction of three expert lead editors, new chapters on metabolism and general molecular biology have been added by subject specialist. All chapters have been carefully edited to maintain consistent use of terminology and to achieve a homogenous level of detail and rigor. A new design incorporates many new pedagogical elements, including Concept & Reasoning Questions, Methods boxes, Clinical Applications boxes, and more.
Monitoring Forest Biodiversity: Improving Conservation Through Ecologically-Responsible Management.
  Gardner, Toby/ 9781844076543
 
  The fate of much of the world's terrestrial biodiversity depends upon our ability to improve the management of forest ecosystems that have already been substantially modified by humans. Monitoring is an essential ingredient in meeting this challenge, allowing us to measure the impact of different human activities on biodiversity and identify more responsible ways of managing the environment. Nevertheless many biodiversity monitoring programs are criticised as being little more than "tick the box" compliance exercises that waste precious resources and erode the credibility of science in the eyes of decision makers and conservation investors. The purpose of this book is to examine the factors that make biodiversity monitoring programs fail or succeed. The first two sections lay out the context and importance of biodiversity monitoring, and shed light on some of the key challenges that have confounded many efforts to date. The third and main section presents an operational framework for developing monitoring programs that have the potential to make a meaningful contribution to forest management. Discussion covers the scoping, design and implementation stages of a forest biodiversity monitoring program, including defining the purpose, goals and objectives of monitoring, indicator selection, and the process of data collection, analysis and interpretation. Underpinning the book is the belief that biodiversity monitoring should be viewed not as a stand-alone exercise in surveillance but rather as an explicit mechanism for learning about how to improve opportunities for conservation. To be successful in this task, monitoring needs to be grounded in clear goals and objectives, effective in generating reliable assessments of changes in biodiversity and realistic in light of real-world financial, logistical and social constraints.
Confronting Biopiracy: Challenges, Cases and International Debates.
  / 9781844077229
 
  The book synthesises the rise of the issue and increasing use of the term by activists and negotiators in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), to form a critical understanding of the themes, implications and politics of biopiracy. Taking a case-study based approach, derived from interviews and fieldwork with researchers, government, industry, local farmers, healers and indigenous people, the author sequentially documents events that have occurred in biopiracy and bioprospecting controversies. Implications and ethical dilemmas are explored, particularly relating to work with local communities, and the power relations entailed. Detailing international debates from the WTO, CBD and other fora in an accessible manner, the book provides a unique overview of current institutional limitations and suggests ways forward. Options and solutions are suggested for local communities, national governments, international negotiators, NGO and interest groups, researchers and industry.
Nature and Culture: Rebuilding Lost Connections.
  Pilgrim, Sarah/ 9781844078219
 
  There is a growing recognition that the diversity of life comprises both biological and cultural diversity. But this division is not universal and, in many cases, has been deepened by the common disciplinary divide between the natural and social sciences and our apparent need to manage and control nature. This book goes beyond divisive definitions and investigates the bridges linking biological and cultural diversity. The authors explore the common drivers of loss, and argue that policy responses should target both forms of diversity in a novel integrative approach to conservation, thus reducing the gap between science, policy and practice. While conserving nature alongside human cultures presents unique challenges, this book forcefully shows that any hope for saving biological diversity is predicated on a concomitant effort to appreciate and protect cultural diversity.
Earthscan Reader in Poverty and Biodiversity Conservation, The.
  Roe, Dilys/ 9781844078424
 
  This book is thus timely and important because understanding the origins and evolution of this debate is critical to understanding and resolving the current claims and counter-claims that are being made, and moving beyond polarizing debate to constructive solutions. The recent focus of the climate change agenda on reduced emissions from deforestation makes this search for solutions particularly important because of the implications for conservation and, subsequently, for its impacts on poor and vulnerable people. The Reader is an edited compilation of the most important previously-published material, which provides a guide to and commentary on the key literature on current debates on poverty-conservation linkages. The book will help readers, including both students and professionals, to locate current debates within their wider contexts.
Earthscan Reader in Poverty and Biodiversity Conservation, The.
  Roe, Dilys/ 9781844078431
 
  This book is thus timely and important because understanding the origins and evolution of this debate is critical to understanding and resolving the current claims and counter-claims that are being made, and moving beyond polarizing debate to constructive solutions. The recent focus of the climate change agenda on reduced emissions from deforestation makes this search for solutions particularly important because of the implications for conservation and, subsequently, for its impacts on poor and vulnerable people. The Reader is an edited compilation of the most important previously-published material, which provides a guide to and commentary on the key literature on current debates on poverty-conservation linkages. The book will help readers, including both students and professionals, to locate current debates within their wider contexts.
Handbook of Bioenergy Crops: A Complete Reference to Species, Development and Applications.
  Bassam, N. El/ 9781844078547
 
  Biomass currently accounts for about 15 per cent of global primary energy consumption and is playing an increasingly important role in the face of climate change, energy and food security concerns. Handbook of Bioenergy Crops is a unique reference and guide, with extensive coverage of more than 80 of the main bioenergy crop species. For each it gives a brief description, outlines the ecological requirements, methods of propagation, crop management, rotation and production, harvesting, handling and storage, processing and utilization, then finishes with selected references. This is accompanied by detailed guides to biomass accumulation, harvesting, transportation and storage, as well as conversion technologies for biofuels and an examination of the environmental impact and economic and social dimensions, including prospects for renewable energy.
Arguments for Protected Areas: Multiple Benefits for Conservation Use.
  Stolton, Sue/ 9781844078806
 
  This book provides a concise and persuasive overview of the values of protected areas. Contributing authors from over fifty countries examine a wide range of values that are maintained in protected areas, including food, water and materials; health; tourism; cultural and spiritual values; and buffering capacity against climate change and natural disasters. The book also considers the role of protected areas in poverty reduction strategies, their relationship with traditional and indigenous people and in fostering conflict resolution through peace parks initiatives. The chapters draw on a series of authoritative reports published by WWF over recent years under the "Arguments for Protection" banner, in association with various partners, and on additional research carried out especially for the volume. It analyses the opportunities and limitations of protected areas for supplying the various values along with practical advice for planners and managers about maximising benefits. It provides an important contribution to the debate about the role of protected areas in conservation and other aspects of natural resource management and human livelihoods.
Arguments for Protected Areas: Multiple Benefits for Conservation Use.
  Stolton, Sue/ 9781844078813
 
  This book provides a concise and persuasive overview of the values of protected areas. Contributing authors from over fifty countries examine a wide range of values that are maintained in protected areas, including food, water and materials; health; tourism; cultural and spiritual values; and buffering capacity against climate change and natural disasters. The book also considers the role of protected areas in poverty reduction strategies, their relationship with traditional and indigenous people and in fostering conflict resolution through peace parks initiatives. The chapters draw on a series of authoritative reports published by WWF over recent years under the "Arguments for Protection" banner, in association with various partners, and on additional research carried out especially for the volume. It analyses the opportunities and limitations of protected areas for supplying the various values along with practical advice for planners and managers about maximising benefits. It provides an important contribution to the debate about the role of protected areas in conservation and other aspects of natural resource management and human livelihoods.
Rice Biofortification: Lessons for Global Science and Development
  Brooks, Sally/ 9781849710992
 
  Biofortification - the enrichment of staple food crops with essential micronutrients - has been heralded as a uniquely sustainable solution to the problem of micronutrient deficiency or 'hidden hunger'. Considerable attention and resources are being directed towards the biofortification of rice - the world's most important food crop. Through an in-depth analysis of international rice biofortification efforts across the US, Philippines and China, this book provides an important critique of such goal-oriented, top-down approaches. These approaches, the author argues, exemplify a model of global, 'public goods' science that is emerging within complex, international research networks. It provides vital lessons for those researching and making decisions about science and research policy, showing that if this model becomes entrenched, it is likely to channel resources towards the search for 'silver bullet' solutions at the expense of more incremental approaches that respond to locality, diversity and the complex and uncertain interactions between people and their environments. The author proposes a series of key changes to institutions and practices that might allow more context-responsive alternatives to emerge. These issues are particularly important now as increasing concerns over food security are leading donors and policy makers to commit to ambitious visions of 'impact at scale' - visions which may never become a reality and may preclude more effective pathways from being pursued.
Rice Biofortification: Lessons for Global Science and Development.
  Brooks, Sally/ 9781849711005
 
  Biofortification - the enrichment of staple food crops with essential micronutrients - has been heralded as a uniquely sustainable solution to the problem of micronutrient deficiency or 'hidden hunger'. Considerable attention and resources are being directed towards the biofortification of rice - the world's most important food crop. Through an in-depth analysis of international rice biofortification efforts across the US, Philippines and China, this book provides an important critique of such goal-oriented, top-down approaches. These approaches, the author argues, exemplify a model of global, 'public goods' science that is emerging within complex, international research networks. It provides vital lessons for those researching and making decisions about science and research policy, showing that if this model becomes entrenched, it is likely to channel resources towards the search for 'silver bullet' solutions at the expense of more incremental approaches that respond to locality, diversity and the complex and uncertain interactions between people and their environments. The author proposes a series of key changes to institutions and practices that might allow more context-responsive alternatives to emerge. These issues are particularly important now as increasing concerns over food security are leading donors and policy makers to commit to ambitious visions of 'impact at scale' - visions which may never become a reality and may preclude more effective pathways from being pursued.
Handbook of Biomass Combustion and Co-firing, The.
  van Loo, Sjaak/ 9781849711043
 
  This unique handbook presents both the theory and application of biomass combustion and co-firing, from basic principles to industrial combustion and environmental impact, in a clear and comprehensive manner. It offers a solid grounding on biomass combustion, and advice on improving combustion systems. Written by leading international academics and industrial experts, and prepared under the auspices of the IEA Bioenergy Implementing Agreement, the handbook is an essential resource for anyone interested in biomass combustion and co-firing technologies varying from domestic woodstoves to utility-scale power generation. The book covers subjects including biomass fuel pre-treatment and logistics, modelling the combustion process and ash-related issues, as well as featuring an overview of the current R&D needs regarding biomass combustion.
Effective Ecological Monitoring.
  Lindenmayer, David/ 9781849711449
 
  Ecologists and managers of natural resources readily acknowledge the importance of long-term studies and monitoring for improved understanding and management of complex environmental systems. Long-term data are crucially important for providing baselines for evaluating environmental change. They are also fundamental for detecting and evaluating changes in ecosystem structure and function, and for evaluating response to disturbances such as climate change or pollution. Countless scientific articles, books, management plans and other documents have been written about the need to conduct long-term studies and monitoring. However, although there have undoubtedly been some highly successful long-term ecological studies and monitoring programs, there is a history of poorly planned and unfocused efforts that are either ineffective or fail completely. In this book, the authors outline some of the key pitfalls and deficiencies in ecological monitoring programs and long-term studies. They then describe some the features of monitoring programs and long-term studies that are essential to make them viable, using case studies such as those of Rothamsted (UK) and the Hubbard Brook Ecosystem Study (USA). Based upon their collective experience spanning 70 years in establishing long-term studies and natural resource monitoring programs, the authors propose a new approach, which they call Adaptive Monitoring, to resolve some of these problems underlying poorly planned and unfocused monitoring programs.
Effective Ecological Monitoring.
  Lindenmayer, David B./ 9781849711456
 
  Ecologists and managers of natural resources readily acknowledge the importance of long-term studies and monitoring for improved understanding and management of complex environmental systems. Long-term data are crucially important for providing baselines for evaluating environmental change. They are also fundamental for detecting and evaluating changes in ecosystem structure and function, and for evaluating response to disturbances such as climate change or pollution. Countless scientific articles, books, management plans and other documents have been written about the need to conduct long-term studies and monitoring. However, although there have undoubtedly been some highly successful long-term ecological studies and monitoring programs, there is a history of poorly planned and unfocused efforts that are either ineffective or fail completely. In this book, the authors outline some of the key pitfalls and deficiencies in ecological monitoring programs and long-term studies. They then describe some the features of monitoring programs and long-term studies that are essential to make them viable, using case studies such as those of Rothamsted (UK) and the Hubbard Brook Ecosystem Study (USA). Based upon their collective experience spanning 70 years in establishing long-term studies and natural resource monitoring programs, the authors propose a new approach, which they call Adaptive Monitoring, to resolve some of these problems underlying poorly planned and unfocused monitoring programs.
Sacred Natural Sites: Conserving Nature and Culture.
  Verschuuren, Bas/ 9781849711661
 
  Sacred natural sites are shown to contain remarkable biodiversity and therefore can make a significant contribution to halting the catastrophic extinction of wild species of plants and animals as well as the decline and damage of habitats and ecosystems. They also display a broad array of cultural diversity, languages, rituals, traditional knowledge, art, song, story, dance and identity and therefore appear of universal humanitarian value. Religion can partner with conservation science in sacred natural sites for the pragmatic and effective protection of nature. Often cared for by their traditional custodian community, sacred natural sites represent a wide diversity of socio-ecological models that can help find approaches for more sustainable lifestyles and human-nature relationships for the world at large. This book illustrates that sacred natural sites, although often under threat, exist within and outside formally recognised protected areas and heritage sites. Sacred sites may well be some of the last strongholds for building resilient networks of connected landscapes as well as forming important nodes for maintaining a dynamic cultural fabric in the face of global change. The book therefore bridges the gap between approaches to the conservation of cultural and biological diversity. It applies a multidisciplinary approach to recognizing, understanding and managing sacred natural sites. It provides examples of how economic benefits - such as from tourism and fisheries - can be compatible goals with the conservation of sacred biodiversity and thus advancing the welfare of both people and wildlife. It concludes that conservation efforts are likely to be successful only if the cultural and spiritual values are taken into account together with the socio-economic interests of the custodian communities and other relevant stakeholders.
Sacred Natural Sites: Conserving Nature and Culture.
  Verschuuren, Bas/ 9781849711678
 
  Sacred natural sites are shown to contain remarkable biodiversity and therefore can make a significant contribution to halting the catastrophic extinction of wild species of plants and animals as well as the decline and damage of habitats and ecosystems. They also display a broad array of cultural diversity, languages, rituals, traditional knowledge, art, song, story, dance and identity and therefore appear of universal humanitarian value. Religion can partner with conservation science in sacred natural sites for the pragmatic and effective protection of nature. Often cared for by their traditional custodian community, sacred natural sites represent a wide diversity of socio-ecological models that can help find approaches for more sustainable lifestyles and human-nature relationships for the world at large. This book illustrates that sacred natural sites, although often under threat, exist within and outside formally recognised protected areas and heritage sites. Sacred sites may well be some of the last strongholds for building resilient networks of connected landscapes as well as forming important nodes for maintaining a dynamic cultural fabric in the face of global change. The book therefore bridges the gap between approaches to the conservation of cultural and biological diversity. It applies a multidisciplinary approach to recognizing, understanding and managing sacred natural sites. It provides examples of how economic benefits - such as from tourism and fisheries - can be compatible goals with the conservation of sacred biodiversity and thus advancing the welfare of both people and wildlife. It concludes that conservation efforts are likely to be successful only if the cultural and spiritual values are taken into account together with the socio-economic interests of the custodian communities and other relevant stakeholders.
Conserving and Valuing Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity: Economic, Institutional and Social Challenges.
  Ninan, K. N./ 9781849711739
 
  This book comprehensively addresses the economic, social and institutional difficulties in conserving biodiversity and the ecosystem services that it provides. It covers a wide range of issues such as biodiversity, ecosystem services and valuation in the context of diverse ecosystems such as tropical forests, marine areas, wetlands and agricultural landscapes, non-timber forest products, incentives and institutions, payments for ecosystem services, governance, intellectual property rights and the protection of traditional knowledge, management of protected areas, and climate change and biodiversity. It also covers the application of environmental economics and institutional economics to different cases and the use of techniques such as contingent valuation method and game theory. The book spans the globe with case studies drawn from a cross section of regions and continents including the UK, US, Europe, Australia, India, Africa and South America.
 

 

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