Book Reviews

Abstract

Robert J. Whittaker (1998) Island Biogeography: Ecology, Evolution and Conservation. Pp. 272. Oxford University Press, Oxford. £50.00 (hardback), ISBN 0-19-850021-1 £19.99 (paperback), ISBN 0-19-850020-3. In writing this textbook, Robert Whittaker set out to allow students from different backgrounds and disciplines access to ‘.....the full array of island bio-geographical themes and issues’. This he has achieved admirably. The book is bang up-to-date and covers the vast array of topics that one would expect, given the historically pivotal role that islands have played in the development of evolutionary and ecological ideas. The main sections of the book cover: Island environments; Biodiversity hotspots; Speciation and the island condition; Arrival and change; Models of island evolution; Species numbers games; Community assembly and dynamics; Island theory and conservation; and The impact of humans on island ecosystems. Each of these broad topics is covered in detail, using a broad range of data and examples from a range of disciplines. A striking feature of the book is that where there are controversies, and there are many in this area of study, the author does not skirt the issue but gives a well balanced and full account of the varying arguments and schools of view. This is all backed up with a very large number of references to the primary literature. The result is an excellent, but demanding textbook, where the student is not only presented with factual material but also a very clear insight into how scientific ideas develop and change as debate and field work continues. The book is exceptionally well written, in a clear and enjoyable style and the author's clear enthusiasm for the ‘island condition’ comes across vividly. This must be the textbook of choice for anyone delivering a course on island ecology and biogeography. I shall certainly use it in my own teaching.