Island: Fact and Theory in Nature

Features

• Cover Type: Hard Cover with 402 pages
• Published by: University of California Press
• Edition: 1st Edition November 1, 2005
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0520243528
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0520243521
• Book Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.1 x 1.6 inches
• Weighs: 2.4 pounds

Product Description
Guana, in the British Virgin Islands, is home to a remarkably diverse assortment of animal and plant life: mangroves, flamingos, iguanas, frogs, birds, snakes, spiders, tortoises, grasshoppers, and bats, to name but a few. What is so surprising about Guana's amazing panoply is that, according to prevailing ecological theories, the island's diversity should be much lower than it actually is. This provocative book describes Guana's flora and fauna against the backdrop of islands worldwide and their ecology, evolution, and conservation. Much more than a book about one island, it raises important challenges to prevailing dogma of island biogeography and theoretical ecology. James (Skip) Lazell demonstrates that meaningful conservation and avoiding tragic loss of biodiversity demand we know far more about biological interactions, physiographic and geological structure, meteorology, and other factors. He presents compelling evidence that high levels of natural biodiversity underpin ecosystem resilience and stability. Lazell's engaging narrative, containing many entertaining asides and personal reflections, widens into an evocative commentary about the nature of life on earth.

From the Inside Flap
"The most refreshing and entertaining expose on island biogeography I've read in ages."--Gregory K. Pregill, University of San Diego

Reader Reviews
This is an awesome book. I am visiting Guana Island and wanted to find some info about the flora and fauna of the Island before my visit. I got way more than I expected! I would have to quibble with the suggestion that this book is written for any lay person who just had a passing interest in the Island. You really do need to have at least an active interest in science and biology to really get into the book, it's not a particularly light read! If you are looking for a guide to take to the island, this is not the book either as the photographs are pretty limited. Having said all that, this is a great book which covers many thought provoking subjects and even if you have no specific interest in Guana Island it is still well worth reading.