Evolutionary Genetics and Environmental Stress

Book excerpt: Now available in paper, this stimulating book concentrates on evolutionary change under environmental stress at levels ranging from the molecular to the biogeographic, with an emphasis on genetic aspects. This approach contrasts with most of the literature of evolutionary biology, as theemphasis here is upon the extreme end of the stress gradient in terms of resistance. Major topics in this interdisciplinary book include the concept of stress and its evolutionary and ecological importance; genetic variation in stress response and the effects of stress on genetic variation; and costs and trade-offs involving stress responses. An approach to stress resistance interms of energetics permits the development of links between genetics, ecology, physiology, and behaviour. The book concludes with applications concerning range expansions of species, conservation strategies, and pollution effects.