Comparative genomics : Methods and protocols
Provides new and updated chapters covering computational and mathematical techniques and concepts related to the field of comparative genomics. The topics covered in the chapters range from those that address general techniques and concepts that apply to all organisms to others that are specialized and apply to specific biological systems such as viruses, bacteria, nematodes, and insects.
Bridging laboratory and field research for genetic control of disease vectors
Contemporary research on genetic control of disease-transmitting insects knows two kinds of scientists: those that work in the laboratory and those known as ‘field people’. Over the last decade, both groups seem to have developed differing research priorities, address fundamentally different aspects within the overall discipline of infectious-disease control, and worse, have developed a scientific ‘language’ that is no longer understood by the ‘other’ party. This gap widens every day, between the North and the South, between ecologists and molecular biologists, geneticists and behaviourists, etc. The need to develop a common research agenda that bridges this gap has been identified as a top priority by all parties involved. Only then shall the goal of developing appropriate genetic-control strategies for vectors of disease become reality.
Biology and Ecology of Norway Spruce
This book presents a concise and comprehensive review of the biology, ecology, and management of Norway spruce. It integrates classic and contemporary literature (more than 2000 works cited in the text), highlighting basic research and forestry practices in central and eastern Europe. The topics include anatomy and morphology, physiology and nutrition, reproductive biology and genetics, and ecology. In addition, it examines mycorrhiza, diseases and pests as well as silviculture and wood products. In the light of increasing threats to forest health from air pollution, climate change, and insects and disease, it provides an essential information source to those concerned with the ecology, conservation, and management of the species
Biological Invasions Belowground : Earthworms as Invasive Species
he most conspicuous biological invasions in terrestrial ecosystems have been by exotic plants, insects and vertebrates. Less conspicuous but possibly of equal importance are invasions by soil invertebrates, which are occurring literally beneath our feet. Familiar examples include the South American fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) which has invaded North America and Australia, and the New Zealand flatworm (Arthurdendyus triangulatus) which has become wide-spread in the United Kingdom; both have caused considerable ecological and economic damage. There is now evidence that exotic earthworm invasions are increasing world-wide and may be having significant impacts on soil processes and plant communities in some regions. Much remains to be learned about these ‘cryptic’ biological invasions. The papers in this book are based on efforts by an international group of soil ecologists to assess the biological and ecological mechanisms of earthworm invasions, their geographic extent and impacts on terrestrial ecosystems, and possible means by which earthworm invasions might be mitigated.
Biogeography and Ecology of Bulgaria
The book includes 22 chapters by 28 authors united by the single theme: biogeography and ecology of Bulgaria. From the single-celled organisms in the Black Sea sand to the endemic cave crustaceans, from the mountain glacial relict insects to the most diverse bird fauna in Europe, the unique fauna of Bulgaria has been a subject of study of mostly Bulgarian zoologists for more than a century. This is the first monograph in English broadly addressing all vertebrate and many key invertebrate groups of Bulgaria, their faunistics, origin, geographical and ecological distribution, and conservation issues are addressed by the experts on each group.
Beetle conservation
Interest in beetle conservation has long been evident, with many papers treating these abundant, ecologically important and popular insects. However, this issue of Journal of Insect Conservation is the first to be dedicated entirely to beetles, and contains a number of papers, predominantly from outside western Europe, to demonstrate the variety and scope of problems and conservation concerns that surround these insects. A short introductory perspective is followed by eight original contributions, in which beetles from many parts of the world are considered, and in which some major threats to their wellbeing are evaluated.
Mass Extinction
The present book combines three main aspects: five major mass extinctions; contributions on some other minor extinctions; and more importantly contributions on the current mass extinction.






