Pattern and Process in Macroecology (PDF)

Issues of scale have become increasingly important to ecologists.
This book addresses the structure of regional (large-scale)
ecological assemblages or communities, and the influence this has
at a local (small-scale) level. This macroecological perspective is
essential for the broader study of ecology because the structure
and function of local communities cannot be properly understood
without reference to the region in which they are situated.

The book reviews and synthesizes the issues of current
importance in macroecology, providing a balanced summary of the
field that will be useful for biologists at advanced undergraduate
level and above. These general issues are illustrated by frequent
reference to specific well-studied local and regional assemblages
-- an approach that serves to relate the macroecological
perspective (which is perhaps often difficult to comprehend) to the
everyday experience of local sites.

Macroecology is an expanding and dynamic discipline. The broad
aim of the book is to promote an understanding of why it is such an
important part of the wider program of research into ecology.

* * Summarises the current macroecological literature.

* Provides numerous examples of key patterns.

* Explicitly links local and regional scale processes.

* Exploits detailed knowledge of one species assemblage to
explore broad issues in the structuring of biodiversity.