Ancient Lakes Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution

Ancient lakes are aquatic 'islands' in which a complex of ecological, genetic and evolutionary influences have shaped their biotas in isolation over hundreds of thousands to millions of years. In these lakes, organisms achieve some of the highest levels of biodiversity and endemism known to any freshwater habitat, offering unique opportunities for studying the mechanisms of evolution and speciation in situ. In this internationally authored volume, expert scientists present the latest research results and theories to emerge from a wide range of studies in these lakes. Containing exciting new findings in the ecology, evolution and systematics of ancient lake biotas, together with many suggested areas for future research, this volume will be essential reading for all biologists interested in ecology, evolution, conservation and biodiversity."... this book is without parallel; it capably highlights the most recent advances in the field, and will be a valuable addition to the bookshelf of all those interested in biodiversity and diversification in freshwater systems." - Trends in Ecology & EvolutionPraise for the Series "This series should certainly serve as an effective means of keeping abreast of the major advances in this challenging and growing field." --PHYTOLOGIA "Without exception the papers are well and attractively written and together constitute an important and stimulating contribution to the modern science of ecology." --NATUREScattered over several continents, the ancient lakes of the world have a unique uninterrupted history dating back beyond 100,000 years. Ancient lakes are, in effect, aquatic islands in which a complex of ecology, genetics and evolutionary constraints have shaped in isolation their biotas over hundreds of thousands to millions of years. The diverse faunas achieve some of the highest levels of diversity known to any habitat, offering unique opportunities as 'natural laboratories' for studying the mechanisms of evolution and speciation in situ. This internationally authored volume contains the latest research results and theories to emerge from a diverse range of studies in these lakes. Containing exciting new findings in the ecology, evolution and systematic studies of ancient lake biotas together with many suggested areas for future research, it will be essential reading for all those with a general interest in ecology, evolution and natural history. In this volume expert scientists present the latest results and perspectives from their research on the organisms of the ancient lakes. Diverse in its taxonomic coverage and themes, and international in its authorship and coverage, Ancient Lakes will appeal to all biologists interested in evolution, ecology and biodiversity. Key Features * Ancient lakes are increasingly recognised as important models of evolution and speciation * This volume presents a diverse range of exciting new hypotheses and perspectives on ancient lake biotas * Information is included on Russian and Chinese faunas, available in English here for the first timeScattered over several continents, the ancient lakes of the world have a unique uninterrupted history dating back beyond 100,000 years.BRAncient lakes are, in effect, aquatic islands in which a complex of ecology, genetics and evolutionary constraints have shaped in isolation their biotas over hundreds of thousands to millions of years. The diverse faunas achieve some of the highest levels of diversity known to any habitat, offering unique opportunities as 'natural laboratories' for studying the mechanisms of evolution and speciation in situ. BRThis internationally authored volume contains the latest research results and theories to emerge from a diverse range of studies in these lakes.BRContaining exciting new findings in the ecology, evolution and systematic studies of ancient lake biotas together with many suggested areas for future research, it will be essential reading for all those with a general interest in ecology, evolution and natural history.BRIn this volume expert scientists present the latest results and perspectives from their research on the organisms of the ancient lakes. Diverse in its taxonomic coverage and themes, and international in its authorship and coverage, Ancient Lakes will appeal to all biologists interested in evolution, ecology and biodiversity. BRKey FeaturesBR* Ancient lakes are increasingly recognised as important models of evolution and speciationBR* This volume presents a diverse range of exciting new hypotheses and perspectives on ancient lake biotasBR* Information is included on Russian and Chinese faunas, available in English here for the first time