First published in 1972 and now available for the first time in
paperback, this book is the summation of the life work of one of the
most influential scientists of our time. Of permanent interest in the
history and philosophy of science, it is also frequently cited in the
current ecological literature and is still up-to-date in many
categories.
"The theme running through this book," MacArthur wrote, "is that the
structure of the environment, the morphology of the species, the
economics of species behavior, and the dynamics of population changes
are the four essential ingredients of all interesting biogeographic
patterns." Written in his beautifully lucid style, this work will
continue to be read by anyone concerned with biological ideas.