Landscape Genetics: Concepts, Methods, Applications

by Niko Balkenhol, Samuel Cushman, Andrew Storfer

LANDSCAPE CONCEPTS, METHODS, APPLICATIONS LANDSCAPE CONCEPTS, METHODS, APPLICATIONSEdited by Niko Balkenhol, Samuel A. Cushman, Andrew T. Storfer, Lisette P. WaitsLandscape genetics is an exciting and rapidly growing field, melding methods and theory from landscape ecology and population genetics to address some of the most challenging and urgent ecological and evolutionary topics of our time. Landscape genetic approaches now enable researchers to study in detail how environmental complexity in space and time affect gene flow, genetic drift, and local adaptation. However, learning about the concepts and methods underlying the field remains challenging due to the highly interdisciplinary nature of the field, which relies on topics that have traditionally been treated separately in classes and textbooks.In this edited volume, some of the leading experts in landscape genetics provide the first comprehensive introduction to underlying concepts, commonly used methods, and current and future applications of landscape genetics. Consistent with the interdisciplinary nature of the field, the book includes textbook-like chapters that synthesize fundamental concepts and methods underlying landscape genetics (Part 1), chapters on advanced topics that deserve a more in-depth treatment (Part 2), and chapters illustrating the use of concepts and methods in empirical applications (Part 3).Aimed at beginning landscape geneticists and experienced researchers alike, this book will be helpful for all scientists and practitioners interested in learning, teaching, and applying landscape genetics.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 15, 2015

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book pulls together the key aspects of landscape genetics from the underlying concepts and principles and the tools and techniques used through the development of different approaches, including their pros and cons, to where the field is now, how it can be improved and developed further and where it could go in the future. Each chapter is written largely stand alone in the usual journal article format familiar to research scientists. Each one is easier to read than the standard article and includes necessary background information so they can be read and understood by non-specialists and non-scientists. From my point of view, there is plenty in this book that has clarified approaches and techniques that I'm using for my masters and has highlighted a few areas for me to work on and clarify as part of my studies/research, so that alone has made this a fabulously useful book.