摘要

Examines the evolution of life on a constantly changing planet and the results of that process. Explores new insights from plate tectonics; from deep ocean life investigations; from island biogeography; from growing knowledge about past geography, climates and ecology; and from development in evolutionary theory will interest `outdoor' biologists of all kinds, ecologists, students of evolution, oceanographers, paleontologists, and geographers. With numerous maps and diagrams and a bibliography of over 300 references.