Book Reviews

Amongst ecologists there is a growing awareness that many plant traits and plant assemblages are shaped by animals that share their habitats, and it is these interactions that provide an essential dynamic to contemporary evolutionary and ecological studies. However, the multidimensional character of plant– animal interactions challenges experimental and quantitative ecologists, as we seek to develop generalisations that apply beyond the community or plant species of interest. Plant–animal interactions: an evolutionary approach is a multi-authored book that attempts to provide a modern synthesis of the topic, while identifying worthwhile approaches for future research. Part 1 outlines the role plant–animal interactions have in maintaining biodiversity (Price) and includes a section on adaptive radiations relevant to New Zealand. A chapter giving a paleontological perspective (Labandeira) on the origin of plant–animal interactions provides a worthwhile corrective for neoecologists interested in explaining present-day interactions in isolation from their history. Part 2 focuses on different forms of herbivory and devotes a chapter each to insects (Strauss, Zangeri), mammals (Danell, Bergström), and birds (Hulme, Benkman). I appreciated the authors’ attempts to examine both the animal and plant aspects of herbivory at all levels of biodiversity, from the individual to the ecosystem. Part 3 focuses on well-known mutualisms, namely animal pollination (Pellmyr) and seed dispersal (Herrera), and it is here that the subtlety and complexity of the evolutionary dynamics of plant–animal interactions is perhaps most clearly seen. Recognising the structural diversification amongst flowers and fruits coupled with profound variation in animal feeding and behavioural traits, and the contrasting population dynamics and mobility of the plant and animal participants, the authors provide a well thought out examination of the evidence for relative fitness-related benefits and the level of coevolution. Part 4 is a synthesis of the field, with a somewhat misplaced chapter on ant–plant (largely mutualistic) interactions (Beattie, Hughes), and a consideration of future directions (Thompson). The volume is a rich source of ideas and information, and many of the major issues identified for future research (e.g. role of plant polyploidy in shaping the evolution of plant–animal interactions) are well suited for exploring in New Zealand. The chapters are clearly and constructively written, mainly by Northern Hemisphere ecologists from both Europe and the USA, which tends to limit the examples, but does reflect the geographical intensity of studies to date. Depth of coverage of different aspects is often uneven, but key references are provided for further information. In my view, the aim “to provide a manageable synthesis of recent developments in the field of terrestrial plant–animal interactions” has been well achieved. I have already used the book to understand unfamiliar areas, and suspect that others will find it equally helpful.