Includes bibliographical references (p. 296-343) and index.

The entangled bank : Specialization within Darwin's entangled bank -- From the entangled bank to the evolutionary synthesis -- Specialization and coevolution since the evolutionary synthesis -- The evolution of specialization : Phylogeny of specialization -- Evolutionary genetics of specialization -- Ontogeny of specialization -- Natural selection and the geographic structure of specialization : Why parasitism is special -- Choosing among multiple victims -- Coping with multiple enemies: the geography of defense -- Extreme specialization in mutualists -- Further limitations on specialization in mutualisms -- Specialization and coevolution : Genetics of coevolution -- The geographic mosaic theory of coevolution -- Diversifying coevolution -- Asymmetries in specialization and coevolution -- Pushing the limits of coevolution -- Synthesis : The geographic mosaic in evolving interactions -- Epilogue : Specialization, coevolution, and conservation.

"Traditional ecological approaches to species evolution have frequently dealt with too few species, relatively small areas, and relatively short time spans. In The Coevolutionary Process, John N. Thompson advances a new conceptual approach to the evolution of species interactions - the geographic mosaic theory of coevolution. Thompson demonstrates how an integrated study of life histories, genetics, and the geographic structure of populations yields a surprisingly broad understanding of coevolution." "Thompson examines how and when extreme specialization evolves in interdependent species and how geographic differences in specialization, adaptation, and the outcomes of interactions shape coevolution. Through the geographic mosaic theory, he connects the study of specialization and coevolution in local communities and the study of broader patterns seen in comparisons of the phylogenies of interacting species."--Jacket.

Description based on print version record.