The use of molecular markers has revolutionized ecological genetics in the last 20 years. The fundamental problem facing new researchers is which of the many markers should be used and how the resulting data should then be analyzed. Until now, these guidelines have been hidden away in specialist journals. Ecological Genetics addresses this fundamental problem in clear, accessible language, suitable for upper-level undergraduates through to research-level professionals.

The major topics in Ecological Genetics are treated within separate chapters, including:

• genetic diversity of populations and species
• gene flow
• phylogeography, and
• speciation

Within each chapter the potentially suitable molecular markers are described and the resulting data from each type of marker are discussed, including the underlying concepts of the various modes of analysis. These are illustrated with examples from both the plant and animal kingdoms.

Researchers embarking on molecular approaches to ecological genetics (for instance, final-year undergraduates and new postgraduates) will find the book essential, and more experienced researchers will also find it of interest.

Dr Andrew Lowe recently took up a position as Research Lecturer in Ecological Genetics at the University of Queensland, Australia, after serving as a Senior Scientific Research Officer at the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Edinburgh, UK. He manages a global network of highly regarded research projects on speciation and hybridization, range-wide phylogeography and fine-scale population gene dynamics, and has published more than 50 articles and papers on these subjects in scientific journals and books.

Dr Stephen Harris is Druce Curator of the Oxford University Herbaria, UK. As a University Research Lecturer he teaches in plant conservation genetics, and his research interests are molecular systematics, conservation genetics, and the effects of human activities on plant genetic variation and speciation. He has published more than 50 articles and papers on these subjects in scientific journals and books.

Dr Paul Ashton is a Senior Lecturer in Botany at Edge Hill College of Higher Education, UK. He was instrumental in implementing one of the UK's first degree programs in Conservation Biology. He is also an Associate Lecturer with the Open University and has recently developed a small research group to continue his long-held interests in plant speciation and introgression, while developing new interests in conservation genetics.