ANT ECOLOGY *

Comprising a substantial part of living biomass on earth, ants are integral to the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. More than 12,000 species have been described to date, and it is estimated that perhaps as many still await classification.

Ant Ecology explores key ecological issues and new developments in myrmecology across a range of scales. The book begins with a global perspective on species diversity in time and space and explores interactions at the community level before describing the population ecology of these social insects. The final section covers the recent ecological phenomenon of invasive ants: how they move across the globe, invade, affect ecosystems, and are managed by humans. Each chapter links ant ecology to broader ecological principles, provides a succinct summary, and discusses future research directions. Practical aspects of myrmecology, applications of ant ecology, debates, and novel discoveries are highlighted in text boxes throughout the volume.

The book concludes with a synthesis of the current state of the field and a look at exciting future research directions. The extensive reference list and full glossary are invaluable for researchers, and those new to the field.

Contents
Foreword;
Preface;
PART 1 - GLOBAL ANT DIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION;
1. Taxonomy, Phylogenetics, and Evolution;
2. Biogeography;
3. Geographic Gradients;
4. Ant Conservation: Current Status and Call to Action;
PART 2 - COMMUNITY DYNAMICS;
5. Competition and the Role of Dominant Ants;
6. Ants as Mutualists;
7. Food and Shelter: How Resources Influence Ant Ecology;
8. Ant Biodiversity and Function in Disturbed and Changing Habitats;
PART 3 - POPULATION ECOLOGY;
9. Colonial Reproduction and Life Histories;
10. Colony Structure;
11. Nestmate Recognition;
12. Foraging and Defence Strategies in Ants;
PART 4 - INVASIVE ANTS;
13. Biogeographic and Taxonomic Patterns of Introduced Ants;
14. Invasion Processes and Causes of Success;
15. Consequences of Ant Invasions;
16. Invasive Ant Management;
17. Synthesis and Perspectives; Glossary; References; Index