Habitat destruction has left many landscapes increasingly fragmented. These isolated populations, or metapopulations, are in a constant state of change-growing, shrinking, disappearing, and reappearing. This unique volume brings together an international team of ecologists, geneticists, and evolutionary biologists who provide a comprehensive review of metapopulations. This book will provide fundamental reading for anyone studying the spatial dynamics of populations. This book is an essential reference for anyone who is interested in conservation and population dynamics. Key Features * Essential for biologists interested in spatial population dynamics * Serves as a valuable reference to conservationists * Covers both the principal theories and field studies * Reviews the ecology, genetics, and evolution of metapopulations