Mitonuclear Ecology

This novel text provides a concise synthesis of how the interactions between mitochondrial and nuclear genes have played a major role in shaping the ecology and evolution of eukaryotes. The foundation for this new focus on mitonuclear interactions originated from research in biochemistry and cell biology laboratories, although the broader ecological and evolutionary implications have yet to be fully explored. The imperative for mitonuclear coadaptation is proposed to be a major selective force in the evolution of sexual reproduction and two mating types in eukaryotes, in the formation of species, in the evolution of ornaments and sexual selection, in the process of adaptation, and in the evolution of senescence. The book highlights the importance of mitonuclear coadaptation to the evolution of complex life and champions mitonuclear ecology as an important subdiscipline in ecology and evolution.

Geoffrey E. Hill, Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, AL, USA

Dr. Geoffrey E. Hill is an ornithologist and professor of biology at Auburn University and a fellow in the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Ornithological Society. He is co-editor on two scholarly volumes on bird coloration as well as author of three other books: A Red Bird in a Brown Bag, Ivorybill Hunters, and most recently National Geographic Bird Coloration. He has published more than 250 journal articles on behavior and evolution. Dr. Hill earned his bachelor's degree from Indiana University and his doctorate from the University of Michigan. He has served as major professor to more than 30 graduate students who have earned doctoral and master's degrees from Auburn University. He was recently awarded the William Brewster Memorial Award for lifetime achievement in ornithology.