Through eight successful editions over nearly 40 years, Biogeography: An Ecological and Evolutionary Approach has provided a thorough and comprehensive exploration of the varied scientific disciplines and research essential for understanding biogeography. The text is praised for its solid background in historical biogeography and basic biology, enhanced by discussions of current research. This new 9th edition incorporates exciting changes from recent years, offering a thoughtful exploration of the research and controversies that have transformed our understanding of global biogeography.

The book clearly identifies three distinct arenas of biogeographical research: continental biogeography, island biogeography, and marine biogeography. It is unique among current textbooks in providing full coverage of marine biogeography. The text reveals how the patterns of life we observe today have been shaped by two fundamental forces—the Geological Engine, plate tectonics, which alters planetary conditions, and the Biological Engine, evolution, which responds to these changes through the creation of new forms and patterns of life.