This volume is based on the Arthur M. Sackler Colloquium of the National Academy of Sciences, “In the Light of Evolution II: Biodiversity and Extinction,” held December 7-8, 2007, at the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center of the National Academies of Sciences and Engineering in Irvine, California. The articles appearing in these pages were contributed by speakers at the colloquium and have been anonymously reviewed. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this volume are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the National Academy of Sciences.

In the light of evolution / John C. Avise and Francisco J. Ayala, editors.

p. cm.

Vol. I based on a colloquium of the National Academy of Sciences, held December 1–2, 2006, in Irvine, California.

Includes bibliographical references.

1. Evolution (Biology)—Congresses. I. Avise, John C, 1948-. II. Ayala, Francisco José, 1934-III. National Academy of Sciences (U.S.)

QH359.I55 2007

576.8--dc22

2007032455

Cover image: Stylized turtle, street art from Quito, Ecuador (artist unknown). Driven by human agriculture and industry, the Earth is currently undergoing the sixth mass extinction episode in its history. This image symbolizes both human industry and the countless unknown species that are disappearing before they can be catalogued and studied. Image courtesy of John C. Avise.