synthesizes current viewpoints and knowledge on microbial ecological theory. The book has assembled a collection of essays by a diverse group of well-respected scientists who merge the boundaries of ecology and microbiology to explore some of the central tenets of macro-ecological theory with a microbial perspective. The contributors explore the mainstays of macro-ecology asking questions such as "do microbes have biogeography?" and "does a microbial species concept exist?" Additionally, the book shows how high-resolution molecular data is informing and underpinning the evolution of microbial ecological theory. It demonstrates how the application of macro-ecological theory to the microbial world is not only enhancing our understanding of microbial ecology, but it also provides a reference point for the development of new theories. Written for graduate students and academic researchers, the book encourages cross-disciplinary thinking and provides direction and perspective on the still fledgling field of microbial ecological theory. It is highly recommended for all microbiology libraries.

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