"Few have attempted to document the complex nature and history of the use of phylogenies in ecology, but Nathan Swenson does so admirably. His book, Phylogenetic Ecology, weaves together the history of phylogenetic ecology with real-world examples masterfully."

The Quarterly Review of Biology

“Swenson is emerging as the world-leading expert in phylogenetic ecology. An excellent introduction for all sorts of audiences, this book presents a modern synthesis of phylogenetic comparative ecology that takes some of the most fundamental questions raised by pioneer biologists (such as Darwin and Hutchinson) and puts them in a contemporary perspective. This is an ambitious and inspiring book. Highly synthetic, it melds current thinking with historical perspectives for illuminating future directions. It is remarkably well done.”

Sergio Rasmann, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel

“Swenson clearly establishes that we should move on from using phylogenies as proxies for unmeasured ecological variables and instead use phylogenetic trees as backbones from which we can hang our (phylogenetically informed) ecological analyses. In presenting a strong case for why we should move in this direction, this book finds its niche. Well written and cogent.”

Jonathan Davies, Departments of Botany, Forest & Conservation Sciences, Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia

"Swenson...promotes a new approach to the discipline of phylogeny, and in the process proposes a novel application of the phylogenetic tree as a metric for ecological assessment of biological communities."

F. W. Yow | Choice