The Great American biotic interchange /

This volume contains an almost overwhelming amount of data related to the exchange of fauna (and to some degree, the flora) between North and South America facilitated by the development of the Central America land bridge some 3 million years ago. The 19 chapters authored by recognized authorities in their respective fields present a magnificent panorama of the influence the formation of this land bridge had on the mammalian, avian, reptilian, and ichthyofauna of the Western Hemisphere. Quite properly, the influence of the late George Gaylord Simpson is acknowledged since it was his inspiration that instigated many of the reported studies. Two chapters describing Caribbean plate movements emphasize the crucial but enigmatic role in inter-American biogeography of Central America. The rapidity of exchange is startling, and although copiously documented this rapidity is never totally explained. The two earliest taxa of North American mammalian families that walked to South America across the Panamanian land bridge would appear to be a skunk and a peccary. When unchecked, many mammals may migrate at a rate of 1,000 km/century. Before the interchange, the fauna of the two continents was quite different. Webb's study of the main pathways of mammalian diversification in North America will probably be the most widely quoted in this exemplary volume. The mechanics of presentation and accessory addenda are excellent. Recommended for college and university libraries.-G. Nicholas, Manhattan College