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Richard D. Alexander is an accomplished entomologist who turned his attention to solving some of the most perplexing problems associated with the evolution of human social systems. Using impeccable Darwinian logic and elaborating, extending and adding to the classic theoretical contributions of pioneers of behavioral and evolutionary ecology like George Williams, William Hamilton and Robert Trivers, Alexander developed the most detailed and comprehensive vision of human social evolution of his era. His ideas and hypotheses have inspired countless biologists, anthropologists, psychologists and other social scientists to explore the evolution of human social behavior in ever greater detail, and many of his seminal ideas have stood the test of time and come to be pillars of our understanding of human social evolution. This volume presents classic papers or chapters by Dr. Alexander, each focused on an important theme from his work. Introductions by Dr. Alexander's former students and colleagues highlight the importance of his work to the field, describe more recent work on the topic, and discuss current issues of contention and interest.

This book presents a novel, 'model clades' approach to the study of biodiversification, explicitly integrating behaviour, ecology, taxonomy, phylogenetics, and evolution. A single lineage of over 250 species (30 genera) of phytophagous thrips that has radiated on Australian Acacia is considered. Nine genera are newly described. The book explores causes and consequences of behavioural-ecological diversification with special emphasis on the evolution of social behaviour, host-plant use and exploitative behaviours. Ecological pressures of the arid and unpredictable Australian climate have selected for diverse means of creating, usurping, and co-opting domiciles. Such pressure has generated a positive feedback loop - adoption and modification of new host-plants by some thrips species creates further niches for additional ones. These thrips exhibit remarkable morphological, behavioural and ecological variation. They can be considered as a microcosm for understanding processes that generate biodiversity among all phytophagous insects, and indeed among all animals.