Biology of Rarity

Most of what we know about the biological world comes from the study of common species, but most species are rare. The bias in our knowledge-base is of particular concern because rare and common species may, and indeed often do, differ in more ways than just their abundance patterns. The editors of this volume had previously reported in the literature a repeated pattern of low dispersal abilities, high levels of self-compatibility, and low reproductive effort among rare species. The purpose of this volume is to further document the existence of rare-common differences and to elucidate the various processes that may contribute to their creation. Rare species and the subject of rarity itself have gained increasing attention in recent years. This book addresses an aspect of their biology, bringing insights from a variety of disciplines to bear on the causes and implications of differences between rare and common species. The book should interest not only those concerned with rare species but also those of more theoretical leanings, as it addresses the fundamental question of how various ecological and evolutionary processes can contribute to the formation of pattern.