Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

The history of women field biologists, embedded in a history largely made and recorded by men, has never been written. Compilations of biographies have been assembled, but the narrative--their story--has never been told. Given the preponderance of today's professional female ecologists, animal behaviorists, systematists, conservation biologists, wildlife biologists, restoration ecologists, and natural historians, it is time to tell this story--the challenges and hardships they faced and still face, and the prominent role they have played and increasingly play in understanding our natural world. Each woman highlighted here followed a unique path. For some, personal wealth facilitated their work; some worked alongside their husbands. Many served as invisible assistants to men, receiving little or no recognition. Others were mavericks who carried out pioneering studies and whose published works are still read and valued today. All served as inspiration and proved to the women who would follow that women are as capable as men at studying nature in nature. Their legacy lives on today. The 75 female field biologists interviewed for this book are further testament that women have the intellect, stamina, and passion for fieldwork.

This topical volume in the respected Encyclopedia series is the first in many years to bring together all important aspects of developmental biology in one source, from morphogenesis and organogenesis, via epigenetic regulation of gene expression to evolutionary developmental biology. The editor-in-chief has assembled an outstanding team of contributors to review these topics, creating an authoritative work for many years to come. The result is a unique, top-level reference in developmental biology for researchers, students and professionals alike.