Decomposition and recycling of vertebrate remains have been understudied, hampered largely due to these processes being aesthetically challenging (e.g., smell and sight). Technological innovations have provided the means to explore new and historically understood natural systems to give us a plethora of new information. Carrion Ecology, Evolution, and Their Applications covers a broad spectrum of topics including the molecular mechanistic foundations that provide the basis for intra- and interspecific interactions related to population biology, community ecology, and how this manifests into habitat- and ecosystem-level importance. The book connects the science of carrion decomposition from genes to ecosystems in multidisciplinary synthesis of the science.

This book brings together a team of global experts involved with measuring and understanding the process and effects of carrion ecology in nature, with special application in such applied fields as forensic entomology, habitat management, animal production (e.g., livestock and aquaculture), and human and environmental health. It fills a large literature gap in ecology, providing a synthesis and future directions important for studies of carrion decomposition that improve the general understanding of decomposition in ecosystems. The book fuses multiple disciplines into a single message explaining the importance of vertebrate carrion ecology in nature.

Illustrates Carrion Decomposition in a 16-Page Color Insert with 40 Photos

The authors illustrate how the study of carrion transcends the globe and expands systems of inquiry, broadening awareness of this important ecosystem process. Whether you are a student, academic, or professional, you will find this book insightful for the fields of molecular ecology, microbiology, entomology, forensics, population biology, community and ecosystem ecology, and human and environmental health.

INTRODUCTION TO CARRION DECOMPOSITION

Introduction to Carrion, Ecology, Evolution, and Their Applications

Eric Benbow, Jeffery K. Tomberlin, and Aaron M. Tarone

Processes and Mechanisms of Death and Decomposition of Vertebrate Carrion

Shari L. Forbes and David O. Carter

Microbial Interactions During Carrion Decomposition

Tawni L. Crippen, M. Eric Benbow, and Jennifer L. Pechal

Arthropod Communities in Terrestrial Environments

Richard W. Merritt and Grant D. De Jong

Carrion Effects on Belowground Communities and Consequences for Soil Proceßes

Michael S. Strickland and Kyle Wickings

Ecological Role of Vertebrate Scavengers

James C. Beasley, Zach H. Olson, and Travis L. DeVault

Design and Analysis of Field Studies in Carrion Ecology

Kenneth G. Schoenly, J.-P. Michaud, and GaÉtan Moreau


ECOLOGICAL MECHANISMS OF CARRION DECOMPOSITION

Community and Landscape Ecology of Carrion

Eric Benbow, Jennifer L. Pechal, Rachel M. Mohr

Chemical Ecology of Vertebrate Carrion

Jonathan A. Cammack, Meaghan L. Pimsler, Tawni L. Crippen, and Jeffery K. Tomberlin

Vertebrate Carrion as a Model for Conducting Behavior Research

Jeffery K. Tomberlin, Michelle R. Sanford, Meaghan L. Pimsler, and

Sherah L. VanLaerhoven

Modeling Species Interactions within Carrion Food Webs

Sherah L. VanLaerhoven

Aquatic Vertebrate Carrion Decomposition

John R. Wallace

The Role of Carrion in Ecosystems

Philip S. Barton


EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY OF CARRION DECOMPOSITION

Ecological Genetics

Aaron M. Tarone

Quantitative Genetics of Life-History Traits in Coprophagous and

Necrophagous Insects

Wolf Blanckenhorn

Carrion and Dung Mimicry in Plants

Andreas Jürgens and Adam Shuttleworth

Population Genetics and Molecular Evolution of Carrion-Associated Arthropods

Christine J. Picard, Jonathan J. Parrott, and John W. Whale

Microbial Genetics and Systematics

Michael S. Allen and Michael G. LaMontagne

Microbiome Studies of Carrion Decomposition

Jeßica L. Metcalf, David O. Carter, and Rob Knight

Interkingdom Ecological Interactions of Carrion Decomposition

Heather R. Jordan, Jeffery K. Tomberlin, Thomas K. Wood, and M. Eric Benbow

Ecology of African Carrion

Sarah C. Jones, Eli D. Strauß, and Kay E. Holekamp

APPLICATIONS OF CARRION DECOMPOSITION

Carrion Communities as Indicators in Fisheries, Wildlife Management, and Conservation

.D. Hocking and S.M. O’Regan

Composting as a Method for Carrion Disposal in Livestock Production

Shanwei Xu, Tim Reuter, Kim Stanford, Francis J. Larney, and Tim A. McAllister

Human Decomposition and Forensics

Gail S. Anderson

Frontiers in Carrion Ecology and Evolution

Eric Benbow, Jeffery K. Tomberlin, and Aaron M. Tarone