This text surveys the field of evolutionary ecology using experimental, descriptive and comparartive data. It draws on a diversity of examples from both the animal and plant kingdoms and from terrestial and aquatic environments. Mathematical approaches to the study of evolution and ecology are discussed, but little mathematical knowledge is assumed. The following topics are covered: the scope and evoutionary ecology; selection, fitness and adaptation; the genetic basis of evolutionary change; predicting the outcome of adaptation; habitat and life history; life cycles; reproductive effort; the ecology of sex; the ecological context of speciation; coevolution; and the conservation of genetic diversity.