Ontogeny, Functional Ecology, and Evolution of Bats

by Rick A. Adams, Scott C. Pedersen

Overview

The study of animal development has deep historical roots in codifying the field of evolutionary biology. In the 1940s, evolutionary theory became engulfed by microevolutionary genetic analysis and development became focused on mechanisms, forsaking the evolutionary implications of ontogeny. Recently, ontogeny has resurfaced as a significant component of evolutionary change, population, and community dynamics. Ontogeny, Functional Ecology and Evolution of Bats is a unique reference work by bat biologists who emphasize the importance of understanding ontogeny in the analysis of evolution and ecology. In addition, the developmental underpinnings of specialized morphology, physiology, and behavior are elucidated, and the strong influence of ecology on the ontological niche of juvenile bats is illustrated. This book is an essential reference for bat biologists, and all those working in the fields of ecology, developmental biology, evolution, behavior, and systematics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521087353
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	12/11/2008
Edition description:	Reissue
Pages:	408
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.10(d)

Table of Contents

1. Integrating ontogeny into ecological and evolutionary investigations R. A. Adams and S. C. Pedesen; 2. Bat phylogeny: an evolutionary context for comparative studies N. B. Simmons; 3. Early embryology, fetal membranes and placentation K. B. Karim and K. P. Bhatnagar; 4. Brain ontogeny and ecomorphology in bats R. L. Reep and K. P. Bhatnagar; 5. Evolutionary plasticity and ontogeny of the bat cochlea M. Vater; 6. Skull growth and the acoustic axis of the head in bats S. C. Pedersen; 7. Ontogeny of the chiropteran basicranium, with reference to the Indian false vampire bat Megaderma lyra J. R. Wible and D. L. Davis; 8. A theoretical consideration of dental morphology, ontogeny and evolution in bats C. J. Phillips; 9. Wing ontogeny, shifting niche dimensions, and adaptive landscapes R. A. Adams; 10. Ontogeny and evolution of the hindlimb and calcar: assessing phylogenetic trends R. A. Adams and K. M. Thibault; 11. A comparative perspective on the ontogeny of flight muscles in bats J. W. Hermanson; 12. Ontogeny, evolution and phylogeny of social behavior G. Jones.

Editorial Reviews

"The volume is well edited and produced...The illustrations are generally of high quality, and the figure legends do a good job of explaining the figures and referencing sources." Journal of Mammalogy

From the Publisher