Evolutionary Biomechanics: Selection, Phylogeny, and Constraint

by Graham Taylor, Adrian Thomas

Overview

Evolutionary biomechanics is the study of evolution through the analysis of biomechanical systems. Its unique advantage is the precision with which physical constraints and performance can be predicted from first principles. Instead of reviewing the entire breadth of the biomechanical literature, a few key examples are explored in depth as vehicles for discussing fundamental concepts, analytical techniques, and evolutionary theory. Each chapter develops a conceptual theme, developing the underlying theory and techniques required for analyses in evolutionary biomechanics. Examples from terrestrial biomechanics, metabolic scaling, and bird flight are used to analyse how physics constrains the design space that natural selection is free to explore, and how adaptive evolution finds solutions to the trade-offs between multiple complex conflicting performance objectives. Evolutionary Biomechanics is suitable for graduate level students and professional researchers in the fields of biomechanics, physiology, evolutionary biology and palaeontology. It will also be of relevance and use to researchers in the physical sciences and engineering.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780191009280
Publisher:	OUP Oxford
Publication date:	01/02/2014
Series:	Oxford Series in Ecology and Evolution
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	176
Sales rank:	759,522
File size:	23 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Graham Taylor is Associate Professor of Mathematical Biology at the University of Oxford, Department of Zoology, with a particular focus on the dynamics and control of flight, and a strong interest in evolutionary theory and animal behaviour. Adrian Thomas is Professor of Biomechanics at the University of Oxford, Department of Zoology, and works on Biomechanics and Evolution, with a particular focus on animal flight and aerodynamics. He does aerodynamics consultancy work with drone and paraglider manufacturers and flies the wings he helps design.

Table of Contents

1. Themes
2. Selection
3. Constraint
4. Scaling
5. Phylogeny
6. Form and function in ight
7. Adaptation in avian wing design
8. Trade-offs: selection, phylogeny and constraint

Editorial Reviews

"This volume provides for all. ... This is a great volume for undergraduates or postdoctoral researchers." —The Quarterly Review of Biology

"This is a scholarly volume that approaches a challenging subject in a straightforward and rigorous manner, which is illuminating without being overpowering...ideal for students who want both depth and a fascinating context." —The Biologist

From the Publisher