Life History Evolution
Published on 10. November 2001
Book
Paperback/Softback
256 pages
978-0-87893-756-1 (ISBN)
Description
This text represents a synthetic approach to the understanding of the evolution of life history variation using the three types of environment (constant, stochastic, predictable) as the focus under which the theory is developed and tested. The theme of the book is that an understanding of evolutionary change requires analysis at both the genetic and phenotypic levels, and that the environment plays a central role in such analyses. Intended for graduate students and researchers, the book's emphasis is on assumptions and testing of models. Mathematical processes are described, but mathematical derivations are kept to a minimum. Each chapter includes a summary, and boxes provide supplementary material.
Reviews / Votes
This book is an impressive synthesis of the theory and empirical work of the last several decades, and it is an important addition to our understanding of the evolution of the diverse developmental and reproductive patterns found in the natural world. * Linden Higgins, BioScience * I would encourage any serious student of life-history theory to buy this book. * John McNamara, The Quarterly Review of Biology * This is a book filled with lots of ideas, interesting problems and methods, and is a great entry into the literature of life history theory. * Marc Mangel, University of California, Santa Cruz *More details
Person
DEREK ROFF, University of California, Riverside.
Content
An Overview.- A Framework for Analysis.- Trade-offs.- Evolution in Constant Environments.- Evolution in Stochastic Environments.- Evolution in Predictable Environments.- Topics for Future Study.