Evolutionary Physiological Ecology

This book is concerned with physiological studies that make evolutionary considerations explicit.

P. Calow (Author)

9780521101653, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 4 December 2008

252 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.5 cm, 0.38 kg

Physiological ecology is concerned with the way that physiological traits fit organisms for the ecological circumstances in which they live, so there is always an implicit evolutionary component to it. This book is concerned with physiological studies that make the evolutionary considerations explicit. The first part explores physiological models that predict how, under different ecological pressures, resources should be invested in such metabolic processes as costs of maintenance, growth patterns and allometries, ageing and physiological adaptability. In the context of the integrated metabolism of whole organisms, the second part of the volume considers aspects of the physiological ecology of specific organisms. The underlying theme of these chapters is the link between genotype and physiological phenotype.

1. Evolutionary physiological ecology? P. Calow
2. Optimum efficiencies of energy transformation in anoxic metabolism E. Gnaiger
3. The strategies of power and economy E. Gnaiger
4. Growth and resource allocation R. M. Sibly and P. Calow
5. Maintenance and repair processes in relation to senescence: Adaptive strategies of neglect T. B. L. Kirkwood
6. Evolution of the breadth of biochemical adaptation M. Lynch and W. Gabriel
7. Evolution from the viewpoint of Escherichia coli A.L. Koch
8. Evolutionary physiological ecology of plants J. P. Grime, R. Hunt and W. J. Krzanowski
9. Adaptive characteristics of leaves with special reference to violets O. T. Solbrig
10. Evolutionary constraints and symbiosis in Hydra L. B. Slobodkin, K. Dunn and P. Bossert
11. Genetic aspects of physiological adaptation in bivalve molluscs B. L. Bayne
12. Energy constraints and reproductive trade-offs determining body size in fishes R. LeB. Dunbrack and D. M. Ware
13. The evolution of mammalian energetics B. K. McNab.

Subject Areas: Environmental science, engineering & technology [TQ]