The Flexible Phenotype attempts a true synthesis of
physiology, behaviour, and ecology by developing an
empirical argument that describes the intimate
connections between phenotypes and their environments.
It portrays an ecological angle to the rapidly growing
extended synthesis in evolutionary biology that
incorporates developmental processes, self-organization,
and the multiple dimensions of inheritance. The book
starts with a synthesis of the principles guiding
current research in ecophysiology, functional
morphology, and behavioural ecology. Each aspect is
illustrated with the detailed results of empirical work
on as wide a range of organisms as possible. The
integrated story of the flexible phenotype is woven
throughout the book on the basis of the authors'
long-term research on migrant shorebirds and their
invertebrate prey. These birds travel vast distances
from one environment to another, and the changing nature
of their bodies reflects the varied selection pressures
experienced in the course of their globe-spanning
migrations. In essence, the authors argue for the
existence of direct, measurable, links between phenotype
and ecology, mediated by developmental processes. Their
book outlines a more encompassing approach to
evolutionary ecology, based on first principles in
physiology, behaviour, and ecology. It aspires to
encourage a further integration of ecology and
physiology, as well as fostering a collaborative
research agenda between ecologists, physiologists, and
developmental biologists.
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