Morphodynamics

ISBN-13: 9781482221183 / Angielski / Twarda / 2014 / 551 str.

Alan D. Gishlick; Adolf Seilacher

Opis

Morphodynamics is defined as the unique interaction among environment, functional morphology, developmental constraints, phylogeny, and time all of which shape the evolution of life. These fabricational patterns and similarities owe their regularity not to a detailed genetic program, but to extrinsic factors, which may be mechanical, chemical, or biological in nature. These self-organizing mechanisms are the focus of Morphodynamics. Illustrated by numerous examples from across the biological spectrum, this book embodies the foundation of noted paleontologist Adolf Seilacher s thinking on the study of morphodynamics. It represents his unique approach of presenting paleontology from an ecological and constructional perspective, rather than a purely taxonomic one. The hallmark of Seilacher s storied career has been a constructional and functional focus. He begins by discussing the basic principles form, pattern formation, ecology and evolution, as well as the factors that override those processes. Next, he examines how morphodynamic principles are implemented in various invertebrates including single-celled protists, Ediacarans, sponges, coelenterates, shelled organisms, worms, arthropods, and echinoderms. The final chapter explores how morphogenetic principles may apply to clonal colonial organisms. Summarizing seventy years of research into the interactions of form, function, and evolution, the book is copiously illustrated with the author s own distinctive drawings and an abundance of photos. It provides a framework for readers to pose their own questions and sharpen their interpretive skills on this fascinating topic. "

Recenzje

"Life is affected by a careful interplay of a variety of factors including the environment, functional morphology, developmental constraints, and time. This idea, or the study of morphodynamics was originally construed by paleontologist Adolf Seilacher and is clearly introduced in this text book. Morphodynamics allows researchers to view life and living organism from a variety of new angle; for example Seilacher considered the ecological and constructional aspects of paleontology in addition to the taxonomic ones. In this book, Seilacher considers the basic principles of life, including form, evolution and pattern formation, and illustrates how these principles are present in living organisms today. He ends with an exploration of how these principles may have been important in early colonial species."
—Ringgold, Inc. Book News, February 2015

Spis treści

Introduction: Principles of Morphodynamics. Fabricational Noise in Body Shapes. Other Fabricational Morphospaces. Bifurcating and Intercalating Patterns. Other Patterns. Life Styles. Patterns of Evolution Versus. Counter Evolution. Taphonomy. Protists. Vendobionts: Lost Life Forms of Ediacaran Times. Sponges. Soft-Bottom Actinians and Jellyfish. Soft-Bottom Corals. Brachiopods: Bivalved Shells with a Difference. Bivalves I: Constructional and Morphogenetic Principles. Bivalves II: Evolutionary Ecology. Gastropod Heteromorphy: Or How to Get Out of the Spiral Syndrome. Ammonites I: Outer Shell and Jaws. How Valid is the Nautilus Model? Ammonites II: Septal Apparatus. Ammonites III: Taphonomy. Straight Cephalopods. Worm-Like Organisms. Trilobites. Cirripeds: Arthropods Become Sessile. Echinoids. Crinoids. Extinct Echinoderms: Deviant Symmetries and Armored Tube Feet. Clonal Colonies. Appendices. Index.