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...