Phenotypic Plasticity: Functional and Conceptual Approaches

by Thomas J. DeWitt (Editor), Samuel M. Scheiner (Editor)

Overview

Phenotypic plasticity is the range and process of variation in body plan and physiology. This book pulls together recent theoretical advances in phenotypic plasticity, as influenced by evolution and development. The editors and the chapter authors are among the leaders of this exciting and active subfield. The volume begins with a primer on the basic principles of the subject, and companion chapters on phenotypic plasticity in plants and animals. Of interest to a wide range of researchers on evolution, development, and their interface.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780198031802
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	01/15/2004
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Texas A&M University

Arizona State University

Table of Contents

	Contributors	xi
1	Phenotypic Variation from Single Genotypes: A Primer	1
2	From the Reaktionsnorm to the Evolution of Adaptive Plasticity: A Historical Sketch, 1909-1999	10
3	Genetics and Mechanics of Plasticity	31
4	Evolution of Reaction Norms	50
5	Evolutionary Importance and Pattern of Phenotypic Plasticity: Insights Gained from Development	64
6	Modeling the Evolution of Phenotypic Plasticity	82
7	Integrated Solutions to Environmental Heterogeneity: Theory of Multimoment Reaction Norms	98
8	A Behavioral Ecological View of Phenotypic Plasticity	112
9	Patterns and Analysis of Adaptive Phenotypic Plasticity in Animals	126
10	The Functional Ecology of Phenotypic Plasticity in Plants	151
11	The Genotype-Environment Interaction and Evolution When the Environment Contains Genes	173
12	The Role of Phenotypic Plasticity in Diversification	191
13	Future Research Directions	201
	References	207
	Index	245

Editorial Reviews

"This book brings a comprehensive and present summary of phenotypic plasticity that will be good for those who are already close to this field as well for those who want to start."—Folia Geobotanica

"...DeWitt and Scheiner's volume provides a useful summary of current work and future directions for the field. As such, it should be on the shelf of evolutionary ecologists, whatever their specialty (genetics, physiology, endocrinology, or behavior). The editors admit that the field is in a phase of logarithmic increase (chap. 13), with much work yet to be done. I am sure the book will recruit more researchers to plasticity research. Many chapters in the volume are excellent, and must-read material for both established scientists and new students of plasticity. — Bioscience

From the Publisher