Sex, Size and Gender Roles: Evolutionary Studies of Sexual Size Dimorphism (Oxford Biology) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0199545588 ISBN 13: 9780199545582

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2009

Synopsis

Why do males and females frequently differ so markedly in body size and morphology? Sex, Size, and Gender Roles is the first book to investigate the genetic, developmental, and physiological basis of sexual size dimorphism found within and among the major taxonomic groups of animals. Carefully edited by a team of world-renowned specialists in the field to ensure a coherence of style and approach between chapters, it presents a compendium of studies into the evolution, adaptive significance, and developmental basis of gender differences in body size and morphology. Adaptive hypotheses allude to gender-specific reproductive roles and associated differences in trophic ecologies, life history strategies, and sexual selection. This "adaptationist" approach is balanced by more mechanistic studies of the genetic, developmental and physiological basis of sexual size dimorphism to provide a comprehensive and authoritative overview of the subject. Throughout the volume the emphasis is on sexual dimorphism in overall size; however, the scope of enquiry encompasses gender differences in body shape, the size and structure of secondary sexual characteristics, patterns of growth (ontogeny) and patterns of gene regulation. This advanced, research level text is suitable for graduate level students and researchers in the fields of evolutionary biology, behavioral ecology, physiology, developmental biology, and genetics. It will also be of relevance and use to non-biologists from fields such as anthropology and gender studies. NEW IN PAPERBACK

About this title

About the Author:

Daphne J. Fairbairn is Professor of Biology at the University of California at Riverside, USA.

Wolf U. Blanckenhorn is Titularprofessor at the Zoologisches Museum, Universität Zürich, Switzerland.

Tamás Székely is Reader in Evolutionary Biology at the Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, UK.

Review:

"For any student or researcher interested in addressing the questio of why males and females often differ strikingly in adult body size and morphology, this book is a valuable resource that balances case studies with review chapters." -- Choice
"I found this to be an excellent assemblage of contributions that will act as a guiding force in future studies of SSD. This excellent volume is filled with the most current and stimulating research. Most chapters are short and the reviews are succient, yet the data presentation and flow of ideas
among chapters are superb."--Lance D. McBrayer, The Quarterly Review of Biology
"For any student or researcher interested in addressing the questio of why males and females often differ strikingly in adult body size and morphology, this book is a valuable resource that balances case studies with review chapters." -- Choice

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0199545588
• ISBN 13: 9780199545582
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 280
• Editor: Fairbairn Daphne J., Blanckenhorn Wolf U., Székely Tamás