Theoretical Morphology: The Concept and Its Applications (The Critical Moments and Perspectives in Earth History and Paleobiology) - Softcover

McGhee Jr., George

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0231106173 ISBN 13: 9780231106177

Publisher: Columbia University Press, 1999

Synopsis

Theoretical morphology--which seeks to sketch the range of forms that biological entities could take, with the ultimate goal of discovering why certain forms exist but others do not--is among paleontology's most significant contributions to the understanding of evolution. Today, with the aid of computers in developing conceivable morphologies, the discipline has been able to advance into a remarkable tool for the study of evolution. Yet despite these advances, the field remains largely untapped and ripe with research potential. In this volume, paleontologist George McGhee presents the first complete overview of the field, its advancements in recent years, and the challenges ahead.

Theoretical Morphology provides readers with the background they need to launch their own research. McGhee describes the steps involved in defining the geometric parameters (theoretical morphospaces) for an organic form in order to generate a spectrum of other possible forms that have never actually appeared. He also addresses the simulation of actual processes of morphogenesis, with the goal of attaining a more nuanced comprehension of how evolutionary processes work.

Theoretical Morphology takes readers through a variety of theoretical morphospaces including those for univalved, bivalved, discrete, and branching growth systems. With a glossary of terms and a comprehensive list of references on the subject, this is an excellent handbook for graduate students or professional scientists interested in employing these cutting-edge techniques in their own research.

About this title

Book Description:

McGhee describes the steps involved in defining the geometric parameters (theoretical morphospaces) for an organic form in order to generate a spectrum of other possible forms that have never actually appeared. The book also addresses the simulation of actual processes of morphogenesis, with the goal of attaining a more nuanced comprehension of how evolutionary processes work. The book covers theoretical morphospaces, including those for univalved, bivalved, discrete, and branching growth systems.

About the Author:

George R. McGhee, Jr. is professor of geological sciences at Rutgers University. He is the author of The Late Devonian Mass Extinction: The Frasnian/Famennian Crisis (Columbia). He has held research positions at the University of Tübingen, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Field Museum of Natural History.

About this edition

• Publisher: Columbia University Press
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0231106173
• ISBN 13: 9780231106177
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 378