Theoretical morphology : the concept and its applications
Author(s)
Bibliographic Information
Theoretical morphology : the concept and its applications
（The Perspectives in paleobiology and earth history series）
Columbia University Press, c1999
- : pbk
Available at / 10 libraries
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University Library for Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo図
: pbk461:Ma155019924520
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Note
Includes bibliographical references (p. 292-308) and index
Description and Table of Contents
Description
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.
Table of Contents
Preface What is Thereotical Morphology? The Concept of the Theoretical Morphospace Twists and Twigs: Theoretical Morphospaces of Branching Growth Systems Spiral and Shells I: Theoretical Morphospaces of Univalved Accretionary Growth Systems Spirals and Shells II: Theoretical Morphospaces of Bivalved Accretionary Growth Systems Step by Step: Theoretical Morphospaces of Discrete Growth Systems The Time Dimension: Evolution and Theoretical Morphospaces Theoretical Models of Morphogenesis: An Example Theoretical Models of Accretionary Growth Systems Theoretical Models of Other Aspects of Morphogenesis in Nature The Future of Theoretical Morphology Glossary
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