The purpose of this book, now in its third edition, is to introduce the morphology of vertebrates in a context that emphasizes a comparison of structire and of the function of structural units. The comparative method involves the analysis of the history of structure in both developmental and evolutionary frameworks. The nature of adaptation is the key to this analysis. Adaptation of a species to its environment, as revealed by its structure, function, and reproductive success, is the product of mutation and natural selection-the process of evolution. The evolution of structure and function, then, is the theme of this book which presents, system by system, the evolution of structure and function of vertebrates. Each chapter presents the major evolutionary trends of an organ system, with instructions for laboratory exploration of these trends included so the student can integrate concept with example.
- ISBN10 0226870111
- ISBN13 9780226870113
- Publish Date 28 July 1900
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 10 September 2005
- Publish Country US
- Imprint University of Chicago Press
- Edition 3rd Revised edition
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 800
- Language English