The Evolution of Life Histories - Softcover

Stearns, Stephen C.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0198577419 ISBN 13: 9780198577416

Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA, 1992

Synopsis

This book is the first comprehensive summary of life-history evolution, a field that holds a central position in modern ecology, evolution, and population biology. The book offers an up-to-date description of the analytical tools used in evolutionary explanation: demographics, quantitative genetics, reaction norms, trade-offs, and phylogenetic/comparative analysis. It goes on to discuss the evolution of such major life-history traits as age and size at maturity; clutch size, reproductive investment and size of offspring; reproductive lifespan; and aging. This is an essential text for biologists wishing to understand the evolution of the life cycle and the causes of phenotypic variation in fitness. It is additionally the only book available designed specifically for teaching the subject, with problems and discussion questions at the end of each chapter.

About this title

Review

One of the most beneficial actions an adviser could take for a new graduate student in evolutionary biology would be to put Stearns" book in her or his hands and say, "Read this." (Science)

Synopsis

This book introduces life history evolution to postgraduate students just beginning their research in population biology, ecology, or evolutionary biology. It discusses major analytical tools, gives examples of their applications, and provides problems for discussion at the end of each chapter. It will interest all biologists wishing to understand the evolution of the life cycle and the causes of phenotypic variation in fitness, and it contains the seeds of applications of life history theory to population dynamics, behaviour, and community ecology. Care is taken in Part I to build up the tools needed for a well-rounded evolutionary explanation: demography, quantitative genetics, reaction norms, trade offs and phylogenetic/comparative analysis. Part II discusses the evolution of major life history traits. This is a comprehensive, up-to-date text in a field that holds a central position in modern ecology and evolution.

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Publication date: 1992
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0198577419
• ISBN 13: 9780198577416
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 264