Edited by
Benedikt Hallgrímsson, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Brian Hall, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Description
Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection was based on the observation that there is variation between individuals within the
same species. This fundamental observation is a central concept in evolutionary biology. However, variation is only rarely treated
directly. It has remained peripheral to the study of mechanisms of evolutionary change. The explosion of knowledge in genetics, developmental
biology, and the ongoing synthesis of evolutionary and developmental biology has made it possible for us to study the factors that limit,
enhance, or structure variation at the level of an animals' physical appearance and behavior. Knowledge of the significance of variability
is crucial to this emerging synthesis. This volume situates the role of variability within this broad framework, bringing variation back
to the center of the evolutionary stage.
Audience:
Intended for scholars, advanced undergraduate students, and graduates in evolutionary biology, biological anthropology, paleontology,
morphology, developmental biology, genomics and other related disciplines.
