Principles of Animal Design The Optimization and Symmorphosis Debate

About this book

According to evolutionary biology animals are not `engineered' but result from evolution by natural selection. This book discusses the controversial issue of whether animals are in fact designed according to the same rules that engineers use in building machines, namely that materials and energy are used economically while attempting to achieve a high level of performance. All chapters have been presented in a form that is accessible to a broad readership of biologists interested in the basic principles involved.

Contents

A Tribute to C. Richard Taylor Ewald R. Weibel, and Liana Bolis; A life with animals: from cat to fish Liana Bolis; 1. Symmorphosis and optimization of biological design: introduction and questions; 2. How much structure is enough?; 3. Evolution of optimal systems; 4. Bone design and biomechanics; 5. Muscles and locomotion; 6. Design of cells for metabolism; 7. Lungs and gills for gas exchange; 8. Nutrient supply system; 9. Integrative systems for oxygen and fuel delivery; 10. Design of nervous systems; 11. How good is best?; Index.

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