Physiological diversity and its eeological implications

de John I. Spicer, Kevin J. Gaston

"Diversity is a key characteristic of animal life. Some facets of this diversity have been investigated exhaustively, others more superficially. With regard to physiological diversity, on the one hand, the numerous adaptations of animals to their environment have been the focus of the attentions of innumerable investigators. On the other hand, the broad patterns in physiological diversity, the mechanisms generating them, and some of their significant implications, have seldom been explicitly enunciated.". "This book is an attempt to begin to redress that situation, particularly with reference to the relationship between physiological diversity and ecology. Although it may be used as a textbook, it also serves as an agenda for, and impetus to, the future study of physiological variation. The book will be of interest to final-year undergraduates, graduates and professional biologists alike."--BOOK JACKET.