Ontogeny Functional Ecology and Evolution of Bats

The study of animal development has deep historical roots in codifying the field of evolutionary biology. In the 1940s evolutionary theory became engulfed by microevolutionary genetic analysis and development became focused on mechanisms forsaking the evolutionary implications of ontogeny. Recently ontogeny has resurfaced as a significant component of evolutionary change population and community dynamics. Ontogeny Functional Ecology and Evolution of Bats is a unique reference work by bat biologists who emphasize the importance of understanding ontogeny in the analysis of evolution and ecology. In addition the developmental underpinnings of specialized morphology physiology and behavior are elucidated and the strong influence of ecology on the ontological niche of juvenile bats is illustrated. This book is an essential reference for bat biologists and all those working in the fields of ecology developmental biology evolution behavior and systematics.