Description

Why do males and females frequently differ so markedly in body size and morphology?

Sex, Size, and Gender Roles is the first book to investigate the genetic, developmental, and physiological basis of sexual size dimorphism found within and among the major taxonomic groups of animals. Carefully edited by a team of world-renowned specialists in the field to ensure a coherence of style and approach between chapters, it presents a compendium of studies into the evolution, adaptive significance, and developmental basis of gender differences in body size and morphology. Adaptive hypotheses allude to gender-specific reproductive roles and associated differences in trophic ecologies, life history strategies, and sexual selection. This nulladaptationistnull approach is balanced by more mechanistic studies of the genetic, developmental and physiological basis of sexual size dimorphism to provide a comprehensive and authoritative overview of the subject. Throughout the volume the emphasis is on sexual dimorphism in overall size; however, the scope of enquiry encompasses gender differences in body shape, the size and structure of secondary sexual characteristics, patterns of growth (ontogeny), and patterns of gene regulation.

This advanced, research level text is suitable for graduate level students and researchers in the fields of evolutionary biology, behavioral ecology, physiology, developmental biology, and genetics. It will also be of relevance and use to non-biologists from fields such as anthropology and gender studies.

Features

• Carefully edited by a team of world-renowned specialist in the field to ensure a coherence of style and approach between chapters
• First book to investigate the genetic, developmental and physiological basis of sexual size dimorphism found within and among major taxonomic groups
• Integrates adaptive hypotheses with mechanistic studies to produce a comprehensive and authoritative overview
• Inherent attractiveness of the subject matter makes this ideally suited to graduate discussion groups

Reviews

"I found this to be an excellent assemblage of contributions that will act as a guiding force in future studies of SSD. This excellent volume is filled with the most current and stimulating research. Most chapters are short and the reviews are succient, yet the data presentation and flow of ideas among chapters are superb."--Lance D. McBrayer, The Quarterly Review of Biology

"For any student or researcher interested in addressing the questio of why males and females often differ strikingly in adult body size and morphology, this book is a valuable resource that balances case studies with review chapters." -- Choice

Product Details

280 pages; 73 line and 8 ht illus.; 7-1/2 x 9-3/4; ISBN13: 978-0-19-920878-4ISBN10: 0-19-920878-6

About the Author(s)