Shapes of Time: The Evolution of Growth and Development
Heterochrony refers to changes in the rate and timing of growth and development events or patterns. Besides genetic variation and natural selection, paleontologist McNamara (Evolutionary Change and Heterochrony, Wiley, 1996) argues that heterochrony plays a key role in the evolution, complexity, and diversity of the biosphere throughout Earth's history. He shows how changes in size, shape, and behavior during animal ontogeny have resulted in the speciation of, and general trends in, life forms from fossil trilobites to living dogs and sea urchins. Special attention is given to predation pressure on an organism throughout its life history. Of particular interest is an examination of speciation among the Galapagos birds and a discussion of the evolution of our human species as the "super ape." Clearly written, well illustrated, and with numerous supporting examples, this important contribution to understanding a major mechanism of organic evolution is recommended for all large science collections.?H. James Birx, Canisius Coll., Buffalo, N.Y.Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.