Sex, Size and Gender Roles

Evolutionary Studies of Sexual Size Dimorphism

Tamás Székely editor Daphne J Fairbairn editor Wolf U Blanckenhorn editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Oxford University Press

Published:6th Nov '08

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Sex, Size and Gender Roles cover

Why do males and females frequently differ so markedly in body size and morphology?^lSex, 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 "adaptationist" 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, behavioural 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.

'...ideal for lecturers who want to provide students with a good, up-to-date background on sexual size dimorphism...an intriguing and fascinating theme.' * Javier Perez-Barberia, Animal Behaviour *

ISBN: 9780199545582

Dimensions: 246mm x 189mm x 14mm

Weight: 610g

280 pages