Symmorphosis: On Form and Function in Shaping Life

by Ewald R. Weibel

Book Overview

This book addresses a simple question: Are animals designed economically? The pronghorn can run at speeds of up to 60 kilometers an hour and can maintain this speed for nearly a full hour. Clearly, the form of this elegant animal is beautifully matched to the function it needs to perform.

This is symmorphosis. The theory of symmorphosis predicts that the size of the parts in a system must be matched to the overall functional demand. Moreover,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0674000684
• ISBN13: 9780674000681
• Release Date: March 2000
• Publisher: Harvard University Press
• Length: 280 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.5" x 9.6"