Macroevolution of Complex Morphologies

A goal of macroevolutionary theory is to explain both diversity and disparity - different sometimes uncorrelated characteristics of lineages. These actively researched questions, the growing number of case studies, and the increasingly rigorous theory, has resulted in the re-examination of classical models for evolutionary tempo and mode. Time-calibrated molecular phylogenies are now used in conjunction with quantitative analyses of morphology to evaluate models of evolution. For example, mathematically simple efforts to understand biologically complex traits (such as body size) are common. The major objective of the proposed work is to present novel methods and case-studies of the tempo and mode of evolution of complex morphologies. Recent innovations in methods for describing and modeling complex morphologies, which have the potential to advance the field still further, will be the primary focus of this intended volume.