The Evolution Of Morphology

Author : Andrew Carstairs-McCarthy
Publisher : OUP Oxford
Page : 272 pages
File Size : 45,7 Mb
Release : 2010-01-14
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN : 9780191559624

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The Evolution of Morphology by Andrew Carstairs-McCarthy Pdf

This book considers the evolution of the grammatical structure of words in the more general contexts of human evolution and the origins of language. The consensus in many fields is that language is well designed for its purpose, and became so either through natural selection or by virtue of non-biological constraints on how language must be structured. Andrew Carstairs-McCarthy argues that in certain crucial respects language is not optimally designed. This can be seen, he suggests, in the existence of not one but two kinds of grammatical organization - syntax and morphology - and in the morphological and morpho-phonological complexity which leads to numerous departures from the one-form-one-meaning principle. Having discussed the issue of good and bad design in a wider biological context, the author shows that conventional explanations for the nature of morphology do not work. Its poor design features arose, he argues, from two characteristics present when the ancestors of modern humans had a vocabulary but no grammar. One of these was a synonymy-avoidance expectation, while the other was an articulatory and phonological apparatus that encouraged the development of new synonyms. Morphology developed in response to these conflicting pressures. In this stimulating and carefully argued account Professor McCarthy offers a powerful challenge to conventional views of the relationship between syntax and morphology, to the adaptationist view of language evolution, and to the notion that language in some way reflects 'laws of form'. This fundamental contribution to understanding the nature and evolution of language will be of wide interest to linguists of all theoretical persuasions as well as to scholars in cognitive science and anthropology.

Author : Andrew Carstairs-McCarthy
Publisher : OUP Oxford
Page : 272 pages
File Size : 45,8 Mb
Release : 2010-01-14
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN : 9780191559624

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The Evolution of Morphology by Andrew Carstairs-McCarthy Pdf

This book considers the evolution of the grammatical structure of words in the more general contexts of human evolution and the origins of language. The consensus in many fields is that language is well designed for its purpose, and became so either through natural selection or by virtue of non-biological constraints on how language must be structured. Andrew Carstairs-McCarthy argues that in certain crucial respects language is not optimally designed. This can be seen, he suggests, in the existence of not one but two kinds of grammatical organization - syntax and morphology - and in the morphological and morpho-phonological complexity which leads to numerous departures from the one-form-one-meaning principle. Having discussed the issue of good and bad design in a wider biological context, the author shows that conventional explanations for the nature of morphology do not work. Its poor design features arose, he argues, from two characteristics present when the ancestors of modern humans had a vocabulary but no grammar. One of these was a synonymy-avoidance expectation, while the other was an articulatory and phonological apparatus that encouraged the development of new synonyms. Morphology developed in response to these conflicting pressures. In this stimulating and carefully argued account Professor McCarthy offers a powerful challenge to conventional views of the relationship between syntax and morphology, to the adaptationist view of language evolution, and to the notion that language in some way reflects 'laws of form'. This fundamental contribution to understanding the nature and evolution of language will be of wide interest to linguists of all theoretical persuasions as well as to scholars in cognitive science and anthropology.

Author : Eric J. Sargis,Marian Dagosto
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 439 pages
File Size : 41,7 Mb
Release : 2008-05-21
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781402069970

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Mammalian Evolutionary Morphology by Eric J. Sargis,Marian Dagosto Pdf

This book celebrates the contributions of Dr. Frederick S. Szalay to the field of Mammalian Evolutionary Morphology. Professor Szalay is a strong advocate for biologically and evolutionarily meaningful character analysis. He has published about 200 articles, six monographs, and six books on this subject. This book features subjects such as the evolution and adaptation of mammals and provides up-to-date articles on the evolutionary morphology of a wide range of mammalian groups.

Author : Adrian Desmond
Publisher : University of Chicago Press
Page : 514 pages
File Size : 45,6 Mb
Release : 2011-02-15
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780226144535

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The Politics of Evolution by Adrian Desmond Pdf

Looking for the first time at the cut-price anatomy schools rather than genteel Oxbridge, Desmond winkles out pre-Darwinian evolutionary ideas in reform-minded and politically charged early nineteenth-century London. In the process, he reveals the underside of London intellectual and social life in the generation before Darwin as it has never been seen before. "The Politics of Evolution is intellectual dynamite, and certainly one of the most important books in the history of science published during the past decade."—Jim Secord, Times Literary Supplement "One of those rare books that not only stakes out new territory but demands a radical overhaul of conventional wisdom."—John Hedley Brooke, Times Higher Education Supplement

Author : Matthew Pelliccione,Toh-Ming Lu
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 206 pages
File Size : 50,6 Mb
Release : 2008-01-29
Category : Technology & Engineering
ISBN : 9780387751092

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Evolution of Thin Film Morphology by Matthew Pelliccione,Toh-Ming Lu Pdf

The focus of this book is on modeling and simulations used in research on the morphological evolution during film growth. The authors emphasize the detailed mathematical formulation of the problem. The book will enable readers themselves to set up a computational program to investigate specific topics of interest in thin film deposition. It will benefit those working in any discipline that requires an understanding of thin film growth processes.

Author : Norbert Schmidt-Kittler,Klaus Vogel
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 401 pages
File Size : 48,6 Mb
Release : 2012-12-06
Category : Science
ISBN : 9783642761560

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Constructional Morphology and Evolution by Norbert Schmidt-Kittler,Klaus Vogel Pdf

Constructional morphology explains features of organisms from a constructional and functional point of view. By means of physical analysis it explains the operational aspects of organic structures - how they can perform the activities organisms are expected to fulfil in order to survive in their environment. Constructional morphology also explains options and constraints during the evolution determined by internal constructional needs, ontogenetic demands, inherited organizational preconditions and environmental clues.

Author : Joel Rini
Publisher : John Benjamins Publishing
Page : 212 pages
File Size : 48,6 Mb
Release : 1999-01-01
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN : 9789027236852

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Exploring the Role of Morphology in the Evolution of Spanish by Joel Rini Pdf

After a brief survey of the perception of morphological change in the standard works of the Hispanic tradition in the 20th century, the author first attempts to refine concepts such as analogy, leveling, blending, contamination, etc. as they have been applied to Spanish. He then revisits difficult problems of Spanish historical grammar and explores the extent to which various types of morphological processes may have operated in a given change. Selected problems are examined in light of abundant textual evidence. Some include: the resistance to change of Sp. dormir 'to sleep', morir 'to die', the vocalic sequence /ee/, the reduction of the OSp. verbal suffixes -ades, -edes, -ides, -odes, and the uncertain origin of Sp. eres 'you are'. Important notions such as the directionality of leveling, phonological vs. morphological change in the nominal and verbal paradigms, the morphological spread of sound change, and the role of morphological factors in apparent syntactic change are discussed.

Author : Universität Osnabrück,Günter Purschke
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 391 pages
File Size : 43,6 Mb
Release : 2006-03-30
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781402032400

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Morphology, Molecules, Evolution and Phylogeny in Polychaeta and Related Taxa by Universität Osnabrück,Günter Purschke Pdf

Recently, evidence has been accumulated which shows that some of the groups formerly regarded as independent "phyla" such as Pogonophora (now recognized as Siboglinidae), Echiura, Myzostomida and perhaps Sipuncula, are most probably nothing else than greatly modified Annelida. The extreme morphological diversity found especially in Polychaeta displays the plasticity of a simple segmented organisation that basically is nothing else but a serial repetition of identical units. Thus, annelids are highly important to our understanding of fundamental questions about morphological and adaptive diversity, as well as clarifying evolutionary changes and phylogenetic relationships. The book aims to summarize our knowledge on Polychaetes polychaetes and their allies and gives an overview of recent advances gained by studies that employed conventional and modern methods plus, increasingly and importantly, the use of molecular markers and computer-assisted kinship analyses. It also reflects the state of art in polychaete sciences and presents new questions and controversies. As such it will significantly influence the direction of research on Polychaeta and their related taxa.

Author : Everett C. Olson,Robert L. Miller
Publisher : University of Chicago Press
Page : 380 pages
File Size : 48,6 Mb
Release : 1999-10
Category : Science
ISBN : 0226629058

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Morphological Integration by Everett C. Olson,Robert L. Miller Pdf

Despite recent advances in genetics, development, anatomy, systematics, and morphometrics, the synthesis of ideas and research agenda put forth in the classic Morphological Integration remains remarkably fresh, timely, and relevant. Pioneers in reexamining morphology, Everett Olson and Robert Miller were among the first to explore the concept of the integrated organism in both living and extinct populations. In a new foreword and afterword, biologists Barry Chernoff and Paul Magwene summarize the landmark achievements made by Olson and Miller and bring matters discussed in the book up to date, suggest new methods, and accentuate the importance of continued research in morphological integration. Everett C. Olson was a professor at the University of Chicago and at the University of California, Los Angeles. He was a former president of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology. Robert L. Miller was associate professor of geology at the University of Chicago, associate scientist in marine geology at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and a member of the board of editors of the Journal of Geology.

Author : John J. Livingston
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 132 pages
File Size : 43,6 Mb
Release : 2013-07
Category : Electronic
ISBN : 1258775492

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Morphology and the Evolution of Man by John J. Livingston Pdf

Author : Maggie Tallerman,Kathleen R. Gibson
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Page : 790 pages
File Size : 54,5 Mb
Release : 2012
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN : 9780199541119

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The Oxford Handbook of Language Evolution by Maggie Tallerman,Kathleen R. Gibson Pdf

Leading scholars present critical accounts of every aspect of the field, including work in animal behaviour; anatomy, genetics and neurology; the prehistory of language; the development of our uniquely linguistic species; and language creation, transmission, and change.

Author : Russell H. Tuttle
Publisher : Walter de Gruyter
Page : 637 pages
File Size : 50,5 Mb
Release : 2011-06-15
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9783110803808

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Primate Functional Morphology and Evolution by Russell H. Tuttle Pdf

Author : R. P. SRIVASTAVA
Publisher : PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd.
Page : 203 pages
File Size : 41,8 Mb
Release : 2009-03-03
Category : Science
ISBN : 9788120336568

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MORPHOLOGY OF THE PRIMATES AND HUMAN EVOLUTION by R. P. SRIVASTAVA Pdf

This book presents a detailed account of the morphological features of the primates and, in the process, it provides a clear exposition of the story of human evolution. It discusses the theories of biological evolution, the origin of the primates, the morphology of the living primates, the social behaviour of the nonhuman primates, and the phylogenetic relationship between the large apes and man on the basis of immunological and molecular analyses. The text focuses on the Miocene hominoids and their role in the subsequent developments of the hominids. It discusses three theories—the Single Lineage Theory, the Double Lineage Theory, and the Triple Lineage Theory—developed through the study of the anatomical features of the australopithecine fossils found mainly in South and East Africa. The text also gives up-to-date information on the recent discoveries of several hominid species. The emergence of Homo erectus from one of the australopithecines, its cultural attainments, and the gradual transition to modern man are described in the text. The doubts about the phylogenetic lineage of the Neanderthals and the emergence of the early Homo sapiens in the context of human evolution form the basis of various theories regarding the evolution of modern man. These theories are thoroughly examined in the text. KEY FEATURES  Discusses immunological and molecular approaches to primate phylogeny, and various dating techniques.  Includes a number of figures, flow charts and phylogenetic trees to help readers understand the concepts clearly.  Provides a Glossary of technical terms and contributions of some eminent persons to the subject. This book is designed for undergraduate and postgraduate students of Anthropology and Archaeology. Besides, students appearing in competitive examinations will also find the book beneficial.

Author : Donald B. Brinkman,Patricia A. Holroyd,James D. Gardner
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 577 pages
File Size : 44,6 Mb
Release : 2012-08-16
Category : Science
ISBN : 9789400743083

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Morphology and Evolution of Turtles by Donald B. Brinkman,Patricia A. Holroyd,James D. Gardner Pdf

This volume celebrates the contributions of Dr. Eugene Gaffney to the study of turtles, through a diverse and complementary collection of papers that showcases the latest research on one of the most intriguing groups of reptiles. A mix of focused and review papers deals with numerous aspects of the evolutionary history of turtles, including embryonic development, origins, early diversification, phylogenetic relationships, and biogeography. Moreover it includes reports on important but poorly understood fossil turtle assemblages, provides historical perspectives on turtle research, and documents disease and variation in turtles. With its broad scope, which includes descriptions of material and new taxa from Australia, Asia, and Europe, as well as North and South America, this work will be an essential resource for anyone interested in the morphology and evolution of turtles. “This volume’s breadth of time, geography, and taxonomic coverage makes it a major contribution to the field and a ‘must have’ for all vertebrate paleontologists.”, James F. Parham, California State University, CA, USA “A comprehensive and sweeping overview of turtle evolution by the top experts in the field that will interest everyone curious about these unique reptiles.” Jason S. Anderson, University of Calgary, Canada “An invaluable addition to the literature that covers the full spectrum of approaches toward understanding the evolution of these noble creatures.” Ann C. Burke, Wesleyan University, CT , USA “A truly comprehensive volume that both the student of fossil turtles, as well as the general reader interested in these enigmatic creatures, will find fascinating.” Tyler Lyson, Yale University, CT, USA​

Author : Ella Been,Asier Gómez-Olivencia,Patricia Ann Kramer
Publisher : Springer
Page : 407 pages
File Size : 53,9 Mb
Release : 2019-08-07
Category : Science
ISBN : 9783030193492

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Spinal Evolution by Ella Been,Asier Gómez-Olivencia,Patricia Ann Kramer Pdf

The vertebral spine is a key element of the human anatomy. Its main role is to protect the spinal cord and the main blood vessels. The axial skeleton, with its muscles and joints, provides stability for the attachment of the head, tail and limbs and, at the same time, enables the mobility required for breathing and for locomotion. Despite its great importance, the vertebral spine is often over looked by researchers because: a) vertebrae are fragile in nature, which makes their fossilization a rare event; b) they are metameric (seriated and repeated elements) that make their anatomical determination and, thus, their subsequent study difficult; and c) the plethora of bones and joints involved in every movement or function of the axial skeleton makes the reconstruction of posture, breathing mechanics and locomotion extremely difficult. It is well established that the spine has changed dramatically during human evolution. Spinal curvatures, spinal load transmission, and thoracic shape of bipedal humans are derived among hominoids. Yet, there are many debates as to how and when these changes occurred and to their phylogenetic, functional, and pathological implications. In recent years, renewed interest arose in the axial skeleton. New and exciting finds, mostly from Europe and Africa, as well as new methods for reconstructing the spine, have been introduced to the research community. New methodologies such as Finite Element Analysis, trabecular bone analysis, Geometric Morphometric analysis, and gait analysis have been applied to the spines of primates and humans. These provide a new and refreshing look into the evolution of the spine. Advanced biomechanical research regarding posture, range of motion, stability, and attenuation of the human spine has interesting evolutionary implications. Until now, no book that summarizes the updated research and knowledge regarding spinal evolution in hominoids has been available. The present book explores both these new methodologies and new data, including recent fossil, morphological, biomechanical, and theoretical advances regarding vertebral column evolution. In order to cover all of that data, we divide the book into four parts: 1) the spine of hominoids; 2) the vertebral spine of extinct hominins; 3) ontogeny, biomechanics and pathology of the human spine; and 4) new methodologies of spinal research. These parts complement each other and provide a wide and comprehensive examination of spinal evolution.