89.  Irschick, D. J., and T. Garland, Jr. 2001. Integrating function and ecology in studies of adaptation: investigations of locomotor capacity as a model system. Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 32:367-396.

Abstract

Understanding adaptation in morphological and physiological traits requires elucidation of how traits relate to whole-organism performance and how per-formance relates to fitness. A common assumption is that performance capacities are utilized by and important to organisms. For some systems, it is assumed that high levels of physical fitness, as indexed by measures of locomotor performance, lead to high fitness levels. Although biologists have appreciated this, little attention has been paid to quantifying how organisms use their performance capacities in nature. We argue that for the study of adaptation to proceed, greater integration of laboratory studies of performance and behavioral/ecological studies is needed, and we illustrate this ap-proach by examining two questions. First, how does the environment affect locomotor function in nature? Second, what percentage of locomotor capacities do animals use in nature? A review of studies in several animal groups shows widespread effects of the environment on measures of locomotor function.

Copyright 2001 by Annual Reviews.