Asymmetry, Developmental Stability and Evolution

An analysis of the evolutionary implication of symmetry which puts forward the theory that asymmetry is related to genetic stability and fitness, so that symmetric individuals have quantifiable advantages over asymmetric individuals. The book is primarily aimed at students and researchers and is part of the OXFORD SERIES IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION.

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Why does nature love symmetry? In Asymmetry, Developmental Stability and Evolution, Møller and Swaddle analyse the evolutionary implications of symmetry. They advance and explain their theory that symmetry is related to genetic stability and fitness, and that symmetric individuals appear to have quantifiable and significant advantages over their asymmetric counterparts. When assessing potential mates or competitors, animals may be able to use symmetry as an honest indication of quality. This interdisciplinary book will be of interest to students and researchers in the fields of ecology, evolutionary biology, genetics, and animal behaviour.