A Functional Biology of Sticklebacks

Explore the fascinating world of the threespine stickleback in A Functional Biology of Sticklebacks, a compelling synthesis of empirical research and theoretical ecology. This groundbreaking book uses the stickleback, a versatile teleost fish, as a model organism to illuminate the intricate relationships between environmental factors, life-history strategies, and evolutionary processes. With their global distribution, remarkable variability, and adaptability to diverse habitats, sticklebacks offer a unique opportunity to test ecological and evolutionary theories in real-world contexts. From their energy budgets to their reproductive strategies, this book provides a holistic view of how these fish thrive in dynamic and often hostile environments. Structured around a functional input-output framework, the book delves into the physiological, morphological, and behavioral mechanisms that enable sticklebacks to convert resources into reproductive success. It highlights the pivotal role of natural selection and ecological interactions—such as predation, competition, and parasitism—in shaping their growth, survival, and reproduction. With its seamless integration of theoretical models and empirical data, A Functional Biology of Sticklebacks not only sheds light on this remarkable fish family but also sets a precedent for studying life-history strategies across other species. Perfect for students, researchers, and enthusiasts of ecology and evolutionary biology, this book is a testament to the power of merging theory with biological reality. This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1984.