Presents a series of case studies, of how organisms exhibit functional convergence as a key evolutionary mechanism

Explores the phenomenon of convergent evolution across a broad phylogenetic spectrum

Written by leading experts in the field of functional morphology

The Concept of Convergent Evolution and Its Relationship to the Understanding of Form and Function.- Odonatopteran Approaches to the Challenges of Flight: Convergence of Responses Subject to a Common Set of Morphological Constraints.- Digging Up Convergence in Fossorial Rodents: Insights into Burrowing Activity and Morpho-Functional Specializations of the Masticatory Apparatus.- Testing for Convergent Evolution in Baleen Whale Cochleae.- The Sacro-Iliac Joint of the Felidae and Canidae and Their Large Ungulate Prey: An Example of Divergence and Convergence.- Aquatic Feeding in Lissamphibia.- Convergence of Aquatic Feeding Modes in the Sauropsida (Crocodiles, Birds, Lizards, Snakes And, Turtles).- Convergent Evolution of Secondarily Aquatic Feeding in Mammals.- Solutions to a Sticky Problem: Convergence of the Adhesive Systems of Geckos and Anoles (Reptilia: Squamata).- Convergent Evolution of Animal Adhesive Pads.- Convergence of Arboreal Locomotor Specialization: Morphological andBehavioral Solutions for Movement on Narrow and Compliant Supports.- Convergent Evolution of Manual and Pedal Grasping Capabilities in Tetrapods.- Convergence in Gliding Animals: Morphology, Behavior, and Mechanics.- Convergence of Bipedal Locomotion: Why Walk or Run on Only Two Legs.- Aquatic Locomotion: Environmental Constraints That Drive Convergent Evolution.- Convergent Evolution of Attachment Mechanisms in Aquatic Animals.- Convergent Evolution: Theory and Practice for Bioinspiration.- Conclusion and Perspectives: What Convergent Evolution of Animal Forms and Functions Says About the Predictability of Evolution.