Evolutionary Ecology· 2016Q2
An introduction to niche construction theory
- 643citations
- Q2SCImago
- 2016year
Short summary
Niche construction, the modification of selective environments by organisms, is increasingly significant in evolutionary ecology, impacting inheritance and the extended evolutionary synthesis.
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Key points
- Niche construction is defined as the modification of selective environments by organisms.
- The theory distinguishes niche construction from ecosystem engineering and the extended phenotype.
- Niche construction and ecological inheritance expand notions of inheritance.
- The concept contributes to the extended evolutionary synthesis.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
Niche construction refers to the modification of selective environments by organisms. Theoretical and empirical studies of niche construction are increasing in importance as foci in evolutionary ecology. This special edition presents theoretical and empirical research that illustrates the significance of niche construction to the field. Here we set the scene for the following papers by (1) discussing the history of niche construction research, (2) providing clear definitions that distinguish niche construction from related concepts such as ecosystem engineering and the extended phenotype, (3) providing a brief summary of the findings of niche construction research, (4) discussing the contribution of niche construction and ecological inheritance to (a) expanded notions of inheritance, and (b) the extended evolutionary synthesis, and (5) briefly touching on some of the issues that underlie the controversies over niche construction.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Evolutionary Ecology, 2016 · DOI ↗
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Field: History and Philosophy of Science
History and Philosophy of ScienceArts and Humanities