Evolvability of allometry

In spite of a long-term interest of biologists and especially evolutionary biologists in allometry, biological and genetic models underlying the changes in relative dimensions of parts of the body that are correlated with changes in the overall size are s urprisingly few, and the evolution of allometry remains poorly understood. In this project, we aim at solving part of these difficulties and provide a theoretical and empirical background for future studies on allometry. We will combine theoretical, exp erimental and comparative approaches to test and understand the evolvability (i.e. capacity to evolve) of allometry. We will develop theoretical models of quantitative genetics in order to predict the effects of different types of selection allometry. We will use the outcome of these models to interpret results of selection experiments conducted on different model organisms, and reinterpret published studies on the evolution of allometry. Understanding the capacity of species and traits to evolve and re spond to selective challenges is crucial for our ability to predict whether or not organisms can adapt to rapid changing environment. In this context, this project is asking questions of primary importance in relation to conservation biology. Additionally , the allometric equation has been used to describe an incredibly large diversity of biological phenomena, and still raises an enormous attention. Therefore, we believe that this project deals with fundamental questions in biology that should receive a la rge attention by the scientific community.