Form/Function Framework

The form/function framework refers to methods and approaches used to investigate how animal morphology is related to habits and lifestyle. It entails not only identifying the current utility of a feature, but also assessing how it may have contributed to the evolutionary success of the species. Establishing a form/function connection begins with observations of a correlation between the presence of a feature and performance of a behavior. Such correlations become a basis for a hypothesis regarding a functional relationship that makes predictions for further testing. Methods for testing these predictions include additional morphological or behavior observations, collection of laboratory-based empirical data linking form to function with living subjects, and application of computational biomechanics to use computer modeling to investigate the complex interplay between animal morphology and the performance of a behavior.