Morphology determines niche.

Who are you as an individual? What role do you play in society? What traits, interests, skills, and experience do you have? How do those things affect the role you play in your community? For each of us, there is a history (experiences), a body-type (morphology), inherent abilities (things you have always been good at), and interest (what drives you). These factors all come to bear on what we will do as adults. Our morphology limits us to some extent but also enables us for others. Our history predisposes us towards certain occupations. We tend to be better at certain things (mechanic vs lawyer) which is partly attributable to how our mind works and all the other factors. The same can be said of interest. These things are greatly influential in the role we play in society.

It turns out mammals and birds aren't so different. Consider the photographs above. Two species of stilt, each living at opposite sides of the globe. I think that you would agree that their morphology (animal morphology as opposed to how words are made) is very similar. Long necks, beaks, and legs all suggest a littoral existence. Indeed, you will find them both wading in the shallows of both fresh and saltwater bodies. Their bills are particularly well suited to picking up aquatic invertebrates which it finds using well-developed eyes. The large feet prevent them from being trapped in mud and their long legs allow them to wade into deeper waters if necessary. The taller stance they have also facilitates searching for food items.

So, what does all of this have to do with my first paragraph? The morphology component is self-evident. After the eggs hatch, parents feed their young the same meals they eat. Pre-fledged nestlings follow their parents and learn to feed and behave as they do. Their history prepares them for life. The behaviour has developed over millennia with inherent and intrinsic skills that enable such actions. Then there is what drives them to act. There are two biological imperatives which drive their actions; the need to eat and reproduce. These factors all unit together to produce the role stilts play in their environment. Morphology, in conjunction with inborn and learned behaviours, determines the niche they will fill as adults.

Is it any different with us?

Thanks for reading.     Ericspix     Eric Svendsen