Abstract
Shape is one of the most fascinating properties of living organisms. Many shapes are directly connected with their function and some of these were formed repeatedly during evolution.
On the other hand, several shapes were more influenced by the structure they originated from during evolution, and by various constraints. In this book, the mechanisms by which shapes are formed, are at first described by choosing an interesting particular example from each of three well known taxonomic groups (vertebrates, insects and plants).
Since the molecular and cellular mechanisms of shape formation are also of key importance, the next parts of the text discuss shapes on the cellular level, and protein structures. Finally, the most important general principles and mechanisms of organismal shape formation are concluded.