Energetics of prey capture: From foraging theory to functional morphology

The Ecomorphological Paradigm attempts to explain an organism's morphology, or in this case fish feeding morphology, based upon its ecology. Ecological interactions, such as competition, are one set of forces that can shape an organism's feeding morphology. Behavioral differences are another way in which species take advantage of different prey resources. Both morphology and behavior are kinds of traits, shaped by evolution. Looking at feeding performance, or how well an organism performs one of these modes, is one way to measure the importance of different traits to the organism's survival and therefore fitness.