title: An introduction to niche construction theory.
abstract: Niche construction refers to the modification of selective environments by organisms. Theoretical and empirical studies of niche construction are increasing in importance as foci in evolutionary ecology. This special edition presents theoretical and empirical research that illustrates the significance of niche construction to the field. Here we set the scene for the following papers by (1) discussing the history of niche construction research, (2) providing clear definitions that distinguish niche construction from related concepts such as ecosystem engineering and the extended phenotype, (3) providing a brief summary of the findings of niche construction research, (4) discussing the contribution of niche construction and ecological inheritance to (a) expanded notions of inheritance, and (b) the extended evolutionary synthesis, and (5) briefly touching on some of the issues that underlie the controversies over niche construction.
authors.affiliation: School of Biology, Sir Harold Mitchell Building, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9TF UK.
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Laland
authors.affiliation: Aquatic Ecology Department, Center for Ecology, Evolution and Biogeochemistry, Eawag, Seestrasse 79, 6047 Kastanienbaum, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Blake
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Matthews
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, 385 Serra Mall, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA.
authors.forename: Marcus W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Feldman
keywords: Cultural niche construction; Ecological inheritance; Ecosystem engineering; Niche construction; Niche construction theory