Computational and Physical Modeling to Understand Form–Function Relationships.

The article focuses on the integration of empirical and modeling approaches to advance understanding of the morphology–performance–fitness paradigm, which explores relationships between organismal form, function, and evolutionary fitness. It highlights the strengths and limitations of direct laboratory and field studies in capturing complex biological interactions, as well as the complementary role of physical and computational models in simulating biological systems and testing hypotheses beyond experimental constraints. The authors emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary training, collaboration, and institutional support for computational and prototyping resources to enhance synergy between empirical and modeling methods. This combined approach aims to deepen insights into biological form–function relationships across multiple organizational levels while addressing practical and ethical challenges inherent in experimental research.