Evolution : an introduction

Stephen C. Stearns, Rolf F. Hoekstra

Beskrivelse

Summary: Evolution is an established science which illuminates and informs our understanding of many central biological issues, from animal development to animal behaviour. This text focuses on key principles to offer an accessible treatment of the subject.

Indhold

Seneste udgave,

Table of contents online ; Introduction -- Part I. Microevolutionary concepts. Adaptive evolution ; Neutral evolution ; The genetic impact of selection on populations ; The origin and maintenance of genetic variation ; The importance of development in evolution ; The expression of variation -- Part II. Design by selection for reproductive success. The evolution of sex ; Genomic conflict ; Life histories and sex allocation ; Sexual selection -- Part III. Principles of macroevolution. Speciation ; Phylogeny and systematics ; Comparative methods: trees, maps, and traits -- Part IV. The history of life. Key events in evolution ; Major events in the geological theater ; The fossil record and life's history -- Part V. Integrating micro- and macroevolution. Coevolution ; Human evolution and evolutionary medicine ; Conclusion and prospect -- Genetic appendix -- Glossary