Evolutionary Pathways in Nature
Evolutionary Pathways in Nature
$99.00
USDReconstructing phylogenetic trees from DNA sequences has become a popular exercise in many branches of biology, and here the well-known geneticist John Avise explains why. Molecular phylogenies provide a genealogical backdrop for interpreting the evolutionary histories of many other types of biological traits (anatomical, behavioral, ecological, physiological, biochemical and even geographical). Guiding readers on a natural history tour along dozens of evolutionary pathways, the author describes how creatures ranging from microbes to elephants came to possess their current phenotypes. Essential reading for college students, professional biologists and anyone interested in natural history and biodiversity, this book is packed with fascinating examples of evolutionary puzzles from across the animal kingdom; how the toucan got its enormous bill, how reptiles grow back lost limbs and why Arctic fish don't freeze.
- This book is the first to emphasize the fascinating biological discoveries that have emerged from molecular phylogenetic investigations
- Intended for biologists at any level, who are interested in natural history and biodiversity
- Accessible and eloquently written, discussing many of nature's most fascinating evolutionary outcomes - from the toucan's large bill, to why Arctic fish don't freeze and how reptiles can grow back lost limbs
Reviews & endorsements
“One can open to any page, read, and be entertained and edified.”
Choice
"This work is such a marvelous accomplishment that I would recommend to all, with even the slightest interest in evolution, buying the hardcover version to keep for a long time as standard reference to a phylogenetic understanding of structure and function in living organisms...[Avise's book] is an extraordinarily effective means to learn about and to understand evolutionary relationships. It is one of the best-written and most comprehensive books on the subject."
American Journal of Medical Genetics, John M. Opitz, University of Utah School of Medicine
"The abundance of fascinating evolutionary tales and the engaging clarity
with which Avise tells them not only guarantee that this book will serve its
purpose but also make it a 'must-have' for all enthusiasts of evolutionary
biology."
Andrew J. Roger, Nature Genetics, December 2006
Product details
June 2006Paperback
9780521674171
298 pages
247 × 173 × 15 mm
0.614kg
100 b/w illus.
Available
Table of Contents
- Preface
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Anatomical structures and morphologies
- 3. Body colorations
- 4. Sexual features and reproductive lifestyles
- 5. More behaviors and ecologies
- 6. Cellular, physiological, and genetic traits
- 7. Geographical distributions
- Epilogue
- Appendix A: A primer on phylogenetic character mapping
- Glossary
- References and further reading
- Index.
