Biological Evolution
Biological evolution, the theory of natural selection and of common descent, is a triumph both of human reasoning and scientific undertaking. The biological discipline of evolution contains both a chronicle of human endeavour and the story of life on Earth. This book is concerned with living forms and how they developed from 'simple and unpromising beginnings'. It considers evolution as both process and product. The author, an experienced teacher and educator, employs a historical narrative, used to convey the idea of 'change with modification' and to emphasise the relevance of evolution to contemporary bioscience. Biological evolution has now become part of the scientific orthodoxy and this accessible text will assist undergraduate students in the biological sciences within any ongoing debate.
- Provides a more narrative account of biological evolution, offering students an overview of key trends and patterns in the study of the field
- Includes sections on Darwin and nineteenth century contemporaries, alongside studies of big data and current religious and philosophical impacts, highlighting the historical and contemporary relevance of the subject
- Communicates ideas and information in an enjoyable and effective way, benefiting students who are looking for an introduction to the topic
Reviews & endorsements
‘This book is a carefully crafted, valuable, and fresh new resource for teaching evolution.’ Ximena Miranda, The Quarterly Review of Biology
‘… it will inspire its audience to pursue further study of biological evolution remains uncertain … Recommended.’ P. K. Strother, Choice
Product details
December 2020Hardback
9780521812689
278 pages
250 × 174 × 17 mm
0.69kg
Available
Table of Contents
- Preface
- Acknowledgements
- 1. Biological evolution: the beginnings of the story
- 2. Reviewing the evidence for evolution
- 3. Genetic variation within populations
- 4. Natural selection and adaptive change
- 5. Evolution and development
- 6. The origins of biodiversity
- 7. Taxonomy and the diversity of life
- 8. The history and origins of life on Earth
- 9. Molecules and evolution
- 10. Human evolution
- 11. Trends and patterns in evolution
- 12. Questions, debate and controversy
- References
- Index.