Fundamentals of Molecular Evolution [Paperback]

Dan Graur (Author), Wen-Hsiung Li (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0878932666 | ISBN-13: 978-0878932665 | Publication Date: January 15, 2000 | Edition: 2 Sub

This book describes the dynamics of evolutionary change at the molecular level, the driving forces behind the evolutionary process, the effects of the various molecular mechanisms on the structure of genes, proteins, and genomes, the methodology involved in dealing with molecular data from an evolutionary perspective, and the logic of molecular hypothesis testing. The Second Edition incorporates newly acquired evolutionary insight from genome projects involving bacteria, plants, and animals, as well as analytical tools that have been developed and perfected in the last decade, and has been brought up to date in line with the many advances in genomics, protein engineering, computational biology, and bioinformatics. <P>The authors explain evolutionary phenomena at the molecular level in a way that can be understood without much prerequisite knowledge of molecular biology, evolution, or mathematics. Both mathematical and intuitive explanations are provided, and examples that support and clarify the many theoretical arguments and methodological discussions are included.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The 'Fundamentals' can serve both as an excellent text book for students of different biological disciplines and as a very useful introduction into molecular evolution for professional readers. ... Undoubtedly, this book should be an essential purchase for all libraries in higher education institutions with biology departments." --V. N. Ksenzenko and Y. A. Trotsenko, Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology

About the Author

DAN GRAUR, Tel Aviv University WEN-HSIUNG LI, University of Chicago

Product Details

• Paperback: 481 pages
• Publisher: Sinauer Associates; 2 Sub edition (January 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0878932666
• ISBN-13: 978-0878932665
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #343,679 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars In depth, informative, March 18, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Fundamentals of Molecular Evolution (Paperback)

This is a very complex, indepth, informative book on molecular and genetic evolution. Explainations of genetic drift, mutation rates, times to fixation, patterns in evolutionary changes. Lots of statistical information on how allele frequencies change. Written for a knowledgable audiance with a good understanding of evolution and genetics. Gives informative understanding of trends in evolution beyond natural selection. Supports neutral theory of evolution quite strongly.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent introduction or review of molecular evolutionary principles., November 19, 2009

By 

phylo_phd "phylo_phd" (US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fundamentals of Molecular Evolution (Paperback)

I have been using this book as a study guide for my qualifying examinations in evolutionary biology & genetics. It is concise and well-illustrated. The citations to original papers are exceptional. The authors do an amazing job of making difficult material seem simple. I'm now considering using this book as the basis for a lecture course. Maybe for those who enjoy crunching equations for hours this is not the best text, but for everyone else who wants practical knowledge that is readily applicable to phylogenetic and bioinformatic research in the field of molecular evolution--I have seen no better text.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best out there, January 24, 2008

By 

John R. Mcquiston "zje8" (Stone Mountain, GA United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Fundamentals of Molecular Evolution (Paperback)

This is probably one of the best if not the best for beginners. I used this in grad school and reccommend this to all budding molecular evolutionists.