Genetics and the Logic of Evolution [Hardcover]

Kenneth M. Weiss (Author), Anne V. Buchanan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 23, 2004

In this book the authors draw on what is known, largely from recent research, about the nature of genes and cells, the genetics of development and animal and plant body plans, intra- and interorganismal communication, sensation and perception, to propose that a few basic generalizations, along with the modified application of the classical evolutionary theory, can provide a broader theoretical understanding of genes, evolution, and the diverse and complex nature of living organisms.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"…the book is indeed recommendable…" (The Quarterly Review of Biology, December 2004)

"for anyone who wishes to know more about genes and evolution and go beyond the classic, classroom theory--this is the book for you...[will] take you on a ride you won't regret." (Heredity, February 2005)

“For anyone who wishes to know more about genes and evolution and go beyond the classic, classroom theory - this is for you…” (Heredity, Vol. 94, 2005)

"This book is well written and would probably be mainly of interest to students of evolution who have a more philosophical perspective or to philosophy students interested in evolution.” (American Journal of Human Genetics, September 2004)

"This book is highly suited to students and scientists in a range of fields who want to understand how evolution works through genetics.” (E-STREAMS, August 2004)

"This book represents a valiant effort in expanding evolutionary thinking in many biological specialties." (Choice, June 2004, Vol. 41 No. 10)

From the Back Cover

Darwinian theory, with genes at its center, still frames our discussion of evolution. Yet now the picture within the frame–a portrait rendered in detail at the cellular and molecular level–contains the real stuff of today’s big questions about living organisms. Genetics and molecular biology have revealed a new realm of complexity in life, with major implications for how we understand evolution.

Genetics and the Logic of Evolution provides a much-needed overview and analysis of general principles and patterns of evolution in light of contemporary biology. Taking a functional approach to explain how genes are used across the diverse range of species, the authors consider:

• Basic concepts and principles of biological complexity
• Alternative and supplemental principles to Darwinian theory
• Building blocks of life: how DNA, RNA, and genes work in single-cell and multi-cellular organisms
• Communication within an organism
• Detection and perception of the environment
• Evolutionary order and disorder and the sometimes fluid relationships between phenotypes and genotypes

Working outwards from the molecular level, Genetics and the Logic of Evolution moves its discourse towards a broader sense of life and how organisms live it. Written to be both scientifically rigorous and accessible to the layman, this treatment offers students and practitioners a refreshingly grand tour of the most important generalizations to emerge from recent biological research.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 560 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Liss; 1 edition (January 23, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471238058
• ISBN-13: 978-0471238058
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,721,826 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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