Evolution / Evolutionary biology Books
Columbia University Press The Engine of Complexity
Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThe Engine of Complexity is a well-written and erudite book of great importance. It promises to be the best single introduction to the informational concept of evolution, all while being clear and easy to read. -- Geoffrey M. Hodgson, University of Hertfordshire Wide ranging, ambitious, and clearly written, John E. Mayfield's The Engine of Complexity shows how information flowing down the ages in genes, thoughts, and words, guided only by the invisible hand of selection, has built everything from beetles and human brains to steam engines, space shuttles, and iPads. It will open your eyes to a different way of seeing the world. -- Mark Pagel, University of Reading, author of Wired for Culture: Origins of the Human Social Mind John E. Mayfield succeeds beautifully in making computational and biological concepts understandable to the non-expert reader. He suggests we are about to see a sea-change in our thinking with respect to how we view evolution in our society; he may be right, and his book is good reading to ready yourself for this potential change. -- Alan G. Atherly, Iowa State University An extraordinarily ambitious and broad volume. -- Chris Adami Quarterly Review of BiologyTable of ContentsPreface Introduction 1. The Problem How is the Earth different? What is information? What is an evolutionary system? What constitutes scientific understanding? How does computer science fit in? How is purposeful complexity explained by science? 2. Computation What is a computation? What does it mean to manipulate information? How is information defined and measured in computer science? Can great complexity be created by short (i.e., simple) programs? Can physical structure be computed? Why have long programs? 3. Structure for Free If physical processes compute, what and where are the programs? How do we explain a grain of salt? How does a solar system form? How do nonequilibrium structures form? Must structures have permanent parts? Is behavior a form of structure? Can avalanches be simulated in a computer? Whence structure for free? 4. Purposeful Structure What can you get by using instructions that you can't get for free? Can you get a watch without a watchmaker? How do instructions encoded in DNA specify structures more complicated than single proteins? Can instructions dictate activity? What about ongoing activity? So, exactly how do we define purposeful structure? 5. Improbability and the Engine of Complexity How do order and disorder relate to each other? How do we reconcile great improbability with existence? Where do instructions come from? How do instructions change our view of object probability? Is life the outcome of a computation? 6. Algorithmic Evolution Can computers learn? What are evolutionary algorithms? Can the rules evolve? How can we visualize what is happening during an evolutionary computation? Is randomness necessary for learning? 7. Evolution Within the Body How does the human body form from a single cell? How is the brain wired? Why isn't the body destroyed by microorganisms? What does copying add to selection? 8. Taking Control of the Cycle Can the engine of complexity accept any form of information? Can variation be controlled? Must selection be natural? Is there any aspect of the cycle that cannot be controlled? 9. Complex Systems What constitutes a complex system? How is an electronic device also a network? What is a biochemical network? What is a genetic network, and what does it do? What is a proteome? What is life? What is a complex adaptive system? 10. Human Learning and Creativity How are we to understand the human mind? Where is the information? How are decisions made? Could our world, and therefore our thoughts, be deterministic? What are some general principles of brain function? What is evolutionary epistemology? What are some current theories? How do we invent? What is the evidence that the engine of complexity plays a major role in brain function? What can we say about the origin of human creativity? 11. Cultural Evolution What is human culture? How do cultures change? How does science work? Economies change, but do they evolve? Do religions evolve? How does the engine of complexity operate in human society? 12. The Evolution of Complexity Can complexity be defined? How is complexity defined by biologists? How do optimization and coevolution fit in? Do resources matter? How does depth figure in? Is there evidence? 13. Past and Present How do engines of complexity get started? What does it mean to be in the middle of a computation? 14. The Future Where is it all going? Are we about to participate in a new implementation of the engine of complexity? Acknowledgments Notes Glossary References Index4
£35.70
Columbia University Press The Story of Life in 25 Fossils
Book SynopsisEvery fossil tells a story. Best-selling paleontology author Donald R. Prothero describes twenty-five famous fossils in a gripping scientific history. Recounting the adventures behind the discovery of these objects and interpreting their significance within the larger fossil record, Prothero creates a riveting history of life on our planet.Trade ReviewDonald R. Prothero is one of the most talented science writers of his generation-as a paleontological writer, he has no peer. This is an engaging, attractive book! -- David J. Bottjer, University of Southern California There is no other book that brings together such diverse fossils and tells their unique stories in a way that is both accurate and approachable. -- Xiaoming Wang, curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County The Story of Life in 25 Fossils shows the reader the joys of paleontological discovery as well as the stories behind some of the most important fossils. I loved reading it, and I suspect that most paleontologists, and many members of the general public, will feel the same way-the text is lucid, extremely easy to read, and highly informative. Anyone interested in ancient life-forms and the fossil record would be well served to buy this book. -- Bruce S. Lieberman, University of Kansas Prothero, an outstanding paleontologist and skilled communicator, has written the best up-to-date account of the history of life as revealed by the fossil record that I have ever had the pleasure to read. His lucid prose brings these long-dead organisms back to life, while painting a picture of how all life has been interconnected through evolution. I was especially struck by the inclusion of field outcrops, as well as museums, where one can go to see these fossils. I will keep Prothero's book handy as a core reference for years to come! -- Niles Eldredge, author of Eternal Ephemera: Adaptation and the Origin of Species from the Nineteenth Century Through Punctuated Equilibria and Beyond A guide to museums where the original fossils or high-quality reproductions are housed and more than 150 illustrations accompany Prothero's lively account of the science and politics that shaped the rich history of these discoveries. Kirkus Reviews Engaging and accessible... Ideal for anyone interested in the origins of life on earth. Library Journal (starred review) An accessible, well-done book that will better enable general readers to understand the fossil record and how paleontologists interpret it. Publishers Weekly Prothero's careful description of 25 fossils... offer[s] an overview of the progression of plants and animals in the last 3.5 billion years. -- Ashley Yeager Sciece News [Prothero] pays attention not just to the fossils themselves but to the continuing quest to uncover and understand how life has been changing since it first came into existence on Earth. Sure, The Story of Life in 25 Fossils includes snakes with legs, giant dinosaurs, walking whales and extinct primates whose existence confirms that our own species is a variety of modified ape. But most chapters also introduce us to the researchers who labored to pull back the curtain on lost worlds. -- Brian Switek Wall Street Journal Ideal for all who love prehistoric landscapes and delight in the history of science, this book makes a treasured addition to any bookshelf, stoking curiosity in the evolution of life on Earth. -- Ian Paulsen The Birdbooker Report Prothero brings erudition and expert perspective to the material, but animates it in an entertaining and accessible manner. It reads like a fun conversation with a learned friend. -- Nathan H. Lents The Human Evolution Blog Written with bright enthusiasm... [The Story of Life in 25 Fossils] is a wonderful primer. -- Rob Hardy The Commercial Dispatch Chock full of excellent and interesting illustrations... [Prothero] writes excellent, readable prose, and vigorously makes connections between evolutionary questions and evolutionary data. Greg Laden's Blog A thoroughly enjoyable, highly readable, and entertaining book. Prothero is a masterful communicator of science and a lover of paleontology, and these traits have combined to produce one of the best books on the history of life I have read. If you want an introduction to the history of life on Earth, get this book. -- Jason S. Anderson BioScience A great introduction to the history of life on the planet Earth... A solid primer on why evolution is true... A fun read with lots of tales of paleontological adventure and derring-do... I recommend this book without hesitation. -- John Dupuis Confessions of a Science Librarian A magnificent journey through life's story told in such loving detail... Highly recommended. Choice [The book], written with bright enthusiasm and describing clearly how the fossil record shows evolution to have occured, is a wonderful primer about what paleontologists do. The DispatchTable of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments 1. Planet of the Scum: The First Fossils (Cryptozoon) 2. Garden of Ediacara: The First Multicellular Life (Charnia) 3. "Little Shellies": The First Shells (Cloudina) 4. Oh, Give Me a Home, When the Trilobites Roamed: The First Large Shelled Animals (Olenellus) 5. Is It a Worm or an Arthropod? The Origin of Arthropods (Hallucigenia) 6. Is It a Worm or a Mollusc? The Origin of Molluscs (Pilina) 7. Growing from the Sea: The Origin of Land Plants (Cooksonia) 8. A Fishy Tale: The Origin of Vertebrates (Haikouichthys) 9. Mega-Jaws: The Largest Fish (Carcharocles) 10. Fish out of Water: The Origin of Amphibians (Tiktaalik) 11. "Frogamander": The Origin of Frogs (Gerobatrachus) 12. Turtle on the Half-Shell: The Origin of Turtles (Odontochelys) 13. Walking Serpents: The Origin of Snakes (Haasiophis) 14. King of the Fish-Lizards: The Largest Marine Reptile (Shonisaurus) 15. Terror of the Seas: The Largest Sea Monster (Kronosaurus) 16. Monster Flesh-Eater: The Largest Predator (Giganotosaurus) 17. Land of the Giants: The Largest Land Animal (Argentinosaurus) 18. A Feather in Stone: The First Bird (Archaeopteryx) 19. Not Quite a Mammal: The Origin of Mammals (Thrinaxodon) 20. Walking Into the Water: The Origin of Whales (Ambulocetus) 21. Walking Manatees: The Origin of Sirenians (Pezosiren) 22. Dawn Horses: The Origin of Horses (Eohippus) 23. Rhinoceros Giants: The Largest Land Mammal (Paraceratherium) 24. The Ape's Reflection? The Oldest Human Fossil (Sahelanthropus) 25. Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds: The Oldest Human Skeleton (Australopithecus afarensis) Appendix: The Best Natural History Museums Index
£75.15
Columbia University Press CroMagnon
Book SynopsisThis book tells the story of the dynamic and resilient people commonly known as the Cro-Magnons in light of recent scientific advances.Trade ReviewTrenton Holliday is unquestionably one of the foremost experts on this subject. -- John Shea, Stony Brook University, author of The Unstoppable Human Species: : The Emergence of Homo Sapiens in PrehistoryMost every schoolchild has heard of the Cro-Magnons, but few people actually know anything about them. This engaging and accessible book by Trenton Holliday may go a long way toward remedying that situation! Written by one of the leading experts on the Ice Age peoples of the world, Cro-Magnon brings to life—in clear, nontechnical English—what we know about these ancient Europeans, their fascinating history of study, and the very latest research on them. -- Steven Churchill, Duke University, author of Thin on the Ground: Neandertal Biology, Archeology, and EcologyIn Cro-Magnon, Holliday gifts us a vivid, impressively detailed portrait of the earliest modern Europeans. He deftly weaves studies of biological characteristics, behavioral indicators, environment, history, and colorful descriptions of places and people into a fascinating narrative that brings alive these humans of the distant past. Holliday’s book is thorough yet eminently readable, and is certainly required reading for anyone interested in the later phases of human evolution. -- Fred H. Smith, University Professor Emeritus of Anthropology and Biological Sciences, Illinois State UniversityPerceptively reviews what we have learned about Cro-Magnons over the century and a half since their discovery. * Natural History Magazine *Well illustrated and referenced, citing both the most recent research and past studies, the volume has an obvious place in college and university libraries. Holliday’s engaging writing style also makes this a readable, informative source for an audience beyond the walls of academia. * Choice Reviews, the American Library Association (ALA) *Table of ContentsPrefaceIntroduction1. Discovery2. Archaeology of the Ancients3. The Abel to Our Cain? Homo neanderthalensis4. Fossil and Recent Homo sapiens5. A Paleontological Perspective on Modern Human Origins6. The Genetics of Modern Human Origins7. Is There Such a Thing as Modern Human Behavior?8. Neandertal and Cro-Magnon Interactions in Europe9. Bioanthropology of the Cro-Magnons10. Slings and Arrows11. Cro-Magnon Art12. Cold ComfortAcknowledgmentsNotesBibliographyIndex
£90.00
Columbia University Press CroMagnon
Book SynopsisThis book tells the story of the dynamic and resilient people commonly known as the Cro-Magnons in light of recent scientific advances.Trade ReviewTrenton Holliday is unquestionably one of the foremost experts on this subject. -- John Shea, Stony Brook University, author of The Unstoppable Human Species: : The Emergence of Homo Sapiens in PrehistoryMost every schoolchild has heard of the Cro-Magnons, but few people actually know anything about them. This engaging and accessible book by Trenton Holliday may go a long way toward remedying that situation! Written by one of the leading experts on the Ice Age peoples of the world, Cro-Magnon brings to life—in clear, nontechnical English—what we know about these ancient Europeans, their fascinating history of study, and the very latest research on them. -- Steven Churchill, Duke University, author of Thin on the Ground: Neandertal Biology, Archeology, and EcologyIn Cro-Magnon, Holliday gifts us a vivid, impressively detailed portrait of the earliest modern Europeans. He deftly weaves studies of biological characteristics, behavioral indicators, environment, history, and colorful descriptions of places and people into a fascinating narrative that brings alive these humans of the distant past. Holliday’s book is thorough yet eminently readable, and is certainly required reading for anyone interested in the later phases of human evolution. -- Fred H. Smith, University Professor Emeritus of Anthropology and Biological Sciences, Illinois State UniversityPerceptively reviews what we have learned about Cro-Magnons over the century and a half since their discovery. * Natural History Magazine *Well illustrated and referenced, citing both the most recent research and past studies, the volume has an obvious place in college and university libraries. Holliday’s engaging writing style also makes this a readable, informative source for an audience beyond the walls of academia. * Choice Reviews, the American Library Association (ALA) *Table of ContentsPrefaceIntroduction1. Discovery2. Archaeology of the Ancients3. The Abel to Our Cain? Homo neanderthalensis4. Fossil and Recent Homo sapiens5. A Paleontological Perspective on Modern Human Origins6. The Genetics of Modern Human Origins7. Is There Such a Thing as Modern Human Behavior?8. Neandertal and Cro-Magnon Interactions in Europe9. Bioanthropology of the Cro-Magnons10. Slings and Arrows11. Cro-Magnon Art12. Cold ComfortAcknowledgmentsNotesBibliographyIndex
£23.75
Indiana University Press Tyrannosaurid Paleobiology
Book SynopsisHighlights the far ranging and vital state of current tyrannosaurid dinosaur research and discoveryTrade ReviewHighly recommended. * Choice *Table of ContentsIntroduction /J. Michael Parrish and Ralph E. MolnarPart One. Systematics and Descriptions1. Phylogenetic Revision of Chingkankousaurus fragilis, a Forgotten Tyrannosauroid from the Late Cretaceous of China /Stephen L. Brusatte, David W. E. Hone, and Xu Xing2. The Case for Nanotyrannus /Peter Larson3. Preliminary Analysis of a Sub-Adult Tyrannosaurid Skeleton from the Judith River Formation of Petroleum County, Montana /Walter W. Stein and Michael TrieboldPart Two. Functional Morphology and Reconstruction4. Internal Structure of Tooth Serrations /William L. Abler 5. Feet of the Fierce (and Not So Fierce): Pedal Proportions in Large Theropods, Other Non-Avian Dinosaurs, and Large Ground Birds /James O. Farlow, Thomas R. Holtz, Jr., Trevor H. Worthy, and Ralph E. Chapman6. Relative Size of Brain and Cerebrum in Tyrannosaurid Dinosaurs: An Analysis Using Brain-Endocast Quantitative Relationships in Extant Alligators /Grant R. Hurlburt, Ryan C. Ridgley, and Lawrence M. Witmer7. Jane, In the Flesh: The State of Life-Reconstruction in Paleoart /Tyler Keillor8. Comparison of Reconstructed Jaw Musculature and Mechanics of Some Large Theropods /Ralph E. Molnar9. Tyrannosaurid Craniocervical Mobility: A Preliminary Assessment /Tanya SammanPart Three. Paleopathology, Paleoecology, and Taphonomy10. Clawing Their Way to the Top: Tyrannosaurid Pathology and Lifestyle /Bruce M. Rothschild11. Brodie Abscess Involving a Tyrannosaur Phalanx: Imaging and Implications /Christopher P. Vittore, MD and Michael D. Henderson12. Using Pollen, Leaves, and Paleomagnetism to Date a Juvenile Tyrannosaurid in Upper Cretaceous Rock /William F. Harrison, Douglas J. Nichols, Michael D. Henderson, and Reed P. Scherer13. The Biomechanics of a Plausible Hunting Strategy for Tyrannosaurus rex /David A. Krauss and James M. Robinson14. A Closer Look at the Hypothesis of Scavenging vs. Predation by Tyrannosaurus rex /Kenneth Carpenter15. New Evidence of Predation by a Large Tyrannosaurid /Nate L. Murphy, Kenneth Carpenter, and David Trexler Index
£45.00
Indiana University Press Darwins On the Origin of Species
Book SynopsisBy removing the linguistic barriers to understanding and appreciating the Origin, this book aims to bring 21st-century readers into closer contact with Charles Darwin's revolutionary ideas.Trade Review[This] modernized version provided by Daniel Duzdevich, a doctoral student of biology at Columbia University, doesn't meddle with Darwin's theories or basic exposition and so his edited Origin remains a weighty trek, but he has made the way a lot smoother. * Foreword Reviews *Table of ContentsForeword by Olivia JudsonA Note to the ReaderAcknowledgmentsOn the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life (1859) by Charles DarwinIntroductionChapter 1: Variation under DomesticationChapter 2: Variation in NatureChapter 3: The Struggle for ExistenceChapter 4: Natural SelectionChapter 5: VariationChapter 6: Difficulties with the TheoryChapter 7: InstinctChapter 8: HybridsChapter 9: The Imperfection of the Geological RecordChapter 10: The Succession of Organisms in the Geological RecordChapter 11: The Geographical Distribution of LifeChapter 12: Geographical Distribution of Life, ContinuedChapter 13: Affinities between Organisms; Morphology, Embryology, and Rudimentary OrgansChapter 14: Summary and ConclusionNotesRecommended Further ReadingIndex
£21.59
Indiana University Press Dinosaurs and Other Reptiles from the Mesozoic of
Book SynopsisPresents an overview of dinosaur discoveries in Mexico that synthesizes information about the geography and environment of the region during the Mesozoic when it was the western margin of the ancient continent of Pangea. This book summarizes research on various groups, including turtles, lepidosauromorphs, pleisosaurs, crocodyliforms, pterosaurs.Trade ReviewDinosaurs and Other Reptiles from the Mesozoic of Mexico is an up-to-date, informative volume on an area that has not been comprehensively described until now. * Birdbooker Report *I would suggest Dinosaurs and Other Reptiles from the Mesozoic of Mexico to those who are interested in Mesozoic paleontology. The layout, content, and chapter lengths flow well making this book easy to read and the material easy to absorb. * Priscum *[This book] is richly illustrated with photographs and diagrams, and includes a color signature that attempts to re-create some of the animals discussed. . . . Recommended. * Choice *Table of ContentsContributorsAcknowledgmentsPreface1. History of the Discoveries of Dinosaurs and Mesozoic Reptiles in Mexico Jose Ruben Guzman-Gutierrez and Héctor E. Rivera-Sylva2. Paleogeography and Paleoenvironment of Mexico during the Mesozoic Wolfgang Stinnesbeck and Eberhard Frey 3. Turtles of the Mesozoic of México Donald Brinkman4. Mesozoic Lepidosauromorphs of Mexico: A Review and Discussion of Taxonomic Assignments Víctor Hugo Reynoso and J. Alberto Cruz5. Plesiosaurs, Reptiles between Grace and Awe Eberhard Frey and Wolfgang Stinnesbeck6. Mexican Ichthyosaurs Eberhard Frey and Wolfgang Stinnesbeck7. Overview of Mesozoic Crocodyliforms from Mexico Gerardo Carbot-Chanona8. Mexican Pterosaurs—Rare Jewels in the Fossil Record Eberhard Frey and Wolfgang Stinnesbeck 9. Mexican Saurischian Dinosaurs Héctor E. Rivera-Sylva and Kenneth Carpenter10. The Ornithischian Dinosaurs of Mexico Héctor E. Rivera-Sylva and Kenneth Carpenter11. A Summary of the Mesozoic Vertebrate Tracks of Mexico Victor Manuel Bravo Cuevas and Rubén Rodríguez de la Rosa 12. The Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) Boundary in Mexico Wolfgang Stinnesbeck and Eberhard FreyIndex
£35.10
Indiana University Press Owens Ape and Darwins Bulldog
Book SynopsisDiscusses a contentious 19th-century debate about apes, humans, and competing theories of evolutionTrade ReviewOwen's Ape and Darwin's Bulldog sheds new light on one of the most celebrated episodes in the history of evolutionary biology. Cosans's careful analysis draws on history, philosophy, and even his own dissections, to reveal a complexity hitherto underestimated. -- Frederick R. Davis * QUARTERLY REVIEW OF BIOLOGY *Owen's Ape and Darwin's Bulldog introduces a brilliant, new and insightful perspective into the philosophy behind Richard Owen's methods and reasoning. 2010 * Evo Edu Outreach *In conclusion, the reviewer recommends this book strongly for all specialists and students, including palaeontologists and palaeoanthropologists. 11, 5/6, 2009 * Zentralblatt fur Geologie und Palaontologie *Cosans's analysis is thought-provoking and informative, exemplifying an overall point that has been increasingly accepted: a scientist's interpretation of what s/he observes is best understood within its historic context. Vol. 66, 2010 * Journal of Anthropological Research *Table of ContentsList of IllustrationsAcknowledgmentsIntroduction: On the Origin of the Darwin WarsAnalytic Table of Contents1. The Parable of the Hippopotamus Major2. Philosophical Anatomy and the Human Soul3. Evolution and the Discovery of the Gorilla4. Does the Brain Distinguish Human from Beast?5. Economics and Values on the Eve of the Origin6. The Values and Metaphysics of Darwin's Origin7. Why Owen Rejected Darwin's Analysis8. Huxley's Hippocampus Counter-Attack9. The Dissection of a Metaphysical Dispute10. Ethics, Experience, and TruthAppendix 1. Excerpt from Owen's 1851 Article on Ape and Human Brain SizeAppendix 2. The Concluding Pages of Owen's Anatomy of Vertebrates (1868) on Evolution, the Origins of Life, Metaphysics, and Theology BibliographyIndex
£16.14
MH - Indiana University Press African Dinosaurs Unearthed
Book SynopsisThe story of expeditions into Africa in search of dinosaur bones.Trade ReviewThe volume will certainly be the standard reference on the history of Tendaguru from here on . . . I thoroughly enjoyed African Dinosaurs Unearthed and recommend it to anyone interested in the history of research on Mesozoic fauna. * The Palaeontological Association Newsletter *Table of ContentsPreliminary Table of Contents:Preface1. 1907: Fraas and Something Curious in the African Bush 2. 1908: Von Branca and a Matter of National Honour3. 1909: Janensch, Hennig, and a Cemetery of Giants4. 1909-1910: Geology in the Rain and Comets, Stegosaurs, and Iguanodonts5. 1911: Along the Railway and Expansion, Exhaustion, and Completion?6. 1911-1912: A Museum Overflows - The Recks find Iguanodonts, Pterosaurs, and a Fossilized Forest7. 1913-1918: Fresh Discoveries and a Bitter War8. 1919-1924: The British Museum in Tanganyika Territory9. 1924-1925: Cutler, Leakey, and a Difficult Start10. 1925: Berlin Builds Dinosaurs11. 1925: A Death in Africa12. 1925: Migeod - A New Recruit 13. 1925-1926: An Expedition Saved 14. 1926-1927: Berlin in Chaos and Parkinson Reviews Stratigraphy 15. 1927-1929: Kenyan Interlude, Geology at Tendaguru, and Desperate Finances 16. 1929: Migeod Returns 17. 1930: Migeod and Parrington, Tendaguru and Nyasaland 18. 1931-1939: Hennig Returns and Berlin's Museum Triumphs 19. 1939-1976: Destruction and Renewal 20. 1971-2001: Russell to Africa, Brachiosaurus to Tokyo, Berlin to Tendaguru21. A Significant Contribution NotesReferencesIndex
£35.10
University of Notre Dame Press Darwin in the TwentyFirst Century
Book Synopsis Originating from conferences held at the Gregorian University in Rome and at the University of Notre Dame, these essays assess the continuing relevance of Darwin's work across academic fields.Trade Review“This volume presents the best scholarship available on the present and future developments in evolutionary science and its implications for the humanities. It will reward careful study by evolutionary biologists and social scientists, but also philosophers and theologians—or indeed, by any reflective person seeking to be informed about up-to-date analysis of its three main topics: Nature, Humanity, and God. The editors of this volume are to be congratulated for producing a volume that makes available a rich array of voices from a variety of disciplines and schools of thought. It is a must read for anyone who wishes to be informed about the interpretation of Darwin in the twenty-first century.” —Stephen J. Pope, Boston College"Darwin in the Twenty-First Century aims to present 'new reflections that anticipate the future of scientific and philosophical inquiry about evolution,' rather than giving an overview of all issues discussed in the conference or beyond. The volume focuses on present and future developments within evolutionary science and the impact on, and relation to, the humanities. These are central and the most exciting questions, and the volume gives multiple answers to how the discourse could be shaped in the future, both scientifically and from the perspective of the humanities." —Hille Haker, Loyola University Chicago “Of note to Catholic readers is the implicit growth in the magisterium’s understanding of many evolutionary theory embodied in many of these papers. . . . Also worthy of attention here is the explication of the vibrant (unresolved?) tension within Catholic thinking between the two dominant views of evolution.” —Catholic Library World “This collection of 16 essays was gleaned from a 2009 conference at Notre Dame by the same title. . . Scholars interested in controversies surrounding evolution will be interested and will (no doubt) find this book a goldmine.” —Choice “The essays potently assess the continuing relevance of Darwin’s work from the perspectives of biological science, history, philosophy, and theology. I recommend this book for those who are involved in the ever-proceeding science and theology dialogue.” —Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith“The value of this anthology for upper-level and graduate students is its attention to the areas of intersection between the natural sciences and humanities. For example, the anthology as a whole forces readers to abandon their casual use of terms such as ‘randomness’ and ‘causality.’ What terminology may replace such notions is impossible to determine now, and that means that the future of the science-religion debate will continue to fascinate.” —CatholicBooksReview.org“The essays present a vision of Darwin and the scope of his ideas, not only from the standpoint of the traditional historical discourse, but seeks to create a dialogue with contemporary discussions in biology, philosophy, and theology, focusing above all on the future. . . . This volume is a major contribution in interdisciplinary dialogue, given the broadness of its overall proposal, to build innovative bridges between the sciences and humanities.” —The Quarterly Review of Biology"This volume emerges from a 2009 conference at the University of Notre Dame to mark Charles Darwin's bicentennial. An influential 1959 symposium at the University of Chicago marked the centennial of Darwin's On the Origin of Species and solidified a neo-Darwinian theory that has dominated interdisciplinary discourse on evolution since that time. This book evaluates subsequent changes to Darwinism and how they affect the humanities, especially Catholic theology." —Isis
£35.10
University of Notre Dame Press Verbs Bones and Brains
Book SynopsisVerbs, Bones, and Brains engages in an interdisciplinary conversation about God, creation, evolution, and human nature. Trade Review"This is a landmark volume for those fostering collaboration between the sciences and humanities. It shows the fruitfulness of a mutually respectful and yet rigorous approach to cross-disciplinary engagement. The editors and contributors are to be congratulated, not only for clarifying areas of common and contested ground, within and among the participating disciplines, but also for clearing the ground for future transdisciplinary inquiry on human nature." —William Storrar, Center of Theological Inquiry, Princeton, NJ“Human nature is a difficult topic: it has major relevance to many social debates raging today, and writers in anthropology, psychology, history, and philosophy have long wrestled with it. Each of these fields is represented here. . . . The collection is fascinating, well organized, and well edited, and its interdisciplinary nature led the contributors to define key terms, a benefit to lay readers.” —Choice"Agustín Fuentes and Aku Visala have produced a benchmark collection of essays on the contemporary understanding of human nature. Their work engages very different fields of study, from biology and anthropology to theology and philosophy, yet the authors clearly convey the idea that they are dealing with a shared set of questions while making the case for this transdisciplinary approach to the problem. Engaging and accessible, the volume opens up many opportunities for further exploration." —Robin W. Lovin, Cary M. Maguire University Professor of Ethics emeritus, Southern Methodist University
£35.10
Yale University Press Strange Natures
Book SynopsisA groundbreaking examination of the implications of synthetic biology for biodiversity conservationTrade ReviewCHOICE Outstanding Academic Title 2022“Brilliant, challenging and fresh: Kent Redford and Bill Adams’s focus on genetics as a means of conservation raises fascinating ethical and scientific questions, and helps us understand why we so often fail.”—Fiona Reynolds, author of The Fight for Beauty“A fantastic, readable primer on genetic technologies for conservationists and on conservation for geneticists—with the ultimate aim of charting an ethical course forward for both fields.”—Emma Marris, author of Rambunctious Garden and Wild Souls“Strange Natures is a ground-breaking work, the first book to investigate the multiple challenging questions of synthetic biology in biodiversity conservation for a broad audience.”—Thomas Brooks, International Union for the Conservation of Nature“At last: Strange Natures goes to the very heart of the intersection of gene technology, conservation and ethics. Kent Redford and Bill Adams are thoughtful, sure-footed guides through this scientific and ethical thicket. An amazing book!”—Thomas E. Lovejoy, University Professor of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University“An essential guide to the future of nature; a future that you may not know is already underway. Strange Natures succinctly introduces a most urgent dilemma that all life has a stake in.”—Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg, artist/ lead author of Synthetic Aesthetics: Investigating Synthetic Biology’s Designs on Nature
£27.50
WW Norton & Co Darwins Backyard
Book SynopsisHow Darwin found universal evolutionary truths in simple yet ingenious home-spun experiments.Trade Review"If you’ve ever fantasized walking and conversing with the great scientist on the subjects that consumed him, and now wish to add the fullness of reality, read this book." -- Edward O. Wilson"Darwin’s Backyard, is a passionate but balanced celebration of the Victorian scientist’s lifelong obsession with enquiry and how the fields and meadows around his home were a microcosm of the wider world... Costa more than achieves his stated goals of revealing the evolution of Darwin’s insights and the relevance of his methods now." -- Nature"It is a charming book about Darwin’s homespun experiments..." -- Times Literary Supplement"...excellent Darwin's Backyard... James Costa has written an intimate and big-hearted book. In its pages, readers will discover the real Darwin, a complicated man behind a revolutionary theory." -- Science Lives"With Darwin's Backyard, Costa has written an intimate and big-hearted book. In its pages, young readers will discover the complicated man behind the revolutionary theory." -- Science Magazine
£20.89
WW Norton & Co Close Encounters with Humankind A
Book SynopsisIn this captivating bestseller, Korea's first paleoanthropologist offers fresh insights into humanity's dawn and evolution.Trade Review"... Close Encounters with Humankind offers additional vistas on our unique plight..." -- The Ideas Driving 2018 - New Scientist"Succinctly and engagingly, Lee revisits... key questions about the story of our evolving species — and gives some unconventional answers... ultimately, Lee will inspire even experts with her efforts at elucidating a field often seen as arid and inscrutable." -- Nature"To describe this as a toilet book is not a criticism. The short, punchy, stand-alone chapters (including Are We Cannibals? Are Humans Still Evolving?) lend themselves perfectly to reflective moments in the smallest room of the house." -- Wild reading - books for the summer - BBC Wildlife Magazine
£19.94
John Wiley and Sons Ltd Amphibian Evolution
Book SynopsisThis book focuses on the first vertebrates to conquer land and their long journey to become fully independent from the water. It traces the origin of tetrapod features and tries to explain how and why they transformed into organs that permit life on land.Trade Review“Amphibian Evolution delivers a wide-ranging synthesis of viewpoints and data on early tetrapods and the ancestry of lissamphibians. This conveniently sized volume suits a higher-level undergraduate course on palaeobiology or introductory graduate class. Clearly written and illustrated, the text provides just enough historical context to give a sense of where the topics come from and where new developments seem to be heading… In summary, this is a thoroughly useful volume to have on your shelf (as well as recommending several copies for the college library).” (Acta Zoologica, July 2017)“In summary, this is a comprehensive work that could be used as a guide to focus on specific aspects of one of the most exciting chapters of vertebrate history.” (Ameghiniana, 1 April 2015) “It provides rewarding reading, useful for students and researchers/professionals studying amphibians as well as other vertebrates. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above.” (Choice, 1 December 2014) Table of ContentsPreface viii Acknowledgments x 1 Introduction 1 1.1 Changing paradigms in amphibian evolution 3 1.2 Paleobiology: data, methods, and time scales 5 1.3 Concepts and metaphors: how scientists “figure out” problems 7 1.4 Characters and phylogenies 8 1.5 What’s in a name? 8 References 11 2 The Amphibian World: Now and Then 13 2.1 Tetrapoda 14 2.1.1 The tetrapod skeleton 14 2.1.2 Tetrapod characters 23 2.1.3 Stem-tetrapods (Tetrapodomorpha) 25 2.1.4 Carboniferous tetrapods or tetrapodomorphs? 31 2.2 The amniote stem-group 32 2.2.1 Anthracosauria 33 2.2.2 Seymouriamorpha 37 2.2.3 Chroniosuchia 38 2.2.4 Lepospondyli 40 2.2.4.1 Lepospondyl characters 42 2.2.4.2 Microsauria 42 2.2.4.3 Lysorophia 44 2.2.4.4 Nectridea 44 2.2.4.5 Aïstopoda 45 2.2.4.6 Adelospondyli 46 2.2.4.7 Acherontiscidae 46 2.2.5 Gephyrostegida 46 2.2.6 Amniota 47 2.2.6.1 Stem-amniotes and early crown amniotes 48 2.3 The lissamphibian stem-group (Temnospondyli) 48 2.3.1 Edopoidea 51 2.3.2 Dendrerpeton and Balanerpeton 53 2.3.3 Dvinosauria 54 2.3.4 Dissorophoidea and Zatracheidae 54 2.3.5 Eryopoidea 56 2.3.6 Stereospondyli 57 2.4 Albanerpetontidae 58 2.5 Lissamphibia 59 2.5.1 Lissamphibian characters 61 2.5.2 Batrachia 62 2.5.2.1 Anura (frogs and toads) 62 2.5.2.2 Caudata (salamanders) 67 2.5.2.3 Gymnophiona (caecilians) 68 References 70 3 Amphibian Life Through Time 81 3.1 Aquatic predators prepare for land 83 3.2 Hot springs, scorpions, and little creepers 83 3.3 Life in the tropical coal forest 85 3.4 Neotenes explore unfavorable waters 89 3.5 Lowlands, uplands, and a cave 90 3.6 Hide and protect: extreme life in the hothouse 94 3.7 Predators in deltas, lakes, and brackish swamps 97 3.8 Stereospondyls in refugia, lissamphibians on the rise 97 3.9 Batrachians diversify, stereospondyls disappear 100 3.10 Lissamphibians expand into diverse habitats 101 References 102 4 The Amphibian Soft Body 106 4.1 How to infer soft tissues in extinct taxa 107 4.2 Fossil evidence: soft tissue preservation 109 4.3 Head and visceral skeleton 110 4.4 Respiratory organs 113 4.5 Lateral lines, electroreception, and ears 118 References 122 5 Evolution of Functional Systems 126 5.1 How paradigms and brackets give a functional scenario 127 5.2 Feeding and breathing under water 131 5.3 Decoupling breathing and feeding 134 5.4 Hearing: exapting the spiracle and hyomandibula 136 5.5 Respiration in early tetrapods 141 5.6 The evolution of terrestrial feeding 143 5.7 Transforming fins into limbs 144 5.8 Locomotion in paleozoic tetrapods 146 References 148 6 Development and Evolution 152 6.1 Ontogeny in modern amphibians 153 6.2 Fossil ontogenies 158 6.3 Ontogeny as a sequence: developmental trajectories 163 6.4 Histology: the skeleton as archive 167 6.5 Changing shape: allometry 171 6.6 Heterochrony: the evolution of development 174 6.7 Body plans: gene regulation and morphogenesis 179 References 184 7 Paleoecology 191 7.1 Lissamphibian ecology 192 7.2 Paleoecology: problems and perspectives 193 7.3 Paleozoic and Mesozoic amphibians 196 7.4 Amphibian evolution as a walk through trophic levels 203 References 205 8 Life History Evolution 208 8.1 Plasticity, reaction norm, and canalization 209 8.2 Reaction norms in extant amphibians 210 8.3 The biphasic life cycle in lissamphibians 211 8.4 Seymouriamorphs: biphasic life cycles without metamorphosis 213 8.5 Temnospondyls: flexible uni- and biphasic ontogenies 213 8.6 Lepospondyls: dwarfism and uniphasic life cycles 215 8.7 The evolution of metamorphosis 216 8.8 The evolution of neoteny 216 8.9 General features of life history evolution 217 References 219 9 Phylogeny 222 9.1 Phylogeny of amphibians 223 9.2 The big picture: tetrapod diversification 223 9.3 The origin of lissamphibians 224 References 231 10 Macroevolution 234 10.1 What is macroevolution? 235 10.2 Patterns of early tetrapod evolution 235 10.3 Major factors of amphibian evolution 240 10.4 Clades, space, and time 248 10.5 Diversity, disparity, and extinction 249 10.6 The evolution of terrestriality 252 References 254 Index 260
£44.60
John Wiley & Sons Inc Handbook of Elemental Speciation Techniques and
Book SynopsisBrings together different aspects of procedures for speciation analysis at different levels starting from sample collection and storage, through sample preparation approaches to render the species chromatographable, principles of separation techniques used in speciation analysis, to the element specific detection.Trade Review"This book provides broad coverage of the different aspects of the analysis of elemental species..." (Journal of the American Chemistry Society, 2004 Vol. 126) "...a welcome contribution to the literature...will provide a useful insight..." (Trends in Analytical Chemistry, Vol 23(4), April 2004) "...the reader can use this book as a reference book for the next 5 to 10 years.." (Applied Organmettallic Chemistry, Jan 2004) "...a long-awaited high-quality handbook...will be of great value in both academia and industry." (Angewandte Chemie, Vol.43, No.42, 25th October 2004) "Each chapter, written by an expert on the field, is a stand alone reference...an excellent introductory text" (International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry 2004) "...provides an excellent compendium of information on all the important methods of speciation analysis..." (Analytical & Bioanalytical Chemistry, No.380, 2004) "...this is a long-awaited high-quality handbook for speciation analysis ...(and) has the potential to become one of the most frequently used books in the personal shelves of specialists in the field and teachers of analytical chemistry!" (also in German, Angewandte Chemie, 2004; Vol 43; No. 42)Table of ContentsList of Contributors. Preface. Technical Abbreviations and Acronyms. 1 Introduction. 2 Sampling: Collection, Storage. 2.1 Sampling: Collection, Processing and Storage of Environmental Samples. 2.2 Sampling of Clinical Samples: Collection and Storage. 2.3 Food: Sampling with Special Reference to Legislation, Uncertainty and Fitness for Purpose. 2.4 Sampling: Collection, Storage – Occupational Health. 3 Sample Preparation. 3.1 Sample Treatment for Speciation Analysis in Biological Samples. 3.2 Sample Preparation Techniques for Elemental Speciation Studies. 3.3 Sample Preparation – Fractionation (Sediments, Soils, Aerosols and Fly Ashes). 4 Separation Techniques. 4.1 Liquid Chromatography. 4.2 Gas Chromatography and Other Gas Based Methods. 4.3 Capillary Electrophoresis in Speciation Analysis. 4.4 Gel Electrophoresis for Speciation Purposes. 5 Detection. 5.1 Atomic Absorption and Atomic Emission Spectrometry. 5.2 Flow Injection Atomic Spectrometry for Speciation. 5.3 Detection by ICP-Mass Spectrometry. 5.4 Plasma Source Time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry: a Powerful Tool for Elemental Speciation. 5.5 Glow Discharge Plasmas as Tunable Sources for Elemental Speciation. 5.6 Electrospray Methods for Elemental Speciation. 5.7 Elemental Speciation by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry with High Resolution Instruments. 5.8 On-line Elemental Speciation with Functionalised Fused Silica Capillaries in Combination with DIN-ICP-MS. 5.9 Speciation Analysis by Electrochemical Methods. 5.10 Future Instrumental Development for Speciation. 5.11 Biosensors for Monitoring of Metal Ions. 5.12 Possibilities Offered by Radiotracers for Method Development in Elemental Speciation Analysis and for Metabolic and Environmentally Related Speciation Studies. 6 Direct Speciation of Solids. 6.1 Characterization of Individual Aerosol Particles with Special Reference to Speciation Techniques. 6.2 Direct Speciation of Solids: X-ray Absorption Fine Structure Spectroscopy for Species Analysis in Solid Samples. 7 Calibration. 7.1 Calibration in Elemental Speciation Analysis. 7.2 Reference Materials. 8 Screening Methods for Semiquantitative Speciation Analysis. 9 Risk Assessments/Regulations. 9.1 Environmental Risk Assessment and the Bioavailability of Elemental Species. 9.2 Speciation and Legislation. Index.
£367.16
John Wiley & Sons Inc Comparative Animal Physiology Environmental and
Book SynopsisHere is a uniquely modern approach to the study of physiological diversity that builds on the tradition established by C. Ladd Prosser''s Comparative Animal Physiology. Responding to the need for a rigorously up-to-date, comprehensive survey of function and integrative systems in a variety of species, which is also easily accessible to the user, Dr. Prosser has delivered a thoroughly revised Fourth Edition in a convenient two-volume format. This carefully designed framework lets each volume zero-in on distinct aspects of comparative physiology normally studied as a whole unit. From the study of genetically replicating molecules to investigations of adaptive modulation, these two companion volumes offer an all-encompassing view of the field. With their contemporary approach, scholarly editing, flexible format, and detailed contents, Neural and Integrative Animal Physiology and Environmental and Metabolic Animal Physiology will stand together as the autTable of ContentsPartial table of contents: Water and Ions (L. Kirschner). Temperature (C. Prosser). Hydrostatic Pressure and Adaptations to the Deep Sea (G.Somero). Feeding and Digestion (C. Prosser). Nutrition (J. Morris). Excretory Nitrogen Metabolism (J. Campbell). Design of Energy Metabolism (P. Hochachka). Respiration and Metabolism (W. Burggren & J. Roberts). Respiratory Functions of Blood (W. Burggren, et al.). Circulation of Body Fluids (A. Farrell). Index.
£325.76
John Wiley & Sons Inc The Mathematical Theory of Selection
Book SynopsisIt is close to being a masterpiece...could well be the classic presentation of the area. Warren J. Ewens, University of Pennsylvania, USA Population genetics is concerned with the study of the genetic, ecological, and evolutionary factors that influence and change the genetic composition of populations. The emphasis here is on models that have a direct bearing on evolutionary quantitative genetics. Applications concerning the maintenance of genetic variation in quantitative traits and their dynamics under selection are treated in detail. * Provides a unified, self-contained and in-depth study of the theory of multilocus systems * Introduces the basic population-genetic models * Explores the dynamical and equilibrium properties of the distribution of quantitative traits under selection * Summarizes important results from more demanding sections in a comprehensible way * Employs a clear and logical presentation style Following an introduction to Trade Review"an excellent reference volume" (Zentralblatt Math, Vol. 959, No. 9 2001) "...Burger's text is without equal. This is a book that should grace shelves in both mathematics and biology...that provides yet another point of contact for two communities whose interests can only grow closer..." (SIAM Review, Vol. 43, No. 4) "This is a book that should grace shelves in both mathematics and biology departments." (Society for Industrial Applied Mathematics Review, Vol.43. No.4 2001) "...it is such a comprehensive compendium that it will become the first port of call for any mathematician..." (The Statistician, Vol. 51, No.2, 2002) "...the models described here provide a fundamental underpinning to our understanding of the properties of quantitative genetic variation...." (Journal of Evolutionary Biology, Vol. 14, 2001) "...a major and significant piece of work..." (Genetical Research)Table of ContentsElementary Population Genetics. Selection at Two or More Loci. Classical Mutation-Selection Models. Mutation-Selection Models for Quantitative Traits. Dynamical Equations for Quantitative Traits under Selection. Stabilizing Selection and Genetic Variation in Large Populations. Quantitative Variation and Selection. Appendix. References. Indexes.
£183.56
University of California Press Natural Security
Book SynopsisConsiders how models and ideas from evolutionary biology can improve national security strategies ranging from risk assessment, security analysis, and public policy to long-term strategic goals.Trade Review"Engaging ... A stimulating read. It opens the door to an exciting merger between political science and evolutionary theory." Nature "This book deserves a broad, interdisciplinary readership... It also illustrates how applied knowledge of evolution can promote human well-being." Qtly Review Of BiologyTable of ContentsContributors vii Acknowledgments ix Part One: Introduction 1. The Origins of Natural Security 3 Raphael D. Sagarin 2. Living with Risk 14 Terrence Taylor Part Two: Life History and Security 3. Security, Unpredictability, and Evolution: 25 Policy and the History of Life Geerat J. Vermeij 4. From Bacteria to Belief: Immunity and Security 42 Luis P. Villarreal Part Three: Security Today 5. Corporations and Bureaucracies under a Biological Lens 71 Elizabeth M. Prescott 6. Selection, Security, and Evolutionary International Relations 86 Gregory P. Dietl Part Four: Evolution's Imprint: Psychology and the Roots of Terrorism 7. Militants and Martyrs: Evolutionary Perspectives on 105 Religion and Terrorism Richard Sosis and Candace S. Alcorta 8. Causes of and Solutions of Islamic Fundamentalist 125 Terrorism Bradley A. Thayer 9. The Power of Moral Belief 141 Scott Atran Part Five: Ecology and Security 10. Fourteen Security Lessons from Antipredator Behavior 147 Daniel T. Blumstein 11. Population Models and Counterinsurgency Strategies 159 Dominic D. P. Johnson and Joshua S. Madin 12. The Infectiousness of Terrorist Ideology: 186 Insights from Ecology and Epidemiology Kevin D. Lafferty, Katherine F. Smith, and Elizabeth M. P. Madin Part Six: Synthesis 13. Paradigm Shifts in Security Strategy: 209 Why Does It Take Disasters to Trigger Change? Dominic D. P. Johnson and Elizabeth M. P. Madin 14. Network Analysis Links Parts to the Whole 240 Ferenc Jordan 15. A Holistic View of Natural Security 261 Raphael D. Sagarin Index 279
£56.80
University of California Press The Genial Gene
Book SynopsisAre selfishness and individuality - rather than kindness and cooperation - basic to biological nature? Does a 'selfish gene' create universal sexual conflict? This title intends to reject these and other ideas that have come to dominate the study of animal evolution.Trade Review"The arguments and counterarguments will most certainly generate a good deal of heat, but also, let's hope,... even more light." The American Scholar "Roughgarden's new theory is likely to end up an important extension to existing thought." New Scientist "Succeeds in re-opening issues long thought closed...(Challenging) what we thought we already know." Nature "Argues that... sexual selection as a form of self-seeking improvement on the part of each beast is a myth." New YorkerTable of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction: Is Nature Selfish? COOPERATION AND TEAMWORK 1. Sexual Selection Defined 2. The Case against Sexual Selection 3. Social Selection Defined THE GENETIC SYSTEM FOR SEX 4. The Gene: Recombination 5. The Cell: Sperm and Egg 6. The Body: Male, Female, and Hermaphrodite THE SOCIAL SYSTEM FOR SEX 7. The Behavioral Tier 8. The Evolutionary Tier 9. Family Harmony and Discord 10. Sharing Offspring with Neighbors Conclusion: Social versus Sexual Selection Index
£32.30
University of California Press Epigenetics
Book SynopsisIlluminating the processes and patterns that link genotype to phenotype, this title seeks to explain features, characters, and developmental mechanisms that can only be understood in terms of interactions that arise above the level of the gene.Trade Review"Eloquent, comprehensive, and insightful." -- Marcelo R. Sanchez-Villagra Evolution & Development "Epigenetics will go a long way towards making the reader re-evaluate any ideas that the evolution of variation is purely due to small genetic change." -- Brian Livingstone Linnean Society Biological Journal "This book is an invaluable contribution for understanding the intricacies of evolutionary processes as well as for devising interventional approaches to enhance healthy life span in humans." -- Diddahally R Govindaraju Evolution: Education and OutreachTable of ContentsEpigenetics: Linking Genotype and Phenotype in Development and Evolution 1. Introduction: Emergent Properties and the Phenotype Hallgrimsson and Hall Historical and Philosophical Foundations 2. Historical Foundations Brian K. Hall 3. Heuristic Reductionism and the Relative Significance of Inheritance James Grisemer Approaches to Epigenetics 4. Genomic imprinting Vett Lloyd 5. Methylation Mapping in Humans Christoph Grunau, Montpellier 6. Asexuality and Epigenetic Variation Root Gorelick, Manfred Laubichler and Rachel Massicotte 7. Preformation and the Humpty Dumpty Problem Ellie Larsen 8. A Principle of Developmental Inertia Allesandro Minelli Epigenetics of Vertebrate Organ Development 9. Nervous System Development Carol Schuurmans 10. Morphogenesis of pigment patterns Lennart Olsson 11. Interactions of the Cardiac Neural Crest Margaret Kirby 12. Bone and Cartilage Development Tamara Franz-Odendaal 13. Muscle-Bone Interactions and the Development of Skeletal Phenotype Sue Herring 14. Apical Ectoderm in the Developing Vertebrate Limb Cooper, L.N, Armfield, B.A., J.G.M. Thewissen 15. Role of Skeletal Muscle in the Shaping of Organs, Tissues and Cell Fate Choices Boris Kablar Epigenetics in Evolution and Disease 16. Integration, Complexity and Evolvability of the Head Dan Lieberman 17. Epigenetic interactions: The developmental route to functional integration Miriam Leah Zelditcha and Donald L. Swiderski 18. Epigenetic Contributions to Adaptive Radiation Susan Foster 19. Learning, Developmental Plasticity, and the Rate of Morphological Evolution Rich Palmer and Chris Neufeld 20. Epigenetics: Adaptation or Contingency Thomas Hansen 21. Dysmorphology Joan Richtsmeier 22. Human Disease Peter Gluckman 23. Epigenetics: The Context of Development Hallgrimsson and Hall
£67.20
University of California Press Dodging Extinction Power Food Money and the
Book SynopsisWriting from the front lines of extinction research, the author tells the story of geologic and evolutionary history and how it informs the way humans inhabit, exploit, and impact Earth today. Optimistic that we can change this ominous forecast if we act now, he provides clear-cut strategies to guide the planet away from global catastrophe.Trade Review"A superior synthesis of recent research from many scientific disciplines, this eloquent book could serve as a model for how scientists should write for nonspecialists about the critical environmental challenges of our time. An excellent companion to Elizabeth Kolbert's The Sixth Extinction." Library Journal "A pragmatic approach to finding workable solutions to a looming crisis." Kirkus Reviews "Powerful and passionate prose... Time may be short, but this is a message of hope for readers looking for a better future." Publishers Weekly "Beautifully written... A very learned book, but it's very approachable and fun... Anyone who is interested in the future of the planet or loves animals should check this one out ." -Annalee Newitz, The Best Science Books of 2014 Science Friday "A rattling read and punchily packaged. Barnosky's prose is tight and accessible, and it lays the crisis on the line." New Scientist "Well-written and accessible ... Barnosky provides an informed perspective of Earth's past mass extinctions and the lessons that can be learned from them to understand the present crises ... A must read for college students and a well-informed citizenry." -- C. A. McRoberts CHOICE "Barnosky provides a long list of things we need to do to move to more efficient energy use." Word & WorldTable of ContentsPreface 1. The Last Ones Standing 2. It's Not Too Late (Yet) 3. A Perfect Storm 4. Power 5. Food 6. Money 7. Resuscitation 8. Back from the Brink Acknowledgments Notes Index
£22.50
John Wiley and Sons Ltd Thought in a Hostile World
Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE 2004 LAKATOS AWARD! Thought in a Hostile World is an exploration of the evolution of cognition, especially human cognition, by one of today''s foremost philosophers of biology and of mind. Featuresan exploration of the evolution of human cognition. Written by one of today's foremost philosophers of mind and language. Presents a set of analytic tools for thinking about cognition and its evolution. Offers a critique of nativist, modular versions of evolutionary psychology, rejecting the example of language as a model for thinking about human cognitive capacities. Applies to the areas of cognitive science, philosophy of mind, and evolutionary psychology. Trade Review"Written with both clarity and rigor, Thought in a Hostile World is a richly informed and sophisticated account of the evolution of complex cognition. Sterelny's arguments appeal, not so much because they reinforce our preconceptions – on the contrary, we are frequently challenged – but rather because they are informed, well-reasoned, and leave us with plenty to think about. Sterelny's book could aptly be renamed Clear Thought in a Muddled World and evolutionary psychologists, in particular, would benefit from reading it." Kevin N. Laland, University of St. Andrews "This book is a godsend for anyone wanting to understand the evolution of human cognition without buying into the wholesale modularism of recent evolutionary psychology. Densely, but elegantly, written and replete with fascinating empirical detail, this book represents a major advance in the philosophical understanding of human cognitive evolution." Fiona Cowie, California Institute of TechnologyTable of ContentsPreface. Part I: Assembling Intentionality:. 1. Evolutionary Naturalism:. Two Projects Of Evolutionary Naturalism. The Simple Co-Ordination Thesis. 2. Detection Systems:. The Environmental Complexity Hypothesis. Detection Systems. The Power Of Detection Systems. Transparent And Translucent Worlds. Robust Tracking Systems. 3. Fuels For Success:. Decoupled Representation. Response Breadth. Fuels For Success: Space. Fuels For Success: Intervention In The Material World. Reprise. 4. Fuels For Success: The Social Intelligence Hypothesis:. The Cognitive Demands Of Social Life. The Social Intelligence Hypothesis. The Cognitive World Of The Great Apes: Imitation. The Cognitive World Of Great Apes: Tracking Other Minds. 5. The Descent Of Preference:. Internal Environments. The Forager’s Dilemma. Preference Eliminativism?. Preference-Like States. Part II: Not Just Another Species Of Large Mammal:. 6. Reconstructing Hominid Evolution:. Testing Theories Of Human Evolution. From Cognitive Device To Evolutionary History. Making Progress. An Example: Tomasello’s Conjecture. Conclusions. 7. The Co-Operation Explosion:. The Co-Operative Primate. Group Selection And Human Co-Operation. The Ecological Trigger Of Hominid Co-Operation. Coalition And Enforcement. Commitment To Enforcement. Upshot. 8. The Self-Made Species:. Ecological Engineers. Cumulative Niche Construction: The Cognitive Condition. Cumulative Niche Construction: The Social Condition. Hominid Epistemic Engineering. Downstream Epistemic Engineering. 9. Heterogeneous Environments And Variable Response:. Phenotypic Plasticity. Is Plasticity An Adaptation?. Reprise. Part III: The Fate Of The Folk:. 10. The Massive Modularity Hypothesis:. Massive Modularity. Language: Paradigm Or Outlier?. Communicative Intentions. Fodor’s Modules And Their Limits. Inward Bound. Evolution And Encapsulation. The Poverty Of The Stimulus. The Case Of Folk Biology. Modularity And The Frame Problem. 11. Interpreting Other Agents:. A Theory Of Mind Module?. Deconstructing The Folk Psychology Module. Interpretation, Perception And Scaffolded Learning. Truth, Evidence And Success. Co-Ordination And Meaning. Something New Under The Sun?. References. Index
£95.36
John Wiley and Sons Ltd Thought in a Hostile World
Book SynopsisThis is an exploration of the evolution of cognition. The author begins by developing a set of analytic tools for thinking about cognition and its evolution,examining the relationship between folk psychology and an integrated scientific conception of human cognition.Trade Review"Written with both clarity and rigor, Thought in a Hostile World is a richly informed and sophisticated account of the evolution of complex cognition. Sterelny's arguments appeal, not so much because they reinforce our preconceptions – on the contrary, we are frequently challenged – but rather because they are informed, well-reasoned, and leave us with plenty to think about. Sterelny's book could aptly be renamed Clear Thought in a Muddled World and evolutionary psychologists, in particular, would benefit from reading it." Kevin N. Laland, University of St. Andrews "This book is a godsend for anyone wanting to understand the evolution of human cognition without buying into the wholesale modularism of recent evolutionary psychology. Densely, but elegantly, written and replete with fascinating empirical detail, this book represents a major advance in the philosophical understanding of human cognitive evolution." Fiona Cowie, California Institute of TechnologyTable of ContentsPreface. Part I: Assembling Intentionality:. 1. Evolutionary Naturalism:. Two Projects Of Evolutionary Naturalism. The Simple Co-Ordination Thesis. 2. Detection Systems:. The Environmental Complexity Hypothesis. Detection Systems. The Power Of Detection Systems. Transparent And Translucent Worlds. Robust Tracking Systems. 3. Fuels For Success:. Decoupled Representation. Response Breadth. Fuels For Success: Space. Fuels For Success: Intervention In The Material World. Reprise. 4. Fuels For Success: The Social Intelligence Hypothesis:. The Cognitive Demands Of Social Life. The Social Intelligence Hypothesis. The Cognitive World Of The Great Apes: Imitation. The Cognitive World Of Great Apes: Tracking Other Minds. 5. The Descent Of Preference:. Internal Environments. The Forager’s Dilemma. Preference Eliminativism?. Preference-Like States. Part II: Not Just Another Species Of Large Mammal:. 6. Reconstructing Hominid Evolution:. Testing Theories Of Human Evolution. From Cognitive Device To Evolutionary History. Making Progress. An Example: Tomasello’s Conjecture. Conclusions. 7. The Co-Operation Explosion:. The Co-Operative Primate. Group Selection And Human Co-Operation. The Ecological Trigger Of Hominid Co-Operation. Coalition And Enforcement. Commitment To Enforcement. Upshot. 8. The Self-Made Species:. Ecological Engineers. Cumulative Niche Construction: The Cognitive Condition. Cumulative Niche Construction: The Social Condition. Hominid Epistemic Engineering. Downstream Epistemic Engineering. 9. Heterogeneous Environments And Variable Response:. Phenotypic Plasticity. Is Plasticity An Adaptation?. Reprise. Part III: The Fate Of The Folk:. 10. The Massive Modularity Hypothesis:. Massive Modularity. Language: Paradigm Or Outlier?. Communicative Intentions. Fodor’s Modules And Their Limits. Inward Bound. Evolution And Encapsulation. The Poverty Of The Stimulus. The Case Of Folk Biology. Modularity And The Frame Problem. 11. Interpreting Other Agents:. A Theory Of Mind Module?. Deconstructing The Folk Psychology Module. Interpretation, Perception And Scaffolded Learning. Truth, Evidence And Success. Co-Ordination And Meaning. Something New Under The Sun?. References. Index
£35.10
Harvard University Press Gene Sharing and Evolution The Diversity of
Book SynopsisIn Gene Sharing and Evolution Piatigorsky explores the generality and implications of gene sharing throughout evolution and argues that most if not all proteins perform a variety of functions in the same and in different species, and that this is a fundamental necessity for evolution.Trade ReviewEvery textbook of molecular evolution has a section on gene sharing but this is the first book entirely devoted to the topic. Piatigorsky considers almost all aspects of gene sharing, provides numerous examples, and discusses the importance and contribution of gene sharing to evolution. He argues forcefully that gene sharing is widespread in many genomes. His arguments will likely alter the prevailing view of gene sharing as a unique phenomenon to crystallins. -- Jianzhi George Zhang, Associate Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of MichiganThis book introduces, explains and elaborates on the very interesting fact that some genes produce proteins that serve different (and important) functions in the same organism. This is a remarkable story well told and interesting from both evolutionary and functional perspectives. -- Russell D. Fernald, Benjamin Scott Crocker Professor of Biological Sciences at Stanford UniversityIt has been a dogma of evolutionary biology that gene duplication precedes the evolution of new gene and protein function. Joram Piatigorsky stands this scenario on its head by showing that, in the case of lens crystallins and probably other protein families, functional diversity can precede gene duplication. His revolutionary perspective provides unexpected insight into how biological systems evolve. -- Austin Hughes, Professor of Biological Sciences, University of South CarolinaI have not encountered such an interesting, intellectually stimulating and exciting biological monograph in many years. Piatigorsky discusses the phenomenon of gene sharing on all levels, the molecular and cellular, as well as in the context of ìsystem biologyî and finally its ramifications on our views on evolution. He manages to concentrate a tremendous amount of information in this book and whatever he says has experimental backing. His precise and detailed technical descriptions are presented in a very readable style that also projects a sense of wonder and surprise. This is an extraordinary book that I hope will have an important impact on future biological thinking. -- Dr. Alex Keynan, Professor at Hebrew University and Special Adviser to the President of the Israeli National Academy of Sciences[Gene Sharing and Evolution] provides great motivation for evolutionists to continue investigating the origins of new protein function, a topic central to evo-devo biology. The book is a parade of interesting molecular biology with abundant and clear color illustrations. The work is copiously referenced. With over 1100 references in the bibliography, most anyone is certain to find new and interesting literature. As such, I recommend Gene Sharing and Evolution for a graduate seminar, as a reference book on gene multi-functionality with many detailed examples, and for anyone pondering the evolutionary origins of novelty at the molecular level. -- Todd H. Oakley * Evolution & Development *A masterpiece for a broad medical and scientific readership. The text provides a powerful reminder that genes and proteins do not function as isolated entities but are components of a dynamic and elaborate temporal network. With the recent advent of the -omics disciplines, we are witnessing fundamental changes that propel biomedical sciences toward a new level, in which the global perspectives become the fundamental priority. -- Richard A. Stein * Journal of the American Medical Association *Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Preface 1. What Is "Gene Sharing"? New Functions for Old Proteins and the Question of Gene Duplication Origin of the Term "Gene Sharing" Gene Sharing: General Definition and Implications Protein Location and Gene Regulation Why the Term "Gene Sharing"? Mechanisms for Diversifying Gene Functions Posttranslational Modifications Conditions for Initiating Gene Sharing Contrasting Phenotype with Protein Function Take-Home Message 2. Multifunctions and Functional Shifts: Echos from the Past Preadaptation, Prospective Adaptation, and Hopeful Monsters Quirky Functional Shifts and Exaptation Spandrels and Gene Sharing Gene Regulation and Tinkering Take-Home Message 3. The Elusive Concept of a "Gene" The Classical Gene Concept The Mendel-Morgan Chromosomal Theory of the Gene Later Developments: One Gene/One Enzyme/One Polypeptide The Molecular Era of the Gene: So Much Data, So Many Possibilities Quantifying Genes before the Molecular Era Quantifying Genes in the Molecular Era: Fewer than Expected Noncoding Regulatory Genes Protein Diversity The Ambiguous Gene The "Molecular Gene" Concept The "Molecular Process Gene" Concept The "Evolutionary Gene" Concept Two Concepts for One Gene: Gene-P/Gene-D Gene Sharing: A Concept Incorporating an "Open Gene" Take-Home Message 4. Eyes and Lenses: Gene Sharing by Crystallins Eye Diversity: Many Forms to Perform a Function The Lens Crystallins and the Optical Properties of the Lens Diversity and Taxon-Specificity of Lens Crystallins Crystallins Are Borrowed Proteins The bg-Crystallins: A Superfamily with Distant Stress Connections The Enzyme-Crystallins of Vertebrates Crystallins of Invertebrates Crystallin Gene Regulation in Vertebrates: A Similar Cast of Transcription Factors Convergent Evolution of Crystallin Gene Expression Evolutionary Dynamism of shsp/aB-Crystallin Gene Expression Convergent Evolution of Invertebrate and Vertebrate Crystallin Promoters Potential for Lens-Specific Promoter Activity Convergent Evolution and Relaxed Stringency for Crystallins Take-Home Message 5. The Enigmatic "Corneal Crystallins": Putative Cases of Gene Sharing The Cornea Aldehyde Dehydrogenase: A Candidate Corneal Crystallin Other Candidate Corneal Crystallins: Transketolase, Isocitrate Dehydrogenase, and Cyclophilin Adseverin: A Corneal Crystallin in Zebrafish A Signaling Role for Adseverin Corneal Gene Expression The Refracton Hypothesis: Implications for Gene Sharing Take-Home Message 6. Gene Sharing As a Common Event: Many Multifunctional Proteins Glycolytic Enzymes and the Versatile Hexokinases Citrate Synthase: An Enzyme and a Cytoskeletal Structure Lactate Dehydrogenase: An Enzyme for All Seasons Regulation of mRNA Translation by Enzyme Binding Glyceraldehye-3-phosphate Dehydrogenase: Constant Surprises Enolase: Another Versatile Protein Bacterial Surface Enzymes Xanthine Oxidoreductase: Enzyme and Envelope The Thioredoxin/Ribonucleotide Reductase System and Thioredoxin Family Members: From Redox to Morphogenesis Serum Albumin: Transport Protein, Enzymatic Vasodilator and Detoxifier Gelsolin: Roles in Cytoskeletal Structure, Gene Expression, Cell Death, and Signal Transduction Cytochrome c: Roles in Electron Transport, Cell Death, and Light Filtration Take-Home Message 7. Gene Sharing during Gene Expression Complexity of Transcription Nuclear Receptors Metabolic Enzymes and Gene Expression Y-Box Proteins Transcription Factors as Translational Regulators: Bicoid Translation Factors for RNA Export: eIF4 Homeoproteins, Chromosomal Proteins and Actin The Dynamic Flux of Nuclear Proteins Take-Home Message 8. Gene Sharing As a Dynamic Evolutionary Process: Antifreeze Proteins and Hemoglobins Antifreeze Proteins Hemoglobins Take-Home Message 9. Gene Duplication and the Evolution of New Functions Gene Duplication and Retention of Redundant Genes Birth and Death of Duplicated Genes Adaptive Evolution by Positive Selection: New Functions after Gene Duplication Subfunctionalization and Gene Sharing Rapid Subfunctionalization with Slow Neofunctionalization Gene Sharing Is Independent of Gene Duplication Lens Crystallins: Gene Sharing at Different Stages of Duplication Take-Home Message 10. Gene Sharing and Systems Biology: Implications and Speculations Networks Evolvability Selective Pressure Affecting Gene Regulation Functional Switching and the Notion of Functional "Trespassing" Functional Noise Genetic Differences in Levels of Gene Expression The Molecular Clock Gene Knockout Experiments Gene Deletion of b-Catenin Horizontal Gene Transfer Take-Home Message 11. Recapitulations: Ambiguities and Possibilities Ambiguity of Cause and Effect Natural Selection Versus Random Drift Gene Sharing and Robustness: When Is a Mutation Neutral? Inconsistency with Design Naming Is Not Knowing The Question of Tissue Homology Phylogenetic Trees: The Complication of Function Defining and Counting Genes Definition of Polypeptide Function: The Ambiguity of Molecular Mechanism Between Genotype and Phenotype Gene Sharing and the Importance of Research on Diverse Species Medical Implications Glossary References Index
£64.76
Harvard University Press Gods Universe
Book SynopsisGingerich argues that an individual can be both a creative scientist and a believer in divine design—that indeed the motivation for scientific research can derive from a desire to trace God’s handiwork. He carves out “a theistic space” from which to contemplate a universe where God plays an interactive role, unnoticed yet not excluded by science.Trade ReviewGingerich’s God’s Universe is the brief and elegant apologia of an emeritus professor of astronomy and the history of science at Harvard University. As a historian of science, Gingerich is well aware of the complexities involved in producing scientific and religious knowledge. The history of science is one in which progress is made through the ‘persuasive coherency’ of the new picture that is presented, rather than through simple knock-down proofs. It is at this general level of world pictures that Gingerich’s Christian faith generally finds its expression. -- Thomas Dixon * Times Literary Supplement *In his slim and elegant new book, God’s Universe, Gingerich finds that indeed everywhere he looks he can discern the hand of a benevolent Creator—all without compromising his adherence to a rigorous methodological scientific naturalism… Despite the fact that as an atheist I do not see the hand of God in the universe—I found myself cheering for this lucid and poetic little book… In this time of sectarian wars, when theists and atheists are engaged in increasingly hostile incivilities, Gingerich lays out an elegant case for why he finds the universe a source of encouragement for his life both as a scientist and as a Christian. We do not have to agree with his conclusions to be buoyed and enchanted by the journey on which he takes us. -- Margaret Wertheim * Los Angeles Times Book Review *Gingerich pleads for separating physics from metaphysics, efficient causes from final causes, how from why… In the end, he persuaded even a hardened skeptic like me that there might, possibly, be more to the cosmos than is dreamt of in my philosophy. -- George Scialabba * Boston Globe *God’s Universe is less an apology for faith in the age of science than it is a humble meditation given by a leading American astronomer on the possibility that a scientist can be a person of faith and retain intellectual credibility… Gingerich is a theistic evolutionist who is willing to confess God as Creator of the universe. He accepts the scientific datum demonstrating that we are the product of evolution and rejects intelligent design (as defined by Philip Johnson, Michael Behe, and the Discovery Institute) as an alternative scientific explanation for human origins. This rejection of intelligent design as an ideology doesn’t rule out the possibility of what he calls ‘small ‘d’ design.” His is, therefore, a humbler quest, one that looks to theology rather than to scientific theory for a sense of meaning and purpose in the universe. -- Robert Cornwall * Congregations *[An] elegant little book… Attractively and accessibly written. -- Sarah Coakley * Harvard Magazine *Gingerich’s work is a survey of the conflicts—and confluences—between hard science and deep faith; along the way he provides a brief but magisterial history of science that is as astute as it is original. He’s a superb writer too, handling scientific and theological complexities with equal aplomb but enlivening his account throughout with poetry, dramatic anecdote, and snippets of autobiography… Because he is also steeped in science, both as researcher and historian, Mr. Gingerich is aware of how improbable and even fantastic his Christian faith must appear to skeptical colleagues. In slipping so effortlessly into both realms—provable fact and unsearchable mystery—Mr. Gingerich reminds me of some adroit intellectual amphibian, calmly at home in contiguous but incompatible terrains… A sense of wonder animates this book, but it’s never the swooning and manipulative wonder of such showmen as the late Carl Sagan; rather, it’s the verifiable fact in its specificity, abetted by the promise of some final cause beyond all our telescopes, which informs Mr. Gingerich’s awe. -- Eric Ormsby * New York Sun *Astronomer Gingerich believes in a designed universe, though not in intelligent design (ID), the anti-evolution theorizing that some evangelical Christian activists want taught in public-school science courses. His intent isn’t, however, to flay ID as Michael Shermer does in Why Darwin Matters; it is to explore a few topics in science that suggest design and a designer, God. He weighs the Copernican principle that intelligent life isn’t exceptional in the universe against the Darwinian emphasis on the uniqueness of life on earth. He probes the differences between atheist and religious scientists (this is where he dismisses ID along with evolution as a materialist philosophy as ideologies), especially over the big bang and cosmological teleology. Finally, he raises some Questions without Answers to point up the different, irreconcilable concerns of physics as opposed to metaphysics, science as opposed to religion. Utterly lacking scientific or religious triumphalism, demonstrating why both ways of knowing are indispensable, Gingerich’s highly re-readable remarks may well outlast all the brouhaha of the ID–evolution fracas. -- Ray Olson * Booklist *This little book—intelligent, provocative, and respectful of a range of views—shows how a modern scientist can support both evolution and intelligent design and, more generally, offers a meeting place for science and religion. -- Alan LightmanI have always felt the words should be ‘Science and Religion’—not ‘Science or Religion.’ Owen Gingerich offers both intellectual heft and spiritual stamina to back up that claim. This slim volume will pay rich dividends to the seeking mind and the longing soul. -- Tim Johnson, M.D.Writing in a style that is accessible and laced with interesting historical anecdote, Owen Gingerich uses his expertise in astronomy and its history, together with the insights of his Christian faith, to give a well-argued account of humanity’s place in the cosmos. -- The Rev. Dr. John Polkinghorne, KBE, FRSIn God’s Universe Owen Gingerich makes the case that the probability is miraculously minute, first, that a planet hospitable to life could form after the Big Bang and, second, that once it had formed, intelligent life could develop there. Whether one agrees or disagrees, one will learn from this beautifully presented account of the relevant astronomy and physics. But that isn’t all; Gingerich’s reflections (as a liberal Christian) on the theological significance of all this are sensitive and deep. A truly fascinating read. -- Hilary PutnamThis is a timely and important book. In contrast to the shrill dogmatics on both sides of the current intelligent design debate, Gingerich offers a sweeping and authoritative account of our continuing encounter with, and understanding of, the Universe of which we find ourselves a part. Meticulous in its scholarship, humane in its approach, generous in its tone, restrained in its assertions, but audacious in its scope, this little book is a solid and significant contribution to the ongoing debate. -- Frank Rhodes, President Emeritus, Cornell UniversityTable of ContentsForeword Peter J. Gomes Prologue 1. Is Mediocrity a Good Idea? 2. Dare a Scientist Believe in Design? 3. Questions without Answers Epilogue Notes Acknowledgments Index
£41.76
Harvard University Press Concealing Coloration in Animals
Book SynopsisColor can attract mates, intimidate enemies, and distract predators. But it can also conceal animals from detection. It is an adaptation to the visual features of the environment but also to the perceptual and cognitive capabilities of other organisms. Judy Diamond and Alan Bond reveal factors at work in the evolution of concealing coloration.Trade ReviewDiamond and Bond do an excellent job of discussing the evolutionary mechanisms and processes in a simple yet powerful way that should be accessible to nonexperts. They make the subject come alive by telling us not just what we know about camouflage today, but also where the field has come from, and equally importantly the work that has been done to get us here. -- Martin Stevens * Animal Behaviour *If you want to read a scientific thriller then this is your book. Do not expect that, like Hercule Poirot’s cases, you will have a final answer on the last page. You may finish the book with more questions than when you started. That is the fun! This book opens your mind so you will never ‘see’ the world the same way again. -- Roy John * Canadian Field-Naturalist *Reading this book stimulated me to think about aspects of my own work in new ways and I would recommend it to all those interested in animal coloration. There is no book that I am aware of that competes with this one… One aspect of this book that distinguishes it from others is the focus on, and insight into, the role of predator cognition in the evolution of concealing coloration. Alan Bond has no equal in this field. -- Devi Stuart-Fox * Copeia *It is a beautifully written exploration of the extraordinary variety of ways in which animals can make life difficult for the visual systems of their predators and prey in order to gain advantage in a natural world red in tooth and claw… Evolution is interwoven throughout the book. -- Graeme D. Ruxton * Current Biology *I wish that many school, college, and university teachers read this book because it gives a very appealing collection of exciting stories of true scientific process and progress… Diamond and Bond show how hidden creatures made evolution recognizable. -- Johanna Mappes * Ecology *The authors have read, and are on top of, an immense amount of literature, making a student of coloration like myself envious… I am delighted that I have this volume on coloration in my collection. -- Tim Caro * Quarterly Review of Biology *Combining a naturalist’s eye with scientific rigor, the authors report on modern experiments on the mechanisms of the selective process that support these observations. * Kirkus Reviews *This book is a lovely survey, for the general public, of all that is known about concealing coloration, and very nicely weaves the history of the subjects with the facts. -- John A. Endler, Professor of Sensory Ecology and Evolution, Deakin University, Australia
£22.46
Harvard University Press Childhood Evolving
Book SynopsisWhat does this extended period of dependency have to do with human brain growth and social interactions? And why is play a sign of cognitive complexity, and a spur for cultural evolution? This title explores these questions, and topics ranging from bipedal walking to incest taboos.Trade ReviewIt's been a long time coming but it was worth the wait. Mel Konner's wonderful new book shows that you simply must think about our biological past to understand our psychological present. The Evolution of Childhood offers an extraordinary new foundation for all knowledge of human development. -- Michael Ruse, co-editor of Evolution: The First Four Billion YearsEver since his pioneering studies of infancy among Kalahari hunter-gatherers, anthropologist and physician Mel Konner has illuminated anthropology with knowledge from ethnography, sociobiology, neuroscience, and social psychology, in a search for a deep understanding of what it means to be human. This monumental book contains the best description of what play is all about that I have ever read, as well as the most comprehensive guide anywhere taking a reader through different phases of infancy, middle childhood, and adolescence. The book is the culmination of Konner's lifelong quest. It will transform the way that human development is understood and taught. -- Sarah Blaffer Hrdy, author of Mothers and Others: The Evolutionary Origins of Mutual UnderstandingThis monumental book--more than 900 pages long, 30 years in the making, at once grand and intricate, breathtakingly inclusive and painstakingly particular--exhaustively explores the biological evolution of human behavior and specifically the behavior of children. Melvin Konner, an anthropologist and neuroscientist at Emory, weaves a compelling web of theories and studies across a remarkable array of disciplines, from experimental genetics to ethnology...To read this book is to be in the company of a helpful and hopeful teacher who is eager to share what he's found. -- Benjamin Schwarz * The Atlantic *[Konner] covers almost every topic imaginable in anthropology, biology, and psychology that involves child development. Moreover, since the book is on evolution, there's a lot about other animals, from the platypus to the great ape...If you want to know the latest scholarly information on child development, you can buy this book for $40 or get a new scholarly encyclopedia of child development for $1500. Odds are that this one will be more thought-provoking and better written--and probably almost as extensive. -- Mary Ann Hughes * Library Journal *Why do we love watching [babies]? Perhaps because we recognize parts of ourselves in them but still find something mysterious about the behavior of those tiny human beings. The Evolution of Childhood, Melvin Konner's massive and massively researched new book, goes a long way in dispelling a lot of that mystery. Konner gives a detailed and expansive overview of what the fields of anthropology, evolutionary biology, psychology and genetics have taught us about human childhood. The book, in fairly accessible language, explains the evolutionary purpose of everything from babies' expressions (humans, apparently, are the only animal who can pull off the "relaxed friendly smile") to crying, early childhood outbursts and juvenile delinquency. -- Thomas Rogers * Salon *Magisterial. -- Rebecca Mead * New Yorker *Anthropologist-physician Melvin Konner's The Evolution of Childhood is a masterwork of scholarship. Even at over 900 pages, it should entice anyone keen for knowledge about human infancy, childhood, and adolescence and the evolution of these life stages...Konner marries biology and psychology, adds a firm grasp of our primate past, and guides our understanding of children's lives in various social contexts. -- Barbara King * Bookslut *This book is not a weekend read...If you plan to read this book through, take a little each day and savor the delights it bestows. Well worth the read. -- D. Wayne Dworsky * San Francisco Book Review *This book is undeniably a tour de force. Indeed, Konner is perhaps the only scholar who is as comfortable describing cultural change, or evolution in its broad quasi-philosophical outlines, as he is defining the complex biochemical and statistical correlates of behavior. One of his writerly charms is that he is ever seer and scientist. He marvels as he describes. He also renders the boundaries among disciplines porous. He scurries from one to another, insisting on their enmeshment, whether it be ethology, cognitive neuroscience, evolutionary or developmental psychology, endocrinology, or cultural anthropology. He draws on all these fields to address the story of our inordinately long, and, compared to those of other species, "strangely-shaped" childhoods, and to discover how our childhood evolved to make us what we are. -- Michele Pridmore-Brown * Times Literary Supplement *Konner places childhood firmly within an evolutionary framework in his magisterial book...Konner is an excellent tour guide to the sacred lands of childhood. He has produced a scholarly, detailed and beautifully written study...The Evolution of Childhood shows that the pleasures of life are linked to the evolutionary imperatives of reproduction and survival, and that we are starting to understand their underlying neural mechanisms. -- Morten Kringelbach * Nature *The Evolution of Childhood is one of the most remarkable books I have read. Melvin Konner is a neuroscientist and anthropologist who shows how human childhood evolved over the last 200,000 years to make us what we are...Konner re-enchants child's play, for instance, by explaining its molecular and evolutionary backstory. That he is able to do this in a lively, accessible manner is no mean feat. Along the way, he makes a compelling case for how humans came to acquire complex culture. -- Michele Pridmore-Brown * Times Literary Supplement *[Konner's] goal is...ambitious: to synthesize all the literature bearing on the evolutionary emergence of our species, and especially on the ways in which humans came to raise their children. The breadth of vision he displays is extraordinary. Konner summarizes a considerable body of research on human evolution, beginning with paleontological and archaeological work on the emergence of life-forms and continuing through evidence regarding the emergence of mammals, primates, hominids and early humans, until finally Homo sapiens enters the scene. The volume is a singular achievement, not least because it encompasses, and describes accessibly and eloquently, many fields of endeavor and scholarship, ranging from molecular biology and interpretation of the geological record, to the interpretation of bone fragments found in archaeological sites, to observational research on the behavior of contemporary humans in a wide variety of ecological niches. Furthermore, Konner does not limit himself to secondary sources, as many might do when attempting to place their own research in broader context. Instead, he lucidly discusses a vast range of primary sources. The book's 753 pages of text are accompanied by 159 pages of references. The goal may be extraordinarily ambitious, but the exercise must be deemed a remarkable success. Konner achieves a readable and persuasive synthesis more inclusive than anything ever before attempted. His account of human evolution, and especially of the evolution of childhood, is coherent and compelling...This magisterial book is assuredly the most important analysis of the evolution of childhood yet attempted. It summarizes 40 years of observation, analysis and synthesis by one of the most profound thinkers of our generation. Whoever follows intellectually will necessarily build on this magnificently eloquent and integrative edifice. -- Michael E. Lamb * American Scientist *
£32.36
Harvard University Press Evolution
Book SynopsisSpanning evolutionary science from its inception to its latest findings, from discoveries and data to philosophy and history, this book is the most complete, authoritative, and inviting one-volume introduction to evolutionary biology available.Trade ReviewIf ever there were an education in a book, there's one in this massive volume...What is most probably the commemorative par excellence of the Origin of Species sesquicentennial. -- Ray Olson * Booklist (starred review) *Half essay collection, half encyclopedia, it's packed with everything you'll ever want or need to know about the science of evolution. -- Zelda Roland * Wired *Broad, engaging, and useful. -- Gregg Sapp * Library Journal *Evolution, which is slightly less than 1,000 pages long, covers almost every angle of its huge subject, from the perspective of science, religion, philosophy, and history. -- Evan R. Goldstein * Chronicle of Higher Education *Harvard's blockbuster contribution to the Darwin anniversary is a substantial work at almost a thousand pages. * London Review of Books *Evolution: The First Four Billion Years is as equally inviting and particularly timely in this bicentennial year of the birth of Charles Darwin and the ever-bubbling controversy with advocates of a creationist explanation for the mysteries of biology...The 16 explaining essays, followed by the second encyclopedic section offer the reader an easily and enjoyable access to what the fuss is all about and why it is important to get one's own opinions based on reality. Life, after all, is too important. -- James Srodes * Washington Times *More than 100 authors contribute to the rich variety of excellent articles in this highly commendable and scholarly volume. The authors explore in detail evidence supporting the role of natural selection and other forces driving evolutionary change, and consider myriad controversies and unresolved issues in evolutionary science. Illustrative examples are drawn from all levels of life on Earth. The book critically examines distinctions between microevolution--which even religious Fundamentalists generally do not dispute--and the far more contentious macroevolution. Contributors also address the influence of evolution on philosophy, sociology, and religion and provide an excellent discussion of American antievolutionism and the ongoing controversy of teaching evolution versus intelligent design/creationism in schools. -- D. A. Brass * Choice *Table of Contents* Foreword Edward O. Wilson * Introduction Michael Ruse and Joseph Travis * The History of Evolutionary Thought Michael Ruse * The Origin of Life Jeffrey L. Bada and Antonio Lazcano * Paleontology and the History of Life Michael Benton * Adaptation Joseph Travis and David Reznick * Molecular Evolution Francisco J. Ayala * Evolution of the Genome Brian Charlesworth and Deborah Charlesworth * The Pattern and Process of Speciation Margaret B. Ptacek and Shala J. Hankison * Evolution and Development Gregory A. Wray * Social Behavior and Sociobiology Daniel I. Rubenstein * Human Evolution Henry M. McHenry * Evolutionary Biology of Disease Michael F. Antolin and Darwinian Medicine * Beyond the Darwinian Paradigm: Understanding Biological Forms Brian Goodwin * Philosophy of Evolutionary Thought Kim Sterelny * Evolution and Society Manfred D. Laubichler and Jane Maienschein * American Antievolutionism: Retrospect and Prospect Eugenie C. Scott * Alphabetical Guide * Contributors * Index
£33.11
Harvard University Press Bioluminescence
Book SynopsisBioluminescence is everywhere on earthmost of all in the ocean, from angler fish in the depths to flashing dinoflagellates at the surface. Wilson and Hastings explore the natural history, evolution, and biochemistry of the diverse array of organisms that emit light and offer an evolutionary explanation for their sporadic distribution and rarity.Trade ReviewWilson and Hastings provide an exceptional, scholarly, clear treatment of bioluminescence. -- J. N. Muzio * Choice *Wilson and Hastings have given us a masterful biology lesson showing how addressing a seemingly simple question—how do different organisms produce light?—leads to fascinating natural history, intriguing ecology, and exciting biochemistry. They show how the study of bioluminescence has given us new tools, new insights, and new questions that need to be answered. -- Martin Chalfie, winner of the 2008 Nobel Prize in ChemistryWilson and Hastings demonstrate that what appears on the surface to be a biological oddity is actually a marvelous entry port into examining the intricacies of biochemistry as molded by evolution. I found this book absolutely captivating. -- Jim Morin, Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell UniversityThis book is a wonderful introduction to the world of bioluminescent organisms, from bacteria to fungi and animals, through to the technological discoveries and developments for which bioluminescence has been pivotal. Wilson and Hastings are certainly the individuals to bring the whole field together. -- Margaret McFall-Ngai, University of Wisconsin–Madison
£42.46
Harvard University Press Minding the Climate
Book SynopsisThe human brain evolved to prioritize short-term rewards over long-term goals. But while this adaptation served our ancestors well, it is maladaptive in the face of a slow-moving climate crisis. Luckily, brains can adjust. Ann-Christine Duhaime explores how we can reframe what we find rewarding to counteract climate change.Trade ReviewA fascinating book. Dr. Duhaime reveals that the vexed nature of the human brain complicates our response to our greatest crisis. By linking neuroscience and environmental studies, this book offers key insight into how we might leverage our brains to fight climate change. -- Bill McKibben, author of Falter and The End of NatureA unique look at how to meaningfully address catastrophic climate change…Duhaime’s original angle sets her work apart from the pack, and she easily translates complex neurology for nonspecialists. Climate-minded readers will find this full of insight. * Publishers Weekly *Duhaime covers many issues in a thoughtful way, including the gap between people’s stated intentions to perform pro-environmental behaviors and whether they actually do so; the limits of survey-based research about attitudes, beliefs, and behavior versus seldom-done field studies; and all the ways in which reward is pertinent for behavioral change. She succeeds in suggesting that neuroscience is indirectly relevant to understanding our current climate predicament. -- Adam R. Aron * Science *Surprising…Using insights provided by research at the intersection of neuroscience, environmental sciences and a number of other fields, Minding the Climate invites us to think about what a ‘sustainable brain’ might look like and how to achieve it. * New Books Network *Minding the Climate is a groundbreaking work on how we might leverage our brains to fight climate change. -- Sudhirendar Sharma * The Hindu *Original, thoughtful, and inspiring. Dr. Duhaime explains how our brains seek rewards, and if we take the time to understand how and why this affects our behavior, we will be able to live healthier lives—for ourselves and for our environment. -- Peter Sterling, author of What Is Health?Minding the Climate provides key insights on how the physiology of the human brain shapes our capacity to address the existential threat of climate change. This work is essential if we are to have any hope of surviving as a species and preserving a habitable planet for future generations. -- Brad Campbell, President, Conservation Law FoundationFor decades climate science has been ignored, undermined, and denounced. Dr. Duhaime takes us deep into the brain to understand why we fail to do what is in our and the planet’s best interest. This is an important book. -- Rachel Kyte, Dean, Fletcher School, Tufts UniversityWhile our brains are motivated by short-term incentives and immediate satisfaction loops, we can change the ways we think about the threat of global warming and, consequently, spark our collective sense of urgency and action. Minding the Climate presents a groundbreaking look at how to do that. -- John Judge, President and CEO, Trustees of Reservations, and author of The Outdoor CitizenA beautifully written look into why changing behavior in response to the climate crisis is so challenging. Like the great neurosurgeon she is, Dr. Duhaime methodically and carefully unpacks the fascinating evolutionary roots of human decision-making, why that decision-making so often falters in the face of modern threats, and how to use that understanding to guide future action. Highly recommended! -- Howard Frumkin, Senior Vice President, Trust for Public Land
£26.96
Harvard University Press The Ethical Project
Book SynopsisInstead of conceiving ethical commands as divine revelations or as the discoveries of brilliant thinkers, we should see our ethical practices as evolving over tens of thousands of years, as members of our species have worked out how to live together and prosper. Here, Kitcher elaborates his radical vision of this millennia-long ethical project.Trade Review[A] valuable contribution to contemporary theological thought. I recommend [it]. -- James Wood * New Yorker *Though some difficult questions remain, this book is philosophy of science at its most philosophically ambitious, using a broadly scientific worldview to engage big questions as to how we can make sense of moral reality and moral progress against the broad background of things we know about human natural history and human nature. Working through it offers readers an impressive account that is (in its aspirations at least) a refreshing alternative to the recent, seemingly unrelenting linkage of naturalism with varieties of moral skepticism. -- Ron Mallon * Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews *Kitcher elaborates a comprehensive vision of the evolution of human morality… For serious students of ethics, this is the indispensable book. -- H. C. Byerly * Choice *Kitcher has created a wonderfully nuanced picture of how ethical standards arise and what they are like in small, stable communities. Taking the best of biology and philosophy, he points to the ways in which, even on a global scale, humans could generate explicit rules to regulate conduct. This is a brilliant and profoundly humane book. -- Patrick Bateson, University of CambridgeFew philosophers bridge the natural sciences and moral philosophy as easily and elegantly as Kitcher, navigating around both the naturalistic fallacy and the ‘norm’ of normative ethics. His account of how and why humans evolved into a moral species is both refreshing and respectful towards other approaches. -- Frans de Waal, author of The Age of Empathy and Our Inner ApeIn a stunning synthesis of evolutionary biology, ethical philosophy, and contemporary life, and the histories of each of those domains, Kitcher offers not only an account of how we humans came to be ethical animals, but how the past of the ethical project could help guide the future. Every page is insightful and thought-provoking. -- Michael D. Gordin, Princeton UniversityThis magnificent book promises to be a heavyweight contribution to the field of moral philosophy. Kitcher is one of the most elegant writers in the business; his thinking is subtle and profound. -- Richard Joyce, Victoria University of WellingtonMorality challenges us with three tasks: setting out the evolutionary genealogy of morals, developing the metaethics of obligation and value, and providing guidance in moral choice. It has become increasingly clear that answering the genealogical question is indispensable to the other two tasks. But it is not sufficient. Metaethics cannot dodge Hume’s problem, and the most powerful solution to it would be one that gives us an accurate moral compass. In The Ethical Project, Kitcher does all three of these things, bringing together the understanding of the relevant science, the analytical rigor required to refute the skeptic, and the humanity needed to deal with the last and hardest of three tasks. -- Alex Rosenberg, Duke UniversityKitcher offers bold suggestions, with illustrations, for making improvements in the methods we use in moral deliberation and in established morality itself. But, he holds, no final results are possible. We must be falliblists about morality as we are about science. Kitcher’s reading of an evolutionary understanding of morality, far from undercutting it, shows more clearly than any other approach why it has been and remains essential. This is by far the best treatment to date of morality as a product of evolution. -- J. B. Schneewind, Johns Hopkins University and New York UniversityHumans live in a world of norms as well as facts, and most recent attempts to understand why that is so have been deeply skeptical. Kitcher combines a historical, naturalist understanding of the origin and dynamism of norms with the idea that objective improvement of normative thought is possible. Kitcher takes seriously the metaphor that norms are a tool, a collective technology for self-management, and like other technologies, we can have better technologies and worse ones. Whether Kitcher’s ethical project succeeds or not, it is certainly the most challenging, original, and reconstructive attempt of recent years. -- Kim Sterelny, Research School of Social Sciences at Australian National University
£25.16
Harvard University Press Phylogeography
Book SynopsisPhylogeography is a discipline concerned with various relationships between gene genealogiesphylogeneticsand geography. This book captures the conceptual and empirical richness of the field, and also the sense of genuine innovation that phylogeographic perspectives have brought to evolutionary studies.Trade ReviewPhylogeography is a growth area of evolutionary biology. John Avise coined the term ‘phylogeography’ in 1987 and has been the prime mover in promoting the successful development of the field ever since. It is therefore to be welcomed that he has written this book which reviews the history of phylogeography, the fundamental principles of the field, and the current and future value of phylogeography within biogeography and evolutionary biology… I was very impressed by the manner in which Avise communicates the fundamentals of phylogeographic theory. He introduces much of this theory early on but elegantly extends concepts as necessary later in the book. He is exceptionally clear in discussing coalescence, lineage sorting, gene trees, species trees, differing consequences of nuclear vs. mitochondrial markers, etc.… A very good book… It deserves considerable success. -- Jeremy B. Searle * Heredity *Phylogeography is an enjoyable and gap-filling synopsis that introduces an actively developing research area. Given its alleged integrative function, [this] book is clearly set apart from other current treatments on population genetics and phylogenetic biology… For graduate students and professionals, [this book is] a very amenable read and a valuable reference source for further inquiry. -- Hans Peter Comes * Plant Systematics and Evolution *Avise founded the study of phylogeography, and the field has become an extremely active area in evolutionary biology. While most of the studies are of species of animals, there is a substantial number on humans, and some on plants. I doubt that anyone could have created a book on phylogeography that would be as authoritative and insightful. Avise not only compiles the literature for the reader, he summarizes many of the best studies, and then directs future studies by indicating where the field is shallow, and where the field needs to go. His writing style is easy to read, direct and clear. This is a fine book. -- Jeffry B. Mitton, University of Colorado at BoulderPhylogeography is a wonderful work and will be a benchmark contribution. The writing style is simple and direct, the content fabulous and the perspective illuminating. It will be a valuable resource for graduate students and other professionals in the field of population genetics, but it should interest all biologists. -- Stephen Palumbi, Harvard UniversityTable of ContentsPreface I. History and Conceptual Background 1. The History and Purview of Phylogeography 2. Demography-Phylogeny Connections II. Empirical Intraspecific Phylogeography 3. Lessons from Human Analyses 4. Intraspecific Patterns in other Animals III. Genealogical Concordance: Toward Speciation and Beyond 5. Genealogical Concordance 6. Speciation Processes and Extended Genealogy Works Cited Index
£71.36
Harvard University Press Wallace Darwin and the Origin of Species
Book SynopsisDarwin is credited with discovering evolution through natural selection, but Alfred Russel Wallace saw the same process at work in nature and elaborated the same theory. Dispelling misperceptions of Wallace as a secondary figure, James Costa reveals the two naturalists as equals in advancing one of the greatest scientific discoveries of all time.Trade Review[Costa] annotates a facsimile of the 1855 Wallace paper known as the Sarawak law, an important precursor to the essay ‘On the tendency of varieties to depart indefinitely from the original type,’ which Darwin received from Wallace in 1858. That manuscript forced the question of a mechanism for evolution into the open. Costa’s nuanced and well-documented reading of this episode, as well as Wallace’s contributions and his relationship with Darwin, is a gift for any scientist’s bookshelf. -- Kevin Padian * Nature *In this deeply absorbing book, James T. Costa seeks to establish Alfred Russel Wallace as the fully vested co-creator of what he feels we should once again call the ‘Darwin–Wallace Theory’ of evolution by natural selection… Costa [is] the best possible guide to Wallace’s meandering mind. -- Christopher Irmscher * Weekly Standard *[Costa] convincingly navigates potentially treacherous terrain, setting the record straight on Wallace’s great achievement, which independently foreshadowed Darwin’s On the Origin of Species without in any way diminishing Darwin’s ‘insights and accomplishments.’ …An illuminating, nuanced account of the parallel discovery of a theory still deemed controversial by some. * Kirkus Reviews *Alfred Russel Wallace (1823–1913) and Charles Darwin (1809–82) arrived at many of the same ideas about natural selection at almost precisely the same time while in correspondence with each other. Darwin’s publication of his theories made him a legend, but Wallace has been mostly relegated to a footnote in the history books. Here Costa hopes to remedy that imbalance, recounting and analyzing Wallace’s life and work with the ease and familiarity befitting one who edited and prepared the naturalist’s previously unpublished Species Notebook. The author attempts to pin down Wallace’s inner life and thought processes through painstaking textual analysis of his subject’s reading material, correspondence, notebooks, and publications, as well as some of Darwin’s. -- Kate Horowitz * Library Journal *Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently discovered natural selection, a mechanism explaining the diversity of life on Earth, and Costa, professor of biology at Western Carolina University, explores how such a momentous discovery could have arisen from two people at roughly the same time as well as what we can learn from those similarities… He lays to rest the conspiracy theories promoting the belief that Darwin stole Wallace’s idea and took it as his own. Costa also counters those who have claimed that Wallace was a scientific lightweight who stumbled onto one important concept. Indeed, he details the evolutionary thinking and writing of both Wallace and Darwin during the critical period leading up to the joint publication of their theory of natural selection by the Linnean Society of London in 1858… Costa impressively demonstrates the inductive process both scientists utilized and how each made major and lasting contributions to modern science. * Publishers Weekly *This engaging and very accessible book is the most comprehensive, insightful and well-balanced account of the development of Wallace’s early evolutionary thinking ever written. Everyone with an interest in the history of evolutionary biology should read it. Although it does much to raise Wallace’s profile, it does nothing to diminish Darwin’s reputation or achievements. -- George Beccaloni, Curator of Orthopteroid Insects and Director of the A. R. Wallace Correspondence Project, Natural History Museum, LondonA marvelously fresh and clear explanation of the joint announcement of evolution by natural selection and an illuminating comparison of Wallace’s and Darwin’s theories. Throughout, Costa gives Wallace his biological due and more. -- Janet Browne, Aramont Professor of the History of Science and Chair of the Department of the History of Science, Harvard University
£35.66
Harvard University Press The Woman That Never Evolved With a New Preface
Book SynopsisHrdy argues that evolutionary theorists’ emphasis on sexual competition among males for access to females overlooks selection pressures on females themselves. In this account of what female primates themselves do to secure their own reproductive advantage, she demolishes myths about sexually passive, “coy,” compliant, exclusively nurturing females.Trade ReviewThis is a splendid book. It is a scientific treatise on primate sex and status, successfully masquerading as a good read. -- Alison Jolly * American Scientist *The bulk of the book represents an attempt to create a perspective on the evolutionary biology of women by evaluating their female primate heritage. These chapters are original, high quality formulations presenting and explaining the behavior of female primates using a combination of sociobiological and socioecological principles of analysis...The book is written toward a borderline between the scientific and the popular audience--not an easy thing to do--but, by and large, Hrdy does just that. For this reason, the book has a place in both research and teaching. -- Jane B. Lancaster * American Journal of Physical Anthropology *It is an understatement to say that this is a provocative essay. Although the book is written for a general audience, it will compel specialists to reconsider many of their assumptions about the evolution of primate females. Those interested in evolutionary influences upon human social behavior will be stimulated and challenged. Undoubtedly, many of the hypotheses will be controversial, and some may be disturbing. -- Joan B. Silk * Ethnology and Sociology *In its treatment of primate behavior, Hrdy's book has no peers...[It is] a fascinating account of the selective pressures that have shaped the behavior of males and females. -- Dorothy Cheney * Science *[A] breakthrough book...A primatologist by training and feminist by predilection, Hrdy asked the basic and in my mind perfectly sensible question: How do women compare to other female primates? What can we understand about our urges, desires, and fears, our sexuality, our relationships with men and with other women, and the near universality of women's second-class status, by examining the lives and loves of our closest nonhuman kin? Among Hrdy's many bracing conclusions: Far from being coy and sexually tepid, as the stereotype has it, women may well have evolved for a restless sort of promiscuity, the better to confuse issues of paternity and thus heighten their children's chances of survival in the hazardous, half-cocked company of men. -- Natalie Angier * O Magazine *
£24.26
Harvard University Press Ingenious
Book SynopsisThe trouble with innovation is that it can seldom be undone. We invent technologies to modify our environments in immediately beneficial ways, but the long-term consequences can be costly. From obesity to antibiotic resistance, we pay for our successes. Peter Gluckman and Mark Hanson explore what happens when our creations lead nature to bite back.Trade ReviewThis fascinating book offers a panoramic perspective of how social interactions, and our understanding of them, has emerged. The distinguished authors have the expertise to share ideas across a range of subjects, including evolutionary biology, history, and sociology. Their insights deserve wide readership. -- Martin Rees, author of On the FutureIngenious is a magisterial, wonderfully entertaining, superbly written overview of the history of our species, its attempts to escape nature, and the price of our success. -- Randolph Nesse, author of Good Reasons for Bad FeelingsGluckman and Hanson make the compelling argument that creativity and ingenuity are uniquely human traits, ones that shape our course of evolution with potential inadvertent consequences. This is a new and important dimension to our understanding of evolution and its aftermaths. -- Alan I. Leshner, American Association for the Advancement of ScienceA fascinating tour of humanity and its capacity for innovation. Part explanation, part users’ guide, Ingenious combines knowledge from evolutionary theory, genomics, environmental studies, and science and technology policy to produce compelling insights regarding our past, present, and technology-driven future. -- Eric M. Meslin, Council of Canadian AcademiesTogether, the authors have published many highly technical articles that challenge received wisdom about how evolution works. In Ingenious they apply these views to argue not only that technological change is best understood as an evolutionary process but also that traditional understandings of evolution fail to capture the role and rate of technological change in society. -- G. Pascal Zachary * Stanford Social Innovation Review *Usefully critiques the unchecked faith—common in developed nations—in our abilities to create technologies that will save us from any potential harm. -- Steve Elliott * Quarterly Review of Biology *
£24.26
Princeton University Press The Causes of Evolution
Book SynopsisJBS Haldane (1892-1964), one of the founders of the science of population genetics, was also one of the greatest practitioners of the art of explaining science to the layperson. This title provides accessible introduction to the genetical basis of evolution by natural selection.Trade Review"Haldane's work is even better than most modern popularizations in its balance between gentle rhetoric and logical rigor. . . . In addition, working through the arguments in Haldane's Appendices is still likely to produce new ideas in students of the latest topics in sociobiology and evolutionary genetics."—Henry S. Horn, Princeton University
£28.80
Princeton University Press Metacommunity Ecology
Book SynopsisTrade Review"Leibold and Chase have written an authoritative and accessible account of recent research on how spatially organized processes shape patterns of biological diversity over the ecological landscape. This book will be the springboard for future work in this area."—Robert E. Ricklefs, University of Missouri, St. Louis"Current thinking in ecology is a disorganized soup of ideas, from dispersal and spatial heterogeneity to temporal change, species sorting, and evolution. This book impressively pulls these disparate threads into a powerful and coherent framework based on metacommunities. Its next-generation metacommunity framework could well serve as a launching pad for the next decade of ecology."—Brian McGill, University of Maine"In this magisterial book, Leibold and Chase provide a conceptually coherent synthesis of the burgeoning field of metacommunity ecology. In addition to deftly synthesizing a sprawling literature on the role of dispersal limitation, drift, and interactions in metacommunities, they highlight the importance of linking metacommunity processes to evolutionary dynamics and ecosystem function. All ecologists will profit from careful reading of this fine and timely contribution."—Robert Holt, University of Florida"A highly significant contribution. Leibold and Chase provide an encompassing and critical overview of the current state of metacommunity ecology and discuss novel approaches, novel perspectives, and applications that contribute to a much broader framework. I learned a lot from this book."—Luc De Meester, University of Leuven"Interesting and informative. Leibold and Chase have assembled in one volume recent key studies that show how metacommunity ecology is indeed wide-ranging in its scope."—Tadashi Fukami, Stanford University
£51.00
Princeton University Press Evolution in Changing Environments
Book Synopsis
£46.75
Princeton University Press Theoretical Studies on Sex Ratio Evolution
Book Synopsis
£59.50
Princeton University Press Evolutionary Community Ecology
Book SynopsisEvolutionary Community Ecology develops a unified framework for understanding the structure of ecological communities and the dynamics of natural selection that shape the evolution of the species inhabiting them. All species engage in interactions with many other species, and these interactions regulate their abundance, define their trajectories ofTrade Review"Uniting the fields of ecology and evolutionary biology, Evolutionary Community Ecology is a landmark book. McPeek synthesizes niche theory and the adaptive landscape, and he integrates topics as disparate as paleontology, biogeography, phylogenetics, speciation, and invasion biology to provide a compelling research agenda for evolutionary ecology in the twenty-first century."—Jonathan Losos, coeditor of How Evolution Shapes Our Lives"In Evolutionary Community Ecology, McPeek's unmistakable message is that the tape of evolution plays out in an ecological theater, entwining both sets of dynamics. He has produced an invaluable roadmap to understanding how these two perspectives feed back on one another to generate and structure the biodiversity around us."—Edmund Brodie III, University of Virginia"One of the most important intellectual tasks in biology today is the fusing of evolutionary and ecological perspectives into a seamless whole. Evolutionary Community Ecology makes a valuable and timely step toward this end. Crafting a synthetic understanding of ecological communities, this book is full of insights and excellent examples. It bridges fundamental community ecology, microevolutionary dynamics, and speciation and macroevolution within a single volume."—Robert D. Holt, University of Florida"I am very impressed with this broad and scholarly book."—Trevor Price, University of Chicago
£49.30
Princeton University Press Evolutionary Ecology of Parasites Second Edition
Book SynopsisParasites have become a powerful model system for the study of ecology and evolution, with practical applications in disease prevention. This work presents an evolutionary framework for the study of parasite biology, combining theory with empirical examples for a broader understanding of why parasites are as they are and do what they do.Trade Review"What a wonderful book! ... I can heartily recommend this volume for all parasitologists, regardless of their specific research interests, and whether students or teachers. I would also strongly recommend this book for the 'non-parasite' ecologist and evolutionary biologist because it will provide them with a concise picture of how parasites fit into the general scheme of ecology and evolution, something about which they really should know a lot, but many times do not! Poulin does, and explains it well."--Gerald Esch, Journal of ParasitologyTable of ContentsPreface ix Chapter 1 Introduction 1 1.1 The Evolutionary Ecology Approach 2 1.2 Scope and Overview 4 Chapter 2 Origins of Parasitism and Complex Life Cycles 8 2.1 Transitions to Parasitism 8 2.2 Specialization of Parasites 11 2.3 Complex Life Cycles: Historical Contingency or Adaptation? 14 2.3.1 Increases in Life-Cycle Complexity 14 2.3.2 Abbreviation of Complex Life Cycles 21 2.4 Evolutionary Consequences of Complex Life Cycles 25 2.4.1 Transmission and Infection 26 2.4.2 Sexual Reproduction 35 2.5 Conclusion 40 Chapter 3 Host Specificity 41 3.1 Measuring Host Specificity 41 3.2 Host-Parasite Coevolution and Host Specificity 48 3.2.1 Macroevolutionary Patterns 48 3.2.2 Microevolutionary Processes 54 3.3 Determinants of Host Specificity 60 3.4 Observed Patterns of Host Specificity 63 3.5 Conclusion 69 Chapter 4 Evolution of Parasite Life-History Strategies 70 4.1 Phenotypic Plasticity and Adaptation 71 4.2 Parasite Body Size 73 4.2.1 Changes in Size as Adaptations to Parasitism 73 4.2.2 Correlates of Body Size 79 4.2.3 Sexual Size Dimorphism in Parasites 85 4.3 Parasite Age at Maturity 87 4.4 Egg Production in Parasites 88 4.4.1 Correlates of Fecundity 89 4.4.2 Trade-offs and Strategies of Egg Production 90 4.5 Conclusion 95 Chapter 5 Strategies of Host Exploitation 96 5.1 The Evolution of Virulence 97 5.1.1 The Theory 98 5.1.2 Empirical Tests 102 5.2 Parasitic Castration and Host Gigantism 110 5.3 Manipulation of Host Behavior by Parasites 114 5.3.1 Adaptive Manipulation? 115 5.3.2 Evolution of Host Manipulation 121 5.3.3 Host Manipulation in a Multispecies Context 126 5.4 Manipulation of Host Sex Ratio by Parasites 130 5.5 Conclusion 132 Chapter 6 Parasite Aggregation: Causes and Consequences 134 6.1 Measuring Parasite Aggregation 135 6.1.1 Indices of Aggregation 135 6.1.2 Problems with the Measurement of Aggregation 139 6.2 Natural Patterns of Aggregation 141 6.3 Causes of Aggregation 144 6.4 Consequences of Aggregation 150 6.4.1 Effective Population Size and Genetic Diversity 151 6.4.2 Sex Ratio 154 6.4.3 Macroevolutionary Phenomena 158 6.5 Conclusion 159 Chapter 7 Parasite Population Dynamics and Genetics 160 7.1 Models of Parasite Population Dynamics 161 7.2 Density-Dependent Regulation 166 7.3 Selected Examples of Population Studies 172 7.3.1 The Cestode Bothriocephalus acheilognathi 172 7.3.2 The Nematode Cystidicola cristivomeri 173 7.3.3 The Nematode Cystidicoloides tenuissima 174 7.3.4 The Acanthocephalan Acanthocephalus tumescens 175 7.4 Patterns of Parasite Abundance 177 7.5 Genetic Structure of Parasite Populations 179 7.6 Conclusion 186 Chapter 8 Interactions between Species and the Parasite Niche 188 8.1 Numerical Responses to Competition 189 8.2 The Parasite Niche 194 8.3 Functional Responses to Competition 195 8.4 Evolutionary Niche Restriction 203 8.5 Conclusion 207 Chapter 9 Parasite Infracommunity Structure 209 9.1 Species Richness of Infracommunities 210 9.2 Nestedness in Infracommunities 215 9.3 Species Associations among Infracommunities 220 9.4 Species Recruitment and Infracommunity Structure 224 9.5 Species Abundance and Biomass in Infracommunities 227 9.6 Conclusion 231 Chapter 10 Component Communities and Parasite Faunas 233 10.1 Richness and Composition of Component Communities 234 10.2 Evolution of Parasite Faunas 241 10.3 Species Richness of Parasite Faunas 245 10.4 Biogeography of Parasite Diversity 253 10.5 Host Specificity and the Composition of Parasite Faunas 257 10.6 Conclusion 260 Chapter 11 Conclusion 262 11.1 Environmental Changes and Parasite Evolutionary Ecology 263 11.2 Parasite Control and Parasite Evolutionary Ecology 265 11.3 Future Directions 267 References 271 Index 325
£59.50
Princeton University Press The Altruism Equation Seven Scientists Search
Book SynopsisIn a world supposedly governed by ruthless survival of the fittest, why do we see acts of goodness in both animals and humans? This work traces the history of this debate from Darwin. It aims to bring to life the people, the issues, and the passions that have surrounded the altruism debate.Trade Review"If evolution involves a competition for survival, then how can we explain altruism? Biologist Lee Dugatkin splendidly narrates a fast-paced tale of scientific breakthrough, genius and intellectual history as he examines the lives of seven scientists ... whose groundbreaking work attempts to answer this question... This superb tale of scientific discovery is required reading for everyone interested in the nature of human morality."--Publishers Weekly "Exhilerating... [This] is an engaging book with devoted enthusiasm for the ideas of the main protagonist, William Hamilton... Dugatkin's ... account offers much to think about."--Caroline Ash, Science "Dugatkin's biographical sketches ... are entertaining and insightful... [T]here is little doubt that efforts to explain altruism and morality in formal scientific terms are heavily influenced by the cultures and personal histories of their proponents."--David Sloan Wilson, American Scientist "Dugatkin tells the story ... with clear prose and poise. In doing so he celebrates the internal consistencies of science and the beauty of clear thinking. Written for a general audience, this book provides vignettes featuring the lives of key thinkers, which foster an understanding of how the social context of the times influences the advance of scientific understanding."--Choice "The Altruism Equation is very well written and extremely informative. Dugatkin's immense enthusiasm shines through every page... Because the scientific concepts are explained so clearly, concisely and engagingly, newcomers to sociobiology will find The Altruism Equation an enlightening read. At the same time, it will be of interest to connoisseurs of the literature who wish to gain a panoramic view of the altruism debate... The Altruism Equation is a splendid book."--David Livingstone Smith, Evolutionary Psychology "This is a tale not only about the majesty of science, but also about the hubris of scientism. One of the greatest projects of modernity is to explain to the public where science does and does not matter, and altruism is a valuable example."--Oren Harman, The New Republic "The Altruism Equation is a pleasure to read. Dugatkin's explanation of the relevant science is clear and comprehensible. He also blends the scientific views of these seven scientists with their personal and professional lives in a way that enhances our understanding of both."--David L. Hull, Isis "This book could he an especially interesting read for recent generations, who may see themselves as standing on the shoulders of their intellectual predecessors... The material is carefully researched and written, and problematic issues are few."--Daniel J. Kruger, Quarterly Review of Biology "The Altruism Equation is very good popular scientific history. It provides the non-scientist with a digestible overview of a lengthy and sometimes complex development, and offers ample leads to pursue. Most importantly, it brings science to life by showing the personalities of scientists involved as well as the background beliefs which motivated their pursuits. For those interested in jumping into this area of inquiry, there is probably no better book with which to start."--Marc Baer. PhD, Metapsychology Online ReviewsTable of ContentsPreface ix Acknowledgments xi Chapter One: A Special Difficulty That Might Prove Fatal 1 Chapter Two: Darwin's Bulldog versus the Prince of Evolution 12 Chapter Three: The Greatest Word from Science since Darwin 37 Chapter Four: J.B.S.: The Last Man Who Might Know All There Was to Be Known 61 Chapter Five: Hamilton's Rule 86 Chapter Six: The Price of Kinship 107 Chapter Seven: Spreading the Word 115 Chapter Eight: Keepers of the Flame 123 Chapter Nine: Curator of Mathematical Models 142 Notes 151 Index 185
£25.20
Princeton University Press An Introduction to Methods and Models in Ecology
Book SynopsisIntroduces undergraduate students to quantitative models and methods in ecology, behavioral ecology, evolutionary biology, and conservation. This title explores the core concepts shared by these related fields using tools and practical skills such as experimental design, generating phylogenies, basic statistical inference, and grant writing.Trade Review"Braude and Low provide a survey of a wide variety of extended exercises in evolutionary biology, population ecology, population genetics, and statistical analysis. Individual chapters can also serve as useful supplement assignments in many introductory biology courses."--Choice "[This book] is for people like me--faculty members who will buy it and then tinker with, modify, adapt, or steal outright the exercises it contains for use in their own relatively narrowly focused courses. And that is actually a valuable contribution to American biological education!"--Arthur M. Shapiro, Quarterly Review of Biology "I liked An Introduction to Methods and Models in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, and think it would be a very good text in the classroom. This book is intended to function as a lab book, teaching students topics conceptually, encouraging users to work out expectations by hand and by sketching out expected outcomes."--J. Michael Reed, Ecology "I liked An Introduction to Methods and Models in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology and think it would be a very good text in the classroom. [The book] presents a nice selection of problems across the broad topics covered."--J. Michael Reed, Ecological Society of America "[A]n excellent source of tools and inspiration and well suited to prepare the undergraduate student for the methodological and numerical approaches used in ecology and evolution."--Yann Clough, Basic and Applied Ecology "The most enjoyable aspect of this book is that it is a true teaching guide. The authors expose students to quantitative methods using a very hands-on approach. This approach ensures students feel more comfortable with data analysis and quantitative methods, while also aiding them to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. A wealth of personal experience as a student and teacher has obviously gone into the creation of this book, and I would highly recommend it to educators dealing with components of this text"--.Brad J. Farmilo, Austral EcologyTable of ContentsFigures vii Tables xi Preface xv Acknowledgments xvii Introduction xix Section I: E volutionary Biology Chapter 1: Evolution and Pesticide Resistance: Examining Quantitative Trends Visually by Stanton Braude and John Gaskin 3 Chapter 2: Lizard Ecomorphology: Generating and Testing Hypotheses of Adaptation by Kenneth H. Kozak 12 Chapter 3: Phylogenetic Inference: Examining Morphological and Molecular Datasets by James Beck 22 Chapter 4: Life History Tradeoffs in Avian Clutch Size: Interpreting Life History Data and Evaluating Alternative Hypotheses by Jon Hess 36 Chapter 5: Mimicry: Experimental Design and Scientific Logic by James Robertson 51 Section II: D emography and Population Ecology Chapter 6: Life Table Analysis by Stanton Braude 63 Chapter 7: Lotka-Volterra Competition Modeling by Stanton Braude, Tara Scherer, and Rebecca McGaha 69 Chapter 8: Explosive Population Growth and Invasive Exotic Species by Jon Hess and James Robertson 79 Chapter 9: Island Biogeography: Evaluating Correlational Data and Testing Alternative Hypotheses by James Robertson 91 Section III: Population Genetics Chapter 10: Hardy-Weinberg: Evaluating Disequilibrium Forces by Jason J. Kolbe 107 Chapter 11: Drift, Demographic Stochasticity, and Extinction in Woggles by James Robertson, Anton Weisstein, and Stanton Braude 117 Chapter 12: Conservation of Small Populations: Effective Population Sizes, Inbreeding, and the 50/500 Rule by Luke J. Harmon and Stanton Braude 125 Chapter 13: Dispersal and Metapopulation Structure by James Robertson 139 Section IV: Quantitative Ecological Tools Chapter 14: Understanding Descriptive Statistics by Beth Sparks-Jackson and Emily Silverman 155 Chapter 15: Understanding Statistical Inference by Emily Silverman and Beth Sparks-Jackson 179 Chapter 16: Sampling Wild Populations by Stanton Braude and James Robertson 189 Chapter 17: Quantifying Biodiversity by Cawas Behram Engineer and Stanton Braude 198 Chapter 18: Environmental Predictability and Life History by Bobbi S. Low and Stanton Braude 214 Chapter 19: Modeling Optimal Foraging by Stanton Braude and James Robertson 226 Section V: S ynthetic Exercises and Writing Assignments Chapter 20: Evaluating Competing Hypotheses of Regional Biodiversity by Stanton Braude 235 Chapter 21: Preparing and Evaluating Competitive Grant Proposals for Conservation Funding by Stanton Braude 239 Chapter 22: Tracing the History of Scientific Ideas: From Darwin, Connell, or Soule to the Present by Bobbi S. Low 245 Glossary 251 Contributors 263 Index 265
£45.00
Princeton University Press Adaptive Diversification
Book SynopsisInvestigates adaptive diversification using the mathematical framework of adaptive dynamics. Showing that frequency-dependent interactions are an important driver of biological diversity, this book provides a comprehensive theoretical treatment of adaptive diversification.Trade Review"[T]his is a timely, useful study that should inspire and equip young theoreticians to indentify and explore the important unanswered questions in adaptive diversification."--Graeme Ruxton, Quarterly Review of BiologyTable of ContentsAcknowledgments xi Chapter 1. Introduction 1 Chapter 2. Evolutionary Branching in a Classical Model for Sympatric Speciation 9 Chapter 3. Adaptive Diversification Due to Resource Competition in Asexual Models 38 3.1 Adaptive dynamics with symmetric competition kernels 50 3.2 Adaptive dynamics with asymmetric competition kernels 64 Chapter 4. Adaptive Diversification Due to Resource Competition in Sexual Models 74 4.1 Evolutionary branching in sexual populations when assortative mating is based on the ecological trait (one-allele models) 82 4.2 Evolution of assortative mating 90 4.3 Evolutionary branching in sexual populations when assortative mating is not based on the ecological trait (two-allele models) 100 4.4 A footnote on adaptive speciation due to sexual selection 110 Chapter 5. Adaptive Diversification Due to Predator-Prey Interactions 113 5.1 Adaptive diversification in classical predator-prey models 114 5.2 An example of evolutionary branching in host-pathogen models 132 Chapter 6. Adaptive Diversification Due to Cooperative Interactions 139 6.1 Diversification in models for intraspecific cooperation 139 6.2 Diversification in coevolutionary models of cooperation 148 Chapter 7. More Examples: Adaptive Diversification in Dispersal Rates, the Evolution of Anisogamy, and the Evolution of Trophic Preference 163 7.1 Diversification in dispersal rates 163 7.2 Diversification in gamete size: evolution of anisogamy 180 7.3 Diversification in trophic preference: evolution of complexity in ecosystems 189 Chapter 8. Cultural Evolution: Adaptive Diversification in Language and Religion 195 8.1 Diversification of languages 197 8.2 Diversification of religions 200 Chapter 9. Adaptive Diversification and Speciation as Pattern Formation in Partial Differential Equation Models 217 9.1 Partial differential equation models for adaptive diversification due to resource competition 218 9.2 Partial differential equation models for predator-prey interactions 236 9.3 Partial differential equation models for adaptive diversification in spatially structured populations 242 9.4 A general theory of diversification in partial differential equation models 258 Chapter 10. Experimental Evolution of Adaptive Diversification in Microbes 262 Appendix: Basic Concepts in Adaptive Dynamics 279 Bibliography 306 Index 323
£49.30
Princeton University Press Forms of Becoming
Book SynopsisWhat comes first, form or function? Trumpeted as the future of biological science, evolutionary developmental biology (or 'evo-devo') answers this question by showing how evolution controls the development of organisms. This book looks at the history and key issues of evo-devo. It focuses on the ways animal organisms evolve through competition.Trade Review"Minelli provides his distinctive perspective of the field of evolutionary developmental biology. Whether or not readers agree with himon specific points, he raisesmany interesting questions that might well be fuel for long discussions on a summer evening. Overall, this book is stimulating reading and will provide much food for thought."--Christian Peter Klingenberg, Trends in Ecology and Evolution "I enjoyed reading Forms of Becoming. It added depth to my knowledge of the historical background of comparative morphological studies, and it regrounded my appreciation of the diversity of evolutionary modifications in development across animals. I recommend this book as entry-level reading for non-'evo-devo' folks as well as the many developmental and evolutionary biologists whose research involves phenotype. I also recommend this thought-provoking book to graduate students... In summary, Minelli promotes an integrative view that is timely and immensely valuable."--Paula Mabee, BioScience "This book is a fascinating reading. It will appeal to anyone that has an interest in animal form and development, and also in genetics."--Evelyne Bremond-Hoslet, MammaliaTable of ContentsPreface ix Part One: Forms and Numbers Chapter 1: Unity in Diversity 3 Two Skeletons 3 Clashes at the Museum 5 Squid and Vertebrate 7 Topsy-turvy 9 Chapter 2: Archetypes 11 The Primeval Plant 11 A Skeleton for Everyone 14 An Exemplary Crayfi sh 16 Chapter 3: Easy Numbers, Forbidden Numbers 18 The Scolopendra's Legs 18 The Nonexistent Variant 22 The Leech's Segments 23 Unexpected Arithmetic 24 The Giraffe's Neck 28 Indirect Effects 29 On the Fingers of One Hand 32 Number and Position 35 Chapter 4: Privileged Genes 38 Unity of Body Plan 38 The Universal Appendage 42 The Zootype 45 Position and Structure 48 "Master Control Genes" 50 Networks 53 Part Two: Constructing Form Chapter 5: Evolution and Development 59 Genes and Determinism 59 Possible Butterfl ies, Real Butterflies 63 Evo-devo 65 Chapter 6: The Logic of Development 68 From Mechanics to Molecules 68 The Lawfulness of "Monsters" 70 A Worm Enters the Scene 72 A Mosaic, or Perhaps Not 75 One Model, Several Models 76 The Adult's Questionable Uniqueness 77 Boxed Generations 78 According to Program 80 Cuticle, Cuticles 81 Cilia and Mitosis 86 Taking Development Seriously 89 Ontogeny and Phylogeny 90 Chapter 7: Paradigm Shifts 94 Science and Language 94 Gene, Genes 95 Busillis 97 Tissues 99 More on Segments 101 Origin, Form, and Function 103 Parallel Worksites 105 What Do We Start From? 107 Which Adult? 109 Siamese Twins and Corals 111 Spare Parts 113 Chapter 8: Comparisons 117 Horns and Antlers 117 Homology 119 One Gene, Several Effects 121 Ars Combinatoria 123 The Limits of Hierarchies 125 Organs, Only When All Is Done 127 Structures, Processes, and Developmental Stages 129 Chapter 9: The Body's Syntax 132 From Tip to Toe 132 The Dual Animal 134 The Sea Urchin 136 The Tapeworm 137 Part Three: Origins Chapter 10: Competition or Cooperation? 145 Apologues and Metaphors 145 The Species: From Inside and from Outside 146 Butterfl ies and Sea Urchins 148 Parasitoids 150 Throw-Away Larvae 150 Competition between Equals, or Not Quite 154 Germ and Soma 158 Authorized Competition among Equals 161 A Virtual Mouth 163 Embryonic Leafl ets 165 Who Is Winning? 167 One Egg, Several Embryos 169 Two Twins, or Rather One 170 Identical Twins, or Maybe Not 171 The Pupa's Balance Sheet 175 Competition and Cooperation: Two Sides of the Same Coin 177 Everything Small 178 Development in Stages 180 Chapter 11: Making and Remaking 183 Many and All Equal, or Few and Different 183 A Product of Factors 186 Calculations without Error 189 Broken Chains 194 Co-option 196 Buds and Appendages 197 Chapter 12: Innovations without Plans 201 Regularity without a Program 201 Inexpensive Symmetry 201 Breaks in Symmetry 204 The Origin of Evolutionary Novelties 205 Modules 208 A Glance at the Clock 209 Epilogue 211 Recommended Readings 215 Index 221
£31.50
Princeton University Press Handbook of Metaanalysis in Ecology and Evolution
Book SynopsisMeta-analysis is a powerful statistical methodology for synthesizing research evidence across independent studies. This is the first comprehensive handbook of meta-analysis written specifically for ecologists and evolutionary biologists, and it provides an invaluable introduction for beginners as well as an up-to-date guide for experienced meta-anaTrade Review"[T]his is a comprehensive and up-to-date compendium of all relevant aspects for meta-analysis conduction in ecology, evolution, and related topics. Scientists from these areas who already have some knowledge on meta-analysis will find valuable guidance."--Daniela Vetter, Quarterly Review of BiologyTable of ContentsPreface xi SECTION I: Introduction & Planning 1.Place of Meta-analysis among Other Methods of Research Synthesis 3 Julia Koricheva & Jessica Gurevitch 2.The Procedure of Meta-analysis in a Nutshell 14 Isabelle M. Cote & Michael D. Jennions SECTION II : Initiating a Meta-analysis 3.First Steps in Beginning a Meta-analysis 27 Gavin B. Stewart, Isabelle M. Cote, Hannah R. Rothstein, & Peter S. Curtis 4.Gathering Data: Searching Literature & Selection Criteria 37 Isabelle M. Cote, Peter S. Curtis, Hannah R. Rothstein, & Gavin B. Stewart 5.Extraction & Critical Appraisal of Data 52 Peter S. Curtis, Kerrie Mengersen, Marc J. Lajeunesse, Hannah R. Rothstein, & Gavin B. Stewart 6.Effect Sizes: Conventional Choices & Calculations 61 Michael S. Rosenberg, Hannah R. Rothstein, & Jessica Gurevitch 7.Using Other Metrics of Effect Size in Meta-analysis 72 Kerrie Mengersen & Jessica Gurevitch SECTION III : Essential Analytic Models & Methods 8.Statistical Models & Approaches to Inference 89 Kerrie Mengersen, Christopher H. Schmid, Michael D. Jennions, & Jessica Gurevitch 9.Moment & Least-Squares Based Approaches to Meta-analytic Inference 108 Michael S. Rosenberg 10.Maximum Likelihood Approaches to Meta-analysis 125 Kerrie Mengersen & Christopher H. Schmid 11.Bayesian Meta-analysis 145 Christopher H. Schmid & Kerrie Mengersen 12.Software for Statistical Meta-analysis 174 Christopher H. Schmid, Gavin B. Stewart, Hannah R. Rothstein, Marc J. Lajeunesse, & Jessica Gurevitch SECTION IV: Statistical Issues & Problems 13.Recovering Missing or Partial Data from Studies: A Survey of Conversions & Imputations for Meta-analysis 195 Marc J. Lajeunesse 14.Publication & Related Biases 207 Michael D. Jennions, Christopher J. Lortie, Michael S. Rosenberg, & Hannah R. Rothstein 15.Temporal Trends in Effect Sizes: Causes, Detection, & Implications 237 Julia Koricheva, Michael D. Jennions, & Joseph Lau 16.Statistical Models for the Meta-analysis of Nonindependent Data 255 Kerrie Mengersen, Michael D. Jennions, & Christopher H. Schmid 17.Phylogenetic Nonindependence & Meta-analysis 284 Marc J. Lajeunesse, Michael S. Rosenberg, & Michael D. Jennions 18.Meta-analysis of Primary Data 300 Kerrie Mengersen, Jessica Gurevitch, & Christopher H. Schmid 19.Meta-analysis of Results from Multisite Studies 313 Jessica Gurevitch SECTION V: Presentation & Interpretation of Results 20.Quality St&ards for Research Syntheses 323 Hannah R. Rothstein, Christopher J. Lortie, Gavin B. Stewart, Julia Koricheva, & Jessica Gurevitch 21.Graphical Presentation of Results 339 Christopher J. Lortie, Joseph Lau, & Marc J. Lajeunesse 22.Power Statistics for Meta-analysis: Tests for Mean Effects & Homogeneity 348 Marc J. Lajeunesse 23.Role of Meta-analysis in Interpreting the Scientific Literature 364 Michael D. Jennions, Christopher J. Lortie, & Julia Koricheva 24.Using Meta-analysis to Test Ecological & Evolutionary Theory 381 Michael D. Jennions, Christopher J. Lortie, & Julia Koricheva SECTION VI: Contributions of Meta-analysis in Ecology & Evolution 25.History & Progress of Meta-analysis 407 Joseph Lau, Hannah R. Rothstein, & Gavin B. Stewart 26.Contributions of Meta-analysis to Conservation & Management 420 Isabelle M. Cote & Gavin B. Stewart 27.Conclusions: Past, Present, & Future of Meta-analysis in Ecology & Evolution 426 Jessica Gurevitch & Julia Koricheva Glossary 433 Frequently Asked Questions 441 References 447 List of Contributors 487 Subject Index 489
£63.75
Princeton University Press Glimpses of Creatures in Their Physical Worlds
Book SynopsisOffers a look into how the characteristics of the physical world drive the designs of animals and plants. This title contains information related to functional biology. Drawing examples from creatures of land, air, and water, it demonstrates the many uses of biological diversity and how physical forces impact biological organisms.Trade Review"If what you desire in a readable science book is food for thought, Glimpses of Creatures in their Physical Worlds provides a feast. Biologists, engineers, and physicists--indeed, anyone with curiosity about the natural world--will revel in this smorgasbord of biomechanical ideas."--Mark Denny, American Scientist "Such a book could be written only by someone with a rich knowledge of biomechanics, and Vogel, an emeritus professor of biology at Duke University, fits the bill. Considered one of the founders of the biomechanics community in the US, his distinguished research career has focused on organism-fluid interactions and such diverse topics as the behavior of leaves in the wind, passive ventilation of prairie-dog burrows, and airflow through the branching antennae of some moths. His breadth of knowledge is clearly reflected in the examples presented and the creative thought embodied in Glimpses of Creatures in Their Physical Worlds. Vogel uses the same approachable, entertaining writing style... [T]his book is sure to serve as an inspiring entry into the field of biomechanics."--Stacey Combes, Physics Today "It is a fine book and emphasizes important relationships too often neglected."--Choice "As ever, Vogel is inspiring and his insights are remarkable."--Henry Bennet-Clark, BioScienceTable of ContentsPreface vii Chapter One: Two Ways to Move Material 1 Chapter Two: The Bioballistics of Small Projectiles 18 Chapter Three: Getting Up to Speed 39 Chapter Four: Moving Heat Around 58 Chapter Five: Maintaining Temperature 80 Chapter Six: Gravity and Life in the Air 95 Chapter Seven: Gravity and Life on the Ground 116 Chapter Eight: Gravity and Life in Water 141 Chapter Nine: Making and Maintaining Liquid Water 164 Chapter Ten: Pumping Fluids through Conduits 184 Chapter Eleven: To Twist or Bend When Stressed 209 Chapter Twelve: Keeping Up Upward and Down Downward 232 List of Symbols 259 References and Index of Citations 263 Index 289
£42.50
