Evolution / Evolutionary biology Books
Springer International Publishing AG On the Origin of Autonomy: A New Look at the
Book SynopsisThis volume describes features of autonomy and integrates them into the recent discussion of factors in evolution. In recent years ideas about major transitions in evolution are undergoing a revolutionary change. They include questions about the origin of evolutionary innovation, their genetic and epigenetic background, the role of the phenotype and of changes in ontogenetic pathways. In the present book, it is argued that it is likewise necessary to question the properties of these innovations and what was qualitatively generated during the macroevolutionary transitions.The author states that a recurring central aspect of macroevolutionary innovations is an increase in individual organismal autonomy whereby it is emancipated from the environment with changes in its capacity for flexibility, self-regulation and self-control of behavior.The first chapters define the concept of autonomy and examine its history and its epistemological context. Later chapters demonstrate how changes in autonomy took place during the major evolutionary transitions and investigate the generation of organs and physiological systems. They synthesize material from various disciplines including zoology, comparative physiology, morphology, molecular biology, neurobiology and ethology. It is argued that the concept is also relevant for understanding the relation of the biological evolution of man to his cultural abilities.Finally the relation of autonomy to adaptation, niche construction, phenotypic plasticity and other factors and patterns in evolution is discussed. The text has a clear perspective from the context of systems biology, arguing that the generation of biological autonomy must be interpreted within an integrative systems approach.Trade Review“The core of Rosslenbroich’s book is a series of chapters examining the evolutionary trajectory of autonomy in more detail, through the lenses of history and function. The depth of the treatment of evidence is remarkable, his command of principles and facts of anatomy and physiology enviable.” (Daniel W. McShea, Biology & Philosophy, Vol. 30 (3), May, 2015)“The volume explores the nature of biological autonomy and its application to understanding major evolutionary trends. … this is an important book that deserves to play a role in the reforming of an updated evolutionary synthesis; it will appeal to evolutionary biologists, philosophers of science, and even zoologists who will accordingly reconsider morphological, anatomical, physiological, and behavioral features of animal life in a new, dynamic context.” (Mark Riegner, The Quarterly Review of Biology, Vol. 90 (1), March, 2015)“I recommend the book as a fine blend of thought-provoking holism, built around a conscientious survey of the deeper implications of dynamic systems and process thinking, essential to revise our still-too-static view of biology, and incorporate a mature understanding of autonomy.” (Martin Lockley, Acta Biotheoretica, August, 2014)Table of ContentsWhat is the outcome of evolution?.- The problem of macroevolutionary trends.- The concept of biological autonomy.- The major transitions in early evolution.- The Cambrian explosion and thereafter.- Fluid management in animals.- Reproduction.- Nervous systems and the flexibility of movements.- Endothermy.- The evolution of brains and behavior: is there a trend?.- The evolution of man.- Conclusion and implications.
£80.99
Springer Ecology and Evolutionary Biology of Clonal Plants: Proceedings of Clone-2000. An International Workshop held in Obergurgl, Austria, 20–25 August 2000
Book SynopsisSpontaneous self-cloning or clonality is a widespread phenomenon in the plant kingdom, and has a wide array of ecological and evolutionary implications. This volume is the outcome of an international workshop on clonal plant biology aimed at illustrating current progress and recent developments in the scientific study of clonality in plants. The first section of this book includes a collection of original research articles which demonstrate the wide variety of approaches and scientific challenges linked to clonality in plants. The topics covered in this section include ecological and evolutionary implications of sexual versus asexual propagation, including life-history evolution and sex-ratio dynamics, the importance of internal resource transport and remobilization of storage products for the invasiveness and competitiveness of clonal plants, a survey of clonal growth forms in grassland communities, and studies on the interactions between clonal plants and animals and fungi. The approaches used range from experimental studies on a broad variety of systems to mathematical modeling of clonal growth and its consequences. The second part features discussion and review papers on a diverse array of subjects, ranging from developmental considerations of clonality, principles of selection and evolution in clonal plants, a survey of clonality in algae, to potential implications of clonality for plant mating, and beyond. This part of the volume aims at presenting novel ideas and hypotheses, and at summarizing existing knowledge in previously under-researched areas, thereby providing directions for future research initiatives. This book captures ongoing cutting-edge research in the field of clonal plant ecology and evolution. It is directed to anyone from the undergraduate to specialist level who is interested in the biology of the intriguing phenomenon of asexual propagation in plants. Table of ContentsIntroduction. Local sex-ratio dynamics and sexual reproduction: a model for the dioecious liverwort Marchantia inflexa; D.N. McLetchie, et al. Relative contributions of sexual and asexual regeneration strategies in Populus nigra and Salix alba during the first years of establishment on a braided gravel bed river; N. Barsoum. The role of vegetative spread and seed dispersal for optimal life histories of clonal plants: a simulation study; E. Winkler, M. Fischer. Clonal integration enhances survival and performance of Potentilla anserina, suffering from partial sand burial on Ordos plateau, China; F. Yu, et al. Fragmentation of clones: how does it influence dispersal and competitive ability? B. Oborny, Á. Kun. Seasonal patterns of partitioning and remobilization of 14C in the invasive rhizomatous perennial Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica (Houtt.) Ronse Decraene); E.A.C. Price, et al. The effects of mowing and fertilization on carbohydrate reserves and regrowth of grasses: do they promote plant coexistence in species-rich meadows? L. Klimes, J. Klimesová. Classifying clonal growth forms based on vegetative mobility and ramet longevity: a whole community analysis; A. Tamm, et al. A simulation study of the effects of architectural constraints and resource translocation on population structure and competition in clonal plants; T. Herben, J.-I. Suzuki. The developmental ecology of mycorrhizal associations in mayapple, Podophyllum peltatum, Berberidaceae; M.A. Watson, et al. Age- and stage-based bud demography of Salix arctica under contrasting muskox grazing pressure in the High Arctic; A. Tolvanen, et al. The influence of position on genet growth: a simulation of a population of bracken (Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn) genets undergrazing; C.P.D. Birch. Developmental processes and the evolution of plant clonality; T. Sachs. The loss of sex in clonal plants; C.G. Eckert. Consequences of clonal growth for plant mating; A. Charpentier. Clonal architecture in marine macroalgae: ecological and evolutionary perspectives; L. Collado-Vides. Investigating the community consequences of competition among clonal plants; L. Gough, et al. On the evolution of clonal plant life histories; M. Fischer, M. van Kleunen. Fitness and evolution in clonal plants: the impact of clonal growth; J.J. Pan, J.S. Price.
£170.99
Springer Drosophila melanogaster, Drosophila simulans: So Similar, So Different
Book SynopsisComparison of closely related species is a powerful D. melanogaster. In D. melanogaster, microsatel- approach to understanding the changes that have oc- lites reveal that West African popUlations are more curred since their divergence from a common ancestor. closely related to non-African populations than to The sibling species Drosophila melanogaster and D. East African popUlations. East African populations are simulans are probably the species pair for which the more variable than West African or non-African popu- most genetic data are available. A workshop held at lations, suggesting that East African populations may 1 Gif/Yvette in January 2002 reviewed and discussed more closely reflect African ancestral variability. comparisons between these species, from their ecol- Ecophysiology, popUlation dynamics and popula- tion structure are also important to understanding the ogy and biogeography to their behavior and DNA evolution of the two species. Genetic diversity (8) polymorphism. is higher in D. simulans (S. Mousset and R. Singh).Table of ContentsPreface; P. Capy, P. Gibert, I. Boussy. 1. Drosophila melanogaster, Drosophila simulans: so similar yet so different; P. Capy, P. Gibert. Biogegraphy and population structure: past and present. 2. How two Afrotropical endemics made two cosmopolitan human commensals: the Drosophila melanogaster-D. simulans palaeogeographic riddle; D. Lachaise, J.F. Silvain. 3. Mitochondrial DNA in the Drosophila melanogaster complex; M. Solignac. 4. Wolbachia infections in Drosophila melanogaster and D. simulans: Polymorphism and levels of cytoplasmic incompatibility; H. Mercot, S. Charlat. 5. Historicity and the population genetics in Drosophila melanogaster and D. simulans; M. Veuille, E. Baudry, M. Cobb, N. Derome, E. Gravot. 6. Patterns of microsatellite variability in the Drosophila melanogaster complex; B. Harr, C. Schlötterer. 7. Molecular polymorphism in Drosophila melanogaster and D. simulans: What have we learned from recent studies? S. Mousset, N. Derome. 8. The Sex-Ratio trait and its evolution in Drosophila simulans: a comparative approach; D. Jutier, N. Derome, C. Montchamp-Moreau. 9. A reanalysis of protein polymorphism in Drosophila melanogaster, D. simulans, D. sechellia, and D. mauritiana: effect of population size and selection; R.A. Morton, M. Choudhary, M.-L. Cariou, R.S. Singh. Transposable elements and chromosomes. 10. Transposable element dynamics in two sibling species: Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila simulans; C. Viera, C. Biémont. 11. Wanderings of hobo: a transposon in Drosophila melanogaster and its close relatives; L.A. Boussy, M. Itoh. 12. Mitotic and polytene chromosomes:comparisons between Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila simulans; S. Aulard, L. Monti, N. Chaminade, F. Lemeunier. Geographical variability and adaptation. 13. Comparative life histories and ecophysiology of Drosophila melanogaster and D. simulans; J.R. David, R. Allemand, P. Capy, M. Chakir, P. Gibert, G. Pétavy, B. Moreteau. 14. Comparative analysis of morphological traits among Drosophila melanogaster and D. simulans: genetic variability, clines and phenotypic plasticity; P. Gibert, P. Capy, A. Imasheva, B. Moreteau, J.P. Morin, G. Pétavy, J.R. David. 15. Ecological and genetic interactions in Drosophila-parasitoids communities: a case study with D. melanogaster, D. simulans and their common Leptopilina parasitoids in South-Eastern France; F. Fleury, N. Ris, R. Allemand, P. Fouillet, Y. Carton, M. Boulétreau. 16. Relations between cuticular hydrocarbon polymorphism, resistance against desiccation and breeding temperature: a model for their evolution in Drosophila melanogaster and D. simulans.J. Rouault, C. Marican, C. Wicker-Thomas, J.-M. Jallon. 17. Molecular analysis of circadian clocks in Drosophila simulans; A.S. Rogers, E. Rosato, R. Costa, C.P. Kyriacou. 18. Mutation in Drosophila simulans that lengthens the circadian period of locomotor activity; A.S. Rogers, A.E. Stefan, C. Pasetto, E. Rosato, R. Costa, C.P. Kyriacou. 19. Sperm size evolution in Drosophila: inter- and intraspecific analysis; D. Joly, A. Korol, E. Nevo. Speciation: pre and post zygotic isolation. 20. The nature of genetic variation in sex and reproduction-related genes among sibling species of the Drosophila melanogaster complex; R.J. Kulathinal, R.S. Singh. 21. Genetics of
£123.49
Springer Microevolution Rate, Pattern, Process
Book SynopsisFrom guppies to Galapagos finches and from adaptive landscapes to haldanes, this compilation of contributed works provides reviews, perspectives, theoretical models, statistical developments, and empirical demonstrations exploring the tempo and mode of microevolution on contemporary to geological time scales. New developments, and reviews, of classic and novel empirical systems demonstrate the strength and diversity of evolutionary processes producing biodiversity within species. Perspectives and theoretical insights expand these empirical observations to explore patterns and mechanisms of microevolution, methods for its quantification, and implications for the evolution of biodiversity on other scales. This diverse assemblage of manuscripts is aimed at professionals, graduate students, and advanced undergraduates who desire a timely synthesis of current knowledge, an illustration of exciting new directions, and a springboard for future investigations in the study of microevolution in the wild.Table of ContentsAn introduction to microevolution: rate, pattern, process; A.P. Hendry, M.T. Kinnison. The adaptive landscape as a conceptual bridge between micro- and macroevolution; S.J. Arnold, et al. Possible consequences of genes of major effect: transient changes in the G-matrix; A.F. Agrawal, et al. Toward a new synthesis: population genetics and evolutionary developmental biology; N.A. Johnson, A.H. Porter. Epistasis, complex traits, and mapping genes; M.J. Wade. Population structure inhibits evolutionary diversification under competition for resources; T. Day. Variation, selection and evolution of function-valued traits; J.G. Kingsolver, et al. Why the null matters: statistical tests, random walks and evolution; H.D. Sheets, C.E. Mitchell. Rates of evolution on the time scale of the evolutionary process; P.D. Gingerich. The pace of modern life II: from rates of contemporary microevolution to pattern and process; M.T. Kinnison, A.P. Hendry. Trends and rates of microevolution in plants; E. Bone, A. Farres. The population ecology of contemporary adaptations: what empirical studies reveal about the conditions that promote adaptive evolution; D.N. Reznick, C.K. Ghalambor. Explaining stasis: microevolutionary studies in natural populations; J. Merilä, et al. Ring species as bridges between microevolution and speciation; D.E. Irwin, et al. Microevolution in island rodents; O.R.W. Pergams, M.V. Ashley. Genetic architecture of adaptive differentiation in evolving host races of the soapberry bug, Jadera haematoloma; S.P. Carroll, et al. Rapid evolution of wing size clines in Drosophila subobscura; G.W. Gilchrist, et al. Insecticide resistance in the mosquito Culex pipiens: what have we learnedabout adaptation? M. Raymond, et al. High gene flow levels lead to gamete wastage in a desert spider system; S.E. Riechert, et al. Integrating genetic and environmental forces that shape the evolution of geographic variation in a marine snail; G.C. Trussell, R.J. Etter. On morphological clocks and paleophylogeography: towards a timescale for Sorex hybrid zones; P.D. Polly. A population founded by a single pair of individuals: establishment, expansion, and evolution; P.R. Grant, et al. Refugial isolation versus ecological gradients; T.B. Smith, et al. Experimental studies of adaptive differentiation in Bahamian Anolis lizards; J.B. Losos, et al. Runaway social games, genetic cycles driven by alternative male and female strategies, and the origin of morphs; B. Sinervo. Mechanisms of rapid sympatric speciation by sex reversal and sexual selection in cichlid fish; R. Lande, et al. Lateral plate evolution in the threespine stickelback: getting nowhere fast; M.A. Bell. Sexual conflict and evolution in Trinidadian guppies; A.E. Magurran. A century of life-history evolution in grayling; T.O. Haugen, L.A. Vøllestad. Evolution of chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) populations in New Zealand: pattern, rate, and process; T.P. Quinn, et al. Adaptive divergence and the evolution of reproductive isolation in the wild: an empirical demonstration using introduced sockeye salmon; A.P. Hendry. Authors index.
£170.99
Springer Genetics of Mate Choice: From Sexual Selection to Sexual Isolation
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£123.49
Springer Origin and Evolution of New Gene Functions
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£85.49
Springer Verlag, Singapore Constitution of Organs of the Higher Plants: The multiple secondary axis theory
Book SynopsisThis book written by Professor Chi Yen of Sichuan Agricultural University in Chinese was published by China Agriculture Press (ISBN 978-7-109-22791-0). It describes a new theory on the constitution of organs of the higher plants based on experimental evidence, the multiple secondary axis theory. This theory states that all organs of the higher plants are the constitution of multiple secondary axes. The primary axis extends bipolarly to initiate the above- and the below-ground parts of a plant, from which secondary axes develop. Leaves are split, expanded upper ends of terminal secondary axes. Stems are merged lower ends of the secondary axes, Vascular bundles are secondary structures developed within the axes which interconnect with each other to form the central core of the stem and branches and the veins in the leaves. Roots form through the downward extension of the lower ends of the axes toward or within the underground and branch roots are unsplit secondary axes. All new axes emerge from the inner side of existing, split axes. All floral organs including fruits, seeds and vegetative reproduction organs such as bulbils and plantlets, are deformed axes. This theory is significant in guiding the scientific design of the ideotype of crops to optimize the development of the economically important organ(s) of a crop.Table of Contents Chapter 1. The two contrary theories about organogenesis in morphology of the higher plants.-chapter 2. Saunders’ Leaf-skin Theory of Stem.- Chapter 3. Leaves are split axes.- Chapter 4. Re-evaluation of the evidences for the Telome Theory.- Chapter 5. What do hooded-awn barley, bitter bamboo, tortoise shell bamboo, paspalum and crabgrass show us?.- Chapter 6. The ontogenesis of higher plants.- Chapter 7. The organogenesis of higher plants.- Chapter 8. Conclusion.
£104.49
World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd Information Theory And Evolution (2nd Edition)
Book SynopsisInformation Theory and Evolution discusses the phenomenon of life, including its origin and evolution (and also human cultural evolution), against the background of thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and information theory. Among the central themes is the seeming contradiction between the second law of thermodynamics and the high degree of order and complexity produced by living systems. This paradox has its resolution in the information content of the Gibbs free energy that enters the biosphere from outside sources, as the author will show. The role of information in human cultural evolution is another focus of the book.The first edition of Information Theory and Evolution made a strong impact on thought in the field by bringing together results from many disciplines. The new second edition offers updated results based on reports of important new research in several areas, including exciting new studies of the human mitochondrial and Y-chromosomal DNA. Another extensive discussion featured in the second edition is contained in a new appendix devoted to the relationship of entropy and Gibbs free energy to economics. This appendix includes a review of the ideas of Alfred Lotka, Frederick Soddy, Nicholas Georgiescu-Roegen and Herman E. Daly, and discusses the relevance of these ideas to the current economic crisis.The new edition discusses current research on the origin of life, the distinction between thermodynamic information and cybernetic information, new DNA research and human prehistory, developments in current information technology, and the relationship between entropy and economics.Table of ContentsPioneers of Evolutionary Thought; Charles Darwin's Life and Work; Molecular Biology and Evolution; Statistical Mechanics and Information; Information Flow in Biology; Cultural Evolution and Information; Information Technology; Bioinformation Technology; Looking Towards the Future; Appendix A: Entropy and Information; Appendix B: Biosemiotics; Appendix C: Entropy and Economics.
£38.00
Pitchstone Publishing Foundational Falsehoods of Creationism
Book SynopsisReligious fundamentalists and biblical literalists present any number of arguments that attempt to disprove evolution. Those with a sympathetic ear often fail to critically examine these creationist claims, leading to an ill-informed public and, perhaps more troubling, ill-advised public policy. As Aron Ra makes clear, however, every single argument deployed by creationists in their attacks on evolution is founded on fundamental scientific, religious, and historical falsehoods–all of them. Among their most popular claims is that evolution is a religion, that there are no transitional species, that there are no beneficial mutations, and that supposedly sacred scripture is the infallible word of God. Yet, as the evidence and data plainly show, each of these claims is demonstrably and unequivocally false. There is simply no truth to creationism whatsoever, and the entire enterprise rests on a foundation of falsehoods. This book explains and exposes the worst of these lies, and should be read by all who honestly care about following the evidence no matter where it might lead in pursuit of the truth.Trade Review"This book demonstrates once again that Aron Ra is a master of eloquence, and of cutting to the chase with precision. This is an enjoyable read even for the well informed. But we often forget how embarrassingly uninformed biblical literalists are. This delightfully written takedown will educate and embarrass them all over again." Richard Carrier, Ph.D., author, On the Historicity of Jesus"Diogenes, you can retire now! Aron Ra, a remarkable figure in many ways, is an indefatigable opponent of hokum, whether religious or pseudoscientific in nature . . . . In this book Aron trains his analytical guns on 'scientific' creationism. Do you think this is a matter of beating a dead Eohippus? It is not, because pseudoscience and superstition never sleep, and their proponents never tire of seeking (and gaining!) government support to turn back the clock and to cripple science education precisely at the time our great country can least afford such charlatanism." Robert M. Price, co-author, Evolving out of Eden"The seemingly unquenchable popularity of the so-called 'paranormal' has long been a puzzle, both to me and to my good friend Aron Ra. However, Aron's much more important and more specific interest in preoccupation with woo-woo is bifold: religion & creationism to the study of which he has given much thought and concern. His book Foundational Falsehoods of Creationism brings to our stunned attention the farcical, juvenile, pseudoscientific claims with which so many cultures, worldwide, have occupied themselves for centuries, and to which they have so willingly surrendered on their way to the abattoir. . . Aron's rage along with his concern is very evident as he takes his reader step-by-step along the bumpy road he has researched and probed to illustrate just how juvenile that a belief in angels, heaven and hell, eternal life, promised rewards and penalties, can be unless we wake up and see the Earth upon which we live as a home that doesn't need abject nonsense to make it wondrous and exciting. Those who choose to believe that the fossil record can be disregarded, that humans were designed and manufactured 'as is' and just 'happened,' who surrender on their knees to ghosts that just aren't there, should settle down and read Aron Ra very carefully and should seriously think that's the word! about what he's written." James Randi, author, An Encyclopedia of Claims, Frauds, and Hoaxes of the Occult and Supernatural
£15.15
Gabriele-Verlag Das Wort GmbH The Four Planes of Development the Cradle of
Book SynopsisThe emergence into a New Era, into the Age of the Lily, without religions, without priests and
£13.49
Elsevier Science Publishing Co Inc Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals
Book SynopsisTable of ContentsAbundance Estimation; Aerial Behavior; Age Estimation; Aggressive Behavior; Albinism; Amazon River Dolphin; Ambergris; Antarctic Fur Seal; Antarctic Marine Mammals; Archaeocetes, Archaic; Arctic Marine Mammals; Atlantic Spotted Dolphin; Atlantic White-sided Dolphin; Australian Sea Lion; Australian Snubfin Dolphin; Baculum; Baiji; Baikal Seal; Balance; Baleen; Baleen Whales (Mysticeti); Baleen Whales, Evolution; Barnacles; Basilosaurids and Kekenodontids; Beaked Whales, Overview; Bearded Seal; Behavior, Overview; Beluga Whale; Berardius Beaked Whales; Biogeography; Biotelemetry; Blubber; Blue Whale; Bones and Teeth, Histology of Bottlenose Dolphin, Tursiops aduncus, Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin; Bottlenose Dolphin, Tursiops truncatus. Common bottlenose dolphin; Bottlenose Whales; Bowhead Whale; Bow-riding; Brain; Breathing; Bryde's Whale; Burmeister's Porpoise; Bycatch; California, Galapagos and Japanese Sea Lions; Callosities; Cape and Australian Fur Seals; Captivity; Caspian Seal; Cephalorhynchus Dolphins; Cetacea, Evolution; Cetacean Ecology; Cetacean Life History; Cetartiodactyla; Circulatory System; Climate Change; Clymene Dolphin; Coloration; Common Dolphin; Communication; Conservation; Crabeater Seal; Culture and Social Learning; Cuvier's Beaked Whale; Dall's Porpoise; Delphinids, Overview; Dental Morphology; Desmostylia; Dialects; Diet; Distribution; Diving Behavior; Diving Physiology; Dolphins, Porpoises, and Monodontids, Evolution; Dugong; Dusky Dolphin; Eared Seals (Otariidae); Earless Seals (Phocidae); Echolocation; Ecology; Elephant Seals; Embryology; Endangered Species and Populations; Endocrine Systems; Energetics; Entanglement of Whales in Fishing Gear; Epimeletic Behavior; Ethics; Evolutionary Patterns; Extinctions, Specific; False Killer Whale; Feeding Morphology; Feeding Strategy and Tactics; Filter Feeding; Fin Whale; Finless Porpoise; Fisheries Interactions; Folklore and Legends; Forelimb Anatomy; Franciscana; Fraser's Dolphin; Gastrointestinal Tract; Genetics and Genomics; Genetics, Forensics; Genetics, Management; Geographic Variation; Gray Seal; Gray Whale; Group Behavior; Guadalupe, Galapagos, and Juan Fernandez Fur Seals; Habitat Pressure; Hair and Fur; Hindlimb Anatomy; Harbor Porpoise; Harbor Seal; Harp Seal; Health; Hearing; History of Marine Mammal Research; Hooded Seal; Hourglass Dolphin; Humpback Dolphins; Humpback Whale; Hunting; Hybridism; Identification Methods; Indo-Pacific Beaked Whale; Intelligence; International Whaling Commission; Inuit and Marine Mammals; Irrawaddy Dolphin; Killer Whale; Krill and other Plankton; Language Learning and Cognitive Skills; Leopard Seal; Locomotion, Terrestrial; Management and Conservation; Manatees; Marine Parks, Zoos, and Aquariums; Marine Protected Areas; Mark-Recapture; Mass Mortalities; Mating Systems; Melon-headed Whale; Mesoplodon Beaked Whales; Migration and Movement Patterns; Mimicry; Minke Whales; Molecular Ecology; Monk Seals; Musculature; Museums and Collections; Narwhal; Neoceti; New Zealand Fur Seal; New Zealand Sea Lion; Noise; Northern Fur Seal; Ocean Environments; Odobenocetops; Omura's Whale; Osmoregulation; Otters; Pacific White-sided Dolphin; Pantropical Spotted Dolphin; Parasites; Parental Behavior; Pathology; Peale's Dolphin; Pilot Whales; Pinniped Ecology; Pinnipedia, Evolution; Pinniped Life History; Pinniped Physiology; Pinnipeds; Playful Behavior; Polar Bear; Pollution; Popular Culture and Literature; Population Dynamics; Porpoises, Overview; Predation on Marine Mammals; Predator-Prey Relationships; Prey Consumption; Pygmy and Dwarf Sperm Whales; Pygmy Killer Whale; Pygmy Right Whale; Remoras; Reproductive Anatomy; Reproductive Behavior; Reproductive Physiology; Ribbon Seal; Right Whale Dolphins; Right Whales; Ringed Seal; Risso's Dolphin; River Dolphins; River Dolphins, Evolution; Ross Seal; Rough-toothed Dolphin; Scrimshaw; Sealing; Sei Whale; Sensory Biology; Sexual Dimorphism; Shepherd's Beaked Whale; Signature Whistles; Sirenian Life History; Sirenian Evolution; Skeleton; Skull; Sociobiology; Song; Sound; Sound Paths; South American Fur Seal; South American Sea Lion; Species & Subspecies; Spectacled Porpoise; Sperm and Beaked Whales, Evolution; Sperm Whale; Spinner Dolphin; Spotted Seal; Steller Sea Lion; Steller's Sea Cow; Stock Identity and Assessment; Strandings; Streamlining; Striped Dolphin; Subantarctic Fur Seal; Surveys; Sustainability; Susu and Bhulan; Swimming; Systematics; Territorial Behavior; Thermoregulation; Thorax and Abdomen, Anatomy; Tool Use; Toothed Whales (Odontoceti); Tourism; Training; Tucuxi and Guiana Dolphins; Tuna-Dolphin Issue; Vaquita; Vision; Walrus; Weddell Seal; Whale Lice; Whaling, Illegal and Pirate; Whaling, Japanese; Whaling, Modern; Whaling, Traditional; Whiskers; White-beaked Dolphin
£141.30
Princeton University Press A Series of Fortunate Events
Book SynopsisTrade Review"Longlisted for the PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award, PEN America""One of Waterstones' Books of the Year 2020: Popular Science""Longlisted for the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books for Young Adults""The role of happenstance in determining the fate of the world may seem a matter for philosophy more than science, but Carroll, a biologist, shows how central the idea is to everyday existence." * New York Times Book Review *"With conversational wit, Carroll encourages us to embrace the randomness of the world."---Scott Hershberger, Scientific American"The Yucatan asteroid is an epic example of the sheer randomness which, as Sean B. Carroll argues in this short but thought-provoking book, rules both the universe and our own lives."---Nick Rennison, Daily Mail"Carroll takes readers on an entertaining tour of biological discovery that emphasizes the dominant role played by chance in shaping the conditions for life on Earth. Along the way, he provides insights and humor that make the book a quick, lively read that both educates and entertains. . . . Books such as this remind us to make our unlikely time here count."---Ivor Knight, Science"Carroll’s work renders hefty topics accessible, exploring the perfect storm of events responsible for evolution, the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs and every living person’s conception."---Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine"It is to biologist Sean B. Carroll’s credit that he’s found a way of taking a puzzle that could easily fill volumes (and probably has filled volumes), and presenting it to us in a slim, non-technical, and fun little book."---Dan Falk, Undark"A history book about humanity told with wit and style."---John Brandon, Forbes"A short, sweet, and scientifically solid view of life." * Kirkus, starred review *"I couldn’t put it down. If you’re at all interested in science, you’ll keep turning these pages."---Flora Taylor, American Scientist"If you enjoyed Bill Bryson's A Short History of Nearly Everything, you'll like this breezy, equally amusing trip through time. . . . A stellar little book about science.""---Jenny Nicholls, Waiheke Weekender"In Carroll, three traits that are rare in themselves conjoin in an even rarer alignment: a command of multiple scientific fields, an unrivaled ability to clearly explain complex scientific concepts, and a deep instinct for storytelling. It is only fitting that such an unlikely combination produced A Series of Fortunate Events, since this discipline-spanning, highly engaging volume is all about the unlikely combinations that gave rise to all life, to the human species, and to each of us as unique individuals."---Barbara N. Horowitz, The Quarterly Review of Biology"Entertaining and informative, Carroll’s latest is a real eye-opener."---Nick Smith, Engineering & Technology"Golf games, coincidental immunity, and pandemics: A Series of Fortunate Events ranges from examining trivial events to sobering ones, but remains relevant throughout, revealing how chance affects everyday life."---Rebecca Foster, Foreword Reviews"Entertaining and informative, Carroll’s latest is a real eye-opener."---Dr Alyson Hitch, The Bay"This book lays bare how often unpredictable events have shaped our world; it educates, engages, and entertains."---R. M. Denome, Choice"A short and charming book that will give you a new appreciation of the vagaries of life and their influence."---Ian Simmons, Fortean Times"This is an accessible and fun book but be forewarned that it might leave you wanting more. Personally, I take that as a good sign."---Leon Vlieger, The Inquisitive Biologist
£17.09
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Evolution and Human Behaviour
Book SynopsisJohn Cartwright is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biology at Chester College of Higher Education, affiliated to the University of Liverpool.Trade ReviewCartwright’s book is worth a careful look if you are seeking a general and current overview of evolutionary theory applied to human behavior, or if you are trying to identify a resource on the evolution of human behavior for teaching purposes … The book is of value to a non-evolutionary scholar or student seeking a manageable overview of evolutionary approaches to human behavior … I have not found a better volume than Cartwright’s book for teaching purposes. * Peter B. Gray, Human Nature, Vol. 28 *Table of ContentsHistorical Introduction: Evolution and Theories of Mind and Behaviour, Darwin and After Foundations of Darwinian Psychology Natural Selection, Inclusive Fitness and the Selfish Gene Sex and Sexual Selection The evolution of the Hominins The Quintessence of Dust: The Hominin Package Adaptations and Evolved Design Life History Theory Cognition and modularity Emotions Altruism and Cooperation Conflict and Crime Human Sexual Behaviour: Anthropological Perspectives Human Mate Choice: The Evolutionary Logic of Sexual Desire Facial Atractiveness The Paradox of Homosexuality Incest Avoidance and the Westermark Effect Darwinian Medicine: Evolutionary Perspectives on Health and Disease Three Case Studies in Evolution and Health: Diet, Cancer and Mental Disorder The Evolution of Culture: Genes and Memes Ethics
£49.99
Hay House Inc Pure Human
Book SynopsisIn an age where technologies such as AI threaten to supplant human intelligence, an award-winning scientist offers a radical new view of our innate human technology and what we''re truly capable of.There are rare moments in time when we make choices that irreversibly change the world, and our lives, forever. Today is one of those moments.Scientists, engineers and philosophers alike warn us that without a radical shift in our thinking, we are on track to be the last generation of pure humans that the world will know. Within a single generation we will devolve into a hybrid species of synthetic bodies, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and computer chips that limit our ability to think, to love, and to adapt to the conditions of the emerging world in a healthy way. In doing so we will also lose our capacity for emotion, empathy, intimacy, and forgiveness?the very qualities that we value and cherish in our humanness.The question that we face is simple: Do we love ourselves enough to preserve the gift of our humanness? Our answer is based upon the way we?ve been taught to think of ourselves.This book is a compelling journey of self-discovery that will catapult you beyond conventional thinking when it comes to your origins, your limits and, most importantly, the abilities that have been hidden from you for centuries, and the extraordinary potential that awaits as you embrace them.
£18.89
HarperCollins Publishers Life on Earth David Attenborough
Book SynopsisA new, fully updated edition of David Attenborough's groundbreaking Life on Earth.David Attenborough's unforgettable meeting with gorillas became an iconic moment for millions of television viewers. Life on Earth, the series and accompanying book, fundamentally changed the way we view and interact with the natural world setting a new benchmark of quality, influencing a generation of nature lovers.Told through an examination of animal and plant life, this is an astonishing celebration of the evolution of life on earth, with a cast of characters drawn from the whole range of organisms that have ever lived on this planet. Attenborough's perceptive, dynamic approach to the evolution of millions of species of living organisms takes the reader on an unforgettable journey of discovery from the very first spark of life to the blue and green wonder we know today.To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the book's first publication, David Attenborough revisited Life on Earth, completely updating andTrade Review‘It does not disappoint. The new Life on Earth is as glorious as the first’Guardian ‘A beautiful and wide ranging work. The breadth of natural history covered is extraordinary and mesmerising. Life on Earth is still breathtakingly rich, and we would know far less about it were it not for Attenborough’s wonderful skills of communication over the years: our cultural and scientific lives would be poorer without him’New Scientist ‘This natural history masterpiece offers a spectacular snapshot of a once-wild planet’New Scientist
£11.69
Little, Brown & Company Drunk
Book SynopsisAn 'entertaining and enlightening' deep dive into the alcohol-soaked origins of civilization—and the evolutionary roots of humanity's appetite for intoxication (Daniel E. Lieberman, author of Exercised).While plenty of entertaining books have been written about the history of alcohol and other intoxicants, none have offered a comprehensive, convincing answer to the basic question of why humans want to get high in the first place.Drunk elegantly cuts through the tangle of urban legends and anecdotal impressions that surround our notions of intoxication to provide the first rigorous, scientifically-grounded explanation for our love of alcohol. Drawing on evidence from archaeology, history, cognitive neuroscience, psychopharmacology, social psychology, literature, and genetics, Drunk shows that our taste for chemical intoxicants is not an evolutionary mistake, as we are so often told. In fact, intoxication helps solve a number of distinctively human challenges: enhancing creativity, alleviating stress, building trust, and pulling off the miracle of getting fiercely tribal primates to cooperate with strangers. Our desire to get drunk, along with the individual and social benefits provided by drunkenness, played a crucial role in sparking the rise of the first large-scale societies. We would not have civilization without intoxication.From marauding Vikings and bacchanalian orgies to sex-starved fruit flies, blind cave fish, and problem-solving crows, Drunk is packed with fascinating case studies and engaging science, as well as practical takeaways for individuals and communities. The result is a captivating and long overdue investigation into humanity's oldest indulgence—one that explains not only why we want to get drunk, but also how it might actually be good for us to tie one on now and then.
£22.50
Harvard University Press The Nature of Fear
Book SynopsisAnimal behavior expert Daniel T. Blumstein delves into the evolutionary origins and diverse ecological contexts of fear. Fear protects organisms from threats, but at a cost in health and productivity. The various species manage these costs differently, providing lessons for humans as we seek to benefit from fear without succumbing to panic.Trade ReviewClearly, The Nature of Fear is a book for this moment. Dread is all around, manifold and constant during the coronavirus pandemic, of course. But a particular theme of our escalating anxieties comes to the fore with Blumstein’s book in hand: the fear of belonging to nature…As the pandemic brings into focus our biological fragility, the time seems apt to examine the nature of human fear through the lens of, well, nature. * The Atlantic *A revelatory and masterful work by the world’s authority on fear in animal societies. Blumstein focuses the lenses of animal behavior and evolution on very human anxieties and fears. The result is a beautifully written book rich in crucial insights, with salience for scientists, students, policy makers, and every human being navigating their way through our sometimes frightening world. -- Barbara Natterson-Horowitz, coauthor of Wildhood and ZoobiquityBlumstein has studied fear in the animal kingdom for more than 30 years. In this highly readable book, he explains how related insights can help us do everything from composing scary music to managing biodiversity and imposing effective public health measures…Embrace your fears, and give it a read! * BBC Wildlife *The Nature of Fear’s main province is the fluttering pulse-rates of the broader animal kingdom, and that makes for mind-changing reading. -- Steve Donoghue * Open Letters Review *This terrific book is a reminder that when we are afraid, we are not alone. Lizards have fear. Mice have fear. Marmots have fear. This feeling is ancient, and for many millions of years, it has guided animals’ actions. If you want to understand the roots of fear, and also make more sense of your own life, read this book. -- Rob Dunn, author of Never Home AloneBlumstein shows us how fear can be a positive force. When equipped with the knowledge of fear’s origin, we have a blueprint for conquering it. Informed by animals and evolution, The Nature of Fear is a biological thriller that everyone needs to read. -- Brian Hare, coauthor of The Genius of DogsIn this lively and informative book, Blumstein takes the study of fear from the laboratory into the wild to emphasize the costs and benefits of fear responses and their evolution. This novel approach has much to offer as we try to understand the origin of our own fears. -- Guy Beauchamp, author of Animal Vigilance: Monitoring Predators and CompetitorsIn this fascinating book, Daniel Blumstein explores the causes and consequences of fear for human and nonhuman animals, providing important insights into the ways that we all recognize and cope with risks in the course of our daily lives. -- Tim Clutton-Brock, author of Mammal SocietiesThe feature making this project most compelling is the thesis that fear can be chronic, inappropriate, and very costly…An enjoyable book. -- James Chadwick Johnson * Quarterly Review of Biology *In this slim but packed book, Daniel Blumstein explores many facets of an emotion all animals feel: fear in all its different faces, broadening the discussion in ways that will challenge readers to re-examine the values of a trauma nobody likes. -- Steve Donoghue * Open Letters Review *
£19.76
Farrar, Straus and Giroux The Dawn of Everything
Book SynopsisINSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A dramatically new understanding of human history, challenging our most fundamental assumptions about social evolutionfrom the development of agriculture and cities to the origins of the state, democracy, and inequalityand revealing new possibilities for human emancipation.For generations, our remote ancestors have been cast as primitive and childlikeeither free and equal innocents, or thuggish and warlike. Civilization, we are told, could be achieved only by sacrificing those original freedoms or, alternatively, by taming our baser instincts. David Graeber and David Wengrow show how such theories first emerged in the eighteenth century as a conservative reaction to powerful critiques of European society posed by Indigenous observers and intellectuals. Revisiting this encounter has startling implications for how we make sense of human history today, including the origins of farming, property, cities, democ
£23.87
HarperCollins Publishers Inc Sapiens A Graphic History
Book Synopsis
£32.00
Harvard University Press The Evolution of the Human Head
Book SynopsisExplains how the human head works, and why our heads evolved in this peculiarly human way. This book documents how the many components of the head function, how they evolved since we diverged from the apes, and how they interact in diverse ways both functionally and developmentally, causing them to be highly integrated.Trade ReviewLieberman's integrated approach will make his book a forum for a way of thinking in human evolution that has not yet found its equal in print. -- Christopher Dean, University College LondonThis is an outstanding book. Lieberman draws from a wide variety of disciplines, including bone biology, embryology, morphometrics, functional anatomy, and paleontology to forge a masterful synthesis of the evolution of the human head. It will be the definitive reference for decades. * John G. Fleagle, Department of Anatomical Sciences, Stony Brook University *Lieberman offers acute descriptions of anatomy, embryology, physiology, and hominid fossils, while providing an exciting way to observe the relationships among structures, functions, and evolutionary variance. -- Scott Vieira * Library Journal *Lieberman dives deep into the cranium, showing just how much of what we consider to be human is connected to what happens above the neck. -- Carolyn Y. Johnson * Boston Globe *Daniel Lieberman has written a wonderful and inspiring book about the human head's evolution...One stands in awe at the work that has gone into it...This encyclopedic book is transformative...The morphological details in Lieberman's book make it a direct descendant of Gray's Anatomy...If a single word describes this book, it is integrative. The author integrates material from anatomy, physiology, physics, biomechanics, molecular and developmental biology, but brings all under the umbrella of evolutionary theory. -- Chris McManus * Times Higher Education *This [is an] impressive book...This hefty and well-written book offers a scholarly breadth and attention to detail that are certainly laudable. The book is quite unusual in that it includes a comprehensive review of the soft tissues associated with cranial features and discusses them within the context of evolutionary morphology and the fossil record of the human skull. I can think of no other volume that packages the anatomy of the human head in this fashion...Lieberman's big book definitely moves us ahead in effectively synthesizing so much of what is currently understood about the structure, function and evolution of the human head. -- Brian T. Shea * American Scientist *By rooting his study in the basics of tissue mechanics and functional morphology, Lieberman does the spadework to which all such studies aspire but few achieve--and makes that task seem elegant and effortless. -- Henry Gee * Nature *Daniel Lieberman marshals diverse evidence to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding patterns of variation and covariation in the form, function, and phylogeny of the human head...The breadth and diversity of subject matter the volume will impart to the reader is particularly laudable. Lieberman's holistic approach is a welcome, if not requisite, strategy for addressing a multifarious biological system such as the human head. The book's focus on both hard- and soft-tissue components, consideration of how such elements correspond to one another, and comprehensive overview of external and internal influences on patterns of morphological variation and covariation clearly set the tone for how one might profitably investigate cranial evolution across all vertebrates. The introductions to myriad biological concepts, surveys of some modern approaches to outstanding paleoanthropological questions, and review of fossil evidence regarding evolutionary transformations in human skull form will enlighten readers of all backgrounds. The Evolution of the Human Head is an entertaining read...It contains a wealth of information relevant to human evolution. In doing so, it offers a wonderful entrée into many of the outstanding issues that will undoubtedly remain at the center of debates regarding human origins for years to come. -- Matthew J. Ravosa * Science *
£43.16
The University of Chicago Press Sperm Whales Social Evolution in the Ocean
Book SynopsisWith this volume, Hal Whitehead gives us a clearer picture of the ecology and social life of sperm whales than we have ever had before. Of interest to animal behaviourists, conservationists, biologists, as well as marine mammalogists.
£31.35
Debate Homo Deus: Breve Historia del Manana
Book Synopsis
£24.04
John Murray Press A Theory of Everyone
Book Synopsis''A fabulous book'' The Economist''Mind expanding - this book will change your view of the world forever'' Matthew Syed''Wonderfully refreshing and thought-provoking'' Peter Frankopan''Original, fascinating, and provocative'' Andrew McAfeeA blueprint for a better future. Playing on the phrase a theory of everything in physics, Michael Muthukrishna offers a unified theory of human behavior, culture, and society - a theory of everyone.Drawing on the most recent research across the sciences, humanities, and the emerging field of cultural evolution, he paints a panoramic picture of who we are and exactly what makes human beings different from all other forms of life on the planet.Muthukrishna argues that it is our unique ability to create culture, a shared body of knowledge, skills, and experience passed on from generation to generation that has enabled our current Trade ReviewMind expanding - this book will change your view of the world forever. Michael Muthukrishna is one of our greatest and most creative thinkers -- Matthew Syed, broadcaster and author of REBEL IDEAS and BLACK BOX THINKINGMuthukrishna has a heart as big as his intellect, which is saying something. In this original, fascinating, and provocative book he dives deep into who we humans are and what makes us tick. His hopeful message is that once we understand ourselves better we'll coexist better. Let's prove him right -- Andrew McAfee, author of THE GEEK WAY and co-author of THE SECOND MACHINE AGEBuzzing with ideas, A Theory of Everyone encourages us to rethink what it is to be human. A compelling and essential read for anyone interested in building a better, more sustainable future -- David Bodanis, author of THE ART OF FAIRNESSA big, bold and ambitious look at the world around us in which nothing is off limits. Wonderfully refreshing and thought-provoking -- Peter Frankopan, author of THE SILK ROADSA Theory of Everyone is your guide to some of the most important advances in the social sciences, written by a foremost researcher, beautifully illustrated, and positively overflowing with fascinating facts and ideas -- Erez Yoeli, Director, Applied Cooperation Initiative, MIT, co-author of HIDDEN GAMESA must read for anyone interested in understanding the forces that shape all of our lives. Full of scientific discoveries, revolutionary insights, and delightful storytelling, you will not only see the world differently, you'll have the tools to create a brighter future -- Michele Gelfand, Professor, Stanford Graduate School of Business and author of RULE MAKERS, RULE BREAKERSThe best book I've read in a decade. A sprightly page-turner that entertains with specifics, astonishes with universals, and reframes the big issues facing humanity -- Robert Klitgaard, author of CONTROLLING CORRUPTION and TROPICAL GANGSTERSThis book, which I read with great fascination, shows how we can move beyond neoclassical economics with a firmer foundation in the natural sciences and energy. This is extremely important as the world soon, and Europe now, increasingly faces critical energy shortages. I hope this book helps more people understand the critical importance of energy in generating our current affluence, and its diminution as a probable root cause of future inflation. A failure to understand these relations is likely to cause our societies to become impossible to govern -- Charles Hall, ESF Foundation Distinguished Professor at State University of New York, inventor of the EROI metric, author of ENERGY AND THE WEALTH OF NATIONSThere is a truly wonderful idea at the heart of this book: that by exchanging things and thoughts, human beings became capable of doing and knowing far more than their meagre brains would have otherwise made possible. It is not an entirely new idea, but Michael Muthukrishna explores its extraordinary and hopeful implications with rich and thrilling energy -- Matt Ridley, author of THE EVOLUTION OF EVERYTHINGA Theory of Everyone flavorfully mixes a stunning breadth of scholarship with an impressive knowledge of pop-culture and current issues, boldly going where most social scientists fear to tread. Lucidly discussing ideas surrounding IQ, race, sex differences, inheritance taxes, religion, Microsoft and even monogamy, readers are treated to a fascinating intellectual flight that thoughtfully offers many new perspectives on old issues. Buckle up! -- Joseph Henrich, Professor of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University and author of THE WEIRDEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD and THE SECRET OF OUR SUCCESSDo you know your own species? You might think so, but Muthukrishna will make you think again. With clarity, humor, and energy, he opens new vistas on how genes and cultures shaped who we are and how we can improve our lives together. A Theory of Everyone is for everyone -- Walter Sinnott-Armstrong, Chauncey Stillman Professor of Practical Ethics, Duke University, author of THINK AGAINA Theory of Everyone uses the latest social science research to answer the critical question of how all human communities can be made to work better. Magisterial in scope and practical in application, this book should be required reading for CEOs, community organisers, Head Teachers, and Presidents -- Jamie Heywood, CEO of zolar and former head of Uber, Northern and Eastern EuropeMichael brings the reader up to date on this powerful theoretical framework - including much of his own innovative work on corruption, cooperation, and collective intelligence - and thoughtfully discusses how this framework can be applied to address pressing societal issues, ranging from diversity to taxation to free speech -- Moshe Hoffman, Visiting Lecturer on Economics, Harvard University, co-author of HIDDEN GAMESThis hugely enjoyable book, stuffed with surprising facts, shows how we can turn the social sciences into real sciences. Michael Muthukrishna's new "theory of everyone" reveals alarming threats to humanity's future - but also shows that once we understand the science behind society, we do have the power to produce permanent systemic solutions -- Ian Morris, Professor, Stanford Archaeology Center, Stanford University, author of GEOGRAPHY IS DESTINY - BRITAIN AND THE WORLDA Theory of Everyone delivers both an overarching theory and a practical toolkit for understanding and improving the human condition. What could be more important than that? -- David Sloan Wilson, author of THIS VIEW OF LIFEOne of today's most brilliant minds weighs in on what ails us and how to fix it. Muthukrishna breaks life's biggest questions into their component parts, then reveals how artificial intelligence, physics, history, evolutionary biology and psychology can together answer them, in a way that will keep you up at night. The most important book you will quickly read this year - good luck not telling your friends about it! -- Brian Hare, New York Times bestselling author, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Duke University.
£19.80
Cambridge University Press The Evolutionary Biology of the Human Pelvis
Book SynopsisThis book provides a synthetic overview of all evidence concerning the evolution of the morphology of the human pelvis, including comparative anatomy, clinical and experimental studies, and quantitative evolutionary models. By integrating these lines of research, this is the first book to bring all sources of evidence together to develop a coherent statement about the current state of the art in understanding pelvic evolution. Second, and related to this, the volume is the first detailed assessment of existing paradigms about the evolution of the pelvis, especially the obstetric dilemma. The authors argue that there are many ''dilemmas'', but these must be approached using a testable methodology, rather than on the proviso of a single paradigm. The volume clearly contributes to greater scientific knowledge about human variation and evolution, and has implications for clinicians working within reproductive health. A thought-provoking read for students, researchers and professionals in tTrade Review'The human pelvis is a lens through which so many questions about our evolutionary history can be asked and answered - from the way we enter this world, to the way we walk through it. Three of the world's leading experts on the evolution of the pelvis have joined forces to write the definitive book on the anatomy, variation, development and evolution of a bone that has been central to the human story. Through concise writing, current research and clear illustrations, the authors write a coherent tale about a complicated bone, challenging many long-held beliefs along the way. I devoured this book and, like any great book, it left me with more questions than answers. It is sure to be the starting point for any scholar interested in the evolution of our pelvis and the launching point for all future research on this fascinating and still poorly understood bone.' Jeremy DeSilva, Dartmouth College, New Hampshire'Understanding of human pelvic evolution has increased dramatically as the fossil record has grown substantially. In this scholarly tour de force, Wall-Scheffler, Kurki and Auerbach pull together knowledge of the pelvis in an excellent synthesis examining data and conclusions from biomechanics, kinematics, fossil evidence, developmental biology, evolutionary theory and beyond. They identify multiple sources of selection on the pelvis, including locomotion, obstetrics, thermoregulation and body size, explicating how developmental, genetic, epi-genetic and evolutionary forces interact to determine pelvic morphology(ies) in living people. They recognise that essentialising childbirth has limited understanding of how anatomy influences obstetrical experiences. Thus, they are appreciative of past and present human variation in pelvic morphology, birth mechanism, body shape and locomotor pattern, realising that ignoring variation masks important patterns critical for understanding. This synthetic book is essential reading for anyone studying human skeletal anatomy, and sets an agenda for future studies of human pelvic evolution.' Karen Rosenberg, University of Delaware'This volume presents a comprehensive review of the anatomy, functional morphology, evolution, growth and development, and variation of the human pelvis. The individual chapters and extensive up-to-date bibliography provide an excellent resource and reference for students interested in forensic anthropology, human evolution, and comparative anatomy. The contents may be familiar to seasoned experts in human skeleton biology, but it is always welcome to have a synthesis of the latest research on this topic in a single volume.' T. Harrison, ChoiceTable of ContentsPreface; Introduction; 1. Pelvis anatomy; 2. Functional morphology; 3. Pelves of the hominin lineage; 4. Developmental biology of the pelvis; 5. Pelvis evolution as a function of evolutionary development; Conclusion; Appendix; Works cited; Index.
£66.49
Hanover Square Press The Lost World of the Dinosaurs
Book Synopsis
£22.50
The University of Chicago Press Spider Webs
Book SynopsisTrade Review"This is a wonderful book. In it Eberhard explores the mechanical and evolutionary aspects of spider webs from all sides. The book is lavishly illustrated with photographs of webs appearing throughout. Each chapter has a down-to-earth summary that repeats the main points of the chapter. Eberhard is not afraid to rail against the many errors that infect previous work on spiders and webs, including adultophilia (the tendency to ignore the webs of juvenile spiders), typology (the eagerness to describe 'the' spider and its web when in reality there are many variations in the webs of any one species), and many more shortcomings. But by far the strength of the book is Eberhard's ability to tell his readers what is needed on topics A to Z if we are to test hypotheses further. This willingness to lay out predictions that are derived from particular hypotheses on puzzling behaviors that have not been checked makes the book a gold mine for students of spider webs and indeed for all animal behaviorists."--John Alcock, Arizona State University, author of "Animal Behavior: An Evolutionary Approach" "There is only one comparable book on this topic that was published over thirty years ago, and it is not comprehensive. Eberhard's book is an extensive, encyclopedic review of what is known (and unknown) about spider webs today. It also provides many original observations from Eberhard himself."--Rainer F. Foelix, author of "Biology of Spiders" "Spider Webs provides both an authoritative and unique synthesis of research and still-to-be-addressed questions on spider web biology. There is no one better equipped to write a book on this subject than Eberhard. It will be a major contribution to the fields of ecology, evolution, and behavior, providing new information, new syntheses, and new insights on a broad range of topics."--Brent Opell, Virginia Tech "A comprehensive book on all aspects of spider webs is long overdue, and Eberhard is one of the few biologists--if not the only one--who has the knowledge, passion, and expertise to write such a book. Very thorough and detailed, Spider Webs is of great importance to specialists in its field, especially since it not only summarizes previously published studies, but also presents new ideas and views on structure, construction, function, and evolution of spider webs and their (potential) relevance to many different fields of biology."--Samuel Zschokke, University of Basel, SwitzerlandTable of ContentsChapter 1. Introduction 1.1 Introduction 1.2 A foreign world: life tied to silk lines 1.3 A brief history of spider web studies 1.4 Emphasis on behavior 1.5 The scope of this book and tactics in presentation 1.6 Evolutionary history and phylogeny 1.7 Terminology and other procedural matters 1.8 Acknowledgments Chapter 2. The “hardware” of web-building spiders: morphology, silk, and behavior 2.1. Introduction 2.2 Silk glands and silk 2.3 Spinnerets as high-precision instruments 2.4 Leg morphology and behavior: grasping lines precisely and securely 2.5 Cutting lines and recycling silk 2.6 How spiders avoid adhering to their own webs: a mystery partly solved 2.7 Central nervous system basis for web construction 2.8 Summary Chapter 3. Functions of orb web designs 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Correcting common misconceptions about orb webs 3.3 How orbs function 3.4 Summary Chapter 4. Putting pieces together: tradeoffs and remaining puzzles 4.1 Introduction 4.2 “Optimal” orb designs: tradeoffs between functions are difficult to measure 4.3 “Multiple trap” design: a new way to view orb webs 4.4 Tensions and stresses 4.5 Relative numbers of radii and sticky spiral loops 4.6 Testing visibility and stopping functions: the extreme case of trunk orbs 4.7 Correlations between spider size and orb design? 4.8 Spider positions, attack behavior, and up-down asymmetries in orbs 4.9 Remaining puzzles 4.10 Non-orb webs 4.11 Evolutionary responses by insects? A neglected aspect of prey capture 4.12 Summary (including part of chapter 3) Chapter 5. The building behavior of non-orb weavers 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Order of lines and other higher-level patterns5.3 Lower-level patterns: leg movements and manipulation of lines5.4 Stereotyped behavior in non-orb construction5.5 Adjustments to substrate-imposed constraints 5.6 Managing swaths of fine lines 5.7 SummaryBox 5.1 The funnel web diplurid Linothele macrothelifera Chapter 6. The building behavior of orb-weavers 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Simplifications for smoother reading 6.3 Behavior of two araneids 6.4 Senility in orb construction: a new frontier? 6.5 Detailed movements 6.6 General patterns 6.7 Summary Chapter 7. Cues directing web construction behavior 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Classifying the cues 7.3 Cues for sticky spiral construction 7.4 Temporary spiral 7.5 Hub 7.6 Stabilimentum construction 7.7 Radii, frames, and anchor lines 7.8 Early radii, and frames and anchor lines: determining web size, shape, and design 7.9 To build or not to build: triggering orb construction and destruction 7.10 Cues that trigger transitions between stages of orb construction 7.11 Other stimuli that spiders can sense but that are not (yet) known to guide orb construction 7.12 Hints of abilities: follow circular paths and sense radius lengths 7.13 Effects of psychotropic drugs on orb construction 7.14 Coordinating different adjustments to different cues 7.15 The (limited) role of simulations in understanding orb construction behavior 7.16 A missing link: translating cues into attachment sites 7.17 Summarizing the behavioral challenges met by orb weavers 7.18 Independence (?) of the spider’s responses 7.19 Changes in responses to cues: learning and maturation 7.20 Cues guiding the construction of non-orbs 7.21 Summary Chapter 8. Web ecology and website selection 8.1 Introduction: what is and is not included 8.2 Webs and ecological foraging theories 8.3 What is enough? “Fast lane” and “slow lane” spiders 8.4 Processes that produce habitat biases 8.5 A general correlation between website selectivity and web design flexibility? 8.6 Website tenacity, web durability, and recycling 8.7 Web durability 8.8 Limited by websites? Possible competition for prey and websites 8.9 Problems in attempts to study cues that guide website choices 8.10 Time of day: day webs vs. night webs 8.11 Summary Chapter 9. Evolutionary patterns: an ancient success that produced high diversity and rampant convergence 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Patterns in the diversity of webs 9.3 Consequences of the failure of the prey specialist hypothesis for understanding diversity and convergence 9.4 What is a sheet web? Problems inherited from previous imprecision 9.5 Mygalomorphs: similar patterns of diversity and rampant convergence in a different world 9.6 Diversity of relations with insects 9.7 Lack of miniaturization effects 9.8 Paths not followed: alternative web forms in other animals 9.9 Summary and a new synthesis Box 9.1 The most spectacular convergence of all: Fecenia Box 9.2 The most spectacular divergence of all: Theridiidae Box 9.3 Sand castles: extreme modifications of Seothyra henscheli webs to shifting sand Box 9.4 Relation between web design and silk properties: stiff silk in Uroctea durandi Chapter 10. Ontogeny, modularity, and the evolution of web building 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Web ontogeny and evolution 10.3 Early web evolution 10.4 The behavior patterns used to build early webs 10.5 Evolution of later non-orb webs 10.6 Inconsistent evolutionary trends in non-orb webs 10.7 Diversity in non-orbs that results from behavioral stability 10.8 The (probably) monophyletic origin of orb webs 10.9 Evolutionary changes in orb designs 10.10 “Post-orb” web evolution in Orbiculariae 10.11 Coevolution between attack behavior and web design (and its lack) 10.12 What didn’t happen, possible synapomorphies, and further puzzles 10.13 Modularity and adaptive flexibility 10.14 Modules and evolutionary transitions in web-building behavior 10.15 Summary References Index
£61.75
Cambridge University Press Dance to the Tune of Life Biological Relativity
Book SynopsisChallenging the common gene-centric approach to organisms, this book articulates a relativistic theory of biology. It is grounded in up-to-date biological research and rigorous application of mathematics to biology; however, it is presented in a non-technical manner for the general reader, and requires no familiarity with complex biology, mathematics or philosophy.Trade Review'Among its many merits, this remarkable book deserves to become a classic text in the philosophy of science. Almost alone among philosophers of science, Noble is a practising scientist; and unusually among practising scientists, he is an accomplished philosopher. His book brings out, with unparalleled clarity, how the scientific endeavour involves not only empirical inquiry but also conceptual structure. Noble shows how, on the negative side, popular presentations of sound biological results may be vitiated by bad metaphysics, and how, on the positive side, science and philosophy may extend the boundaries of knowledge by a unified epistemology. He ends, however, with a salutary warning that there may well be a limit to the human capacity to know the answers to ultimate questions.' Sir Anthony Kenny, University of Oxford'I think this a marvellous book. Denis Noble emphasises that genes, organs and systems dance to the tune of the organism and its social and physical environment. He sets the relativity of biology in a remarkable scientific sweep, ranging from cosmology to human belief systems. He reminds me of another great biologist, C. H. Waddington, to whom Noble pays handsome tribute. Writing with clarity and charm, Noble attempts to break down silos of knowledge inhabited by scientists who fail to come out and engage with others. … Broadening minds in an era of intense specialisation is more important than ever. Noble deserves to be successful in his desire to do just that and I hope that he will be.' Sir Patrick Bateson, University of Cambridge'In my view Dance to The Tune of Life is a 'must read'. In it Denis Noble lucidly deconstructs how and why reductionism came to prominence in biology and led to the current state of molecular Humpty-Dumptyism. His central idea that there is no privileged level of causation is the first conceptual step to putting Humpty Dumpty back together again.' Michael J. Joyner, Mayo Clinic, Minnesota'Denis Noble is renowned for his mission to reintegrate the physiological sciences with mainstream biology, including evolutionary theory. His new book combines clear exposition of basic principles with many valuable examples. He gives the reader, general or expert, a completely new view of life.' Yung E. Earm, Seoul National University, South Korea'Dance to the Tune of Life is one of the most fascinating and impressive books I have ever read. Denis Noble, a world-renowned physiologist and systems biologist, has revolutionized our traditional notion of the nature of life. The title Dance to the Tune of Life mirrors the essence of the argument of the book. The life emerges from numerous biological processes at different scales and levels. Such actors and actresses, stage properties, and stage are not separately present they act together in harmony, dancing to a tune with a music performed by an orchestra, an organism. By describing his research experiences and achievements on the cardiac rhythm evolutionary biology, medicine, and philosophy, Denis has not only provided us with very modern knowledge of the biological reactions and their network but also described to us the nature of life. I believe that this book impacts everyone involved in biomedicine.' Yoshihisa Kurachi, Osaka University, Japan'Having demolished the 'Selfish Gene' fiction, Noble in this marvelous book moves both science and philosophy from an antiquated 'either/or' static model to an 'and' model. 'Dance' shows elegantly and brilliantly that from the miracle of the ancient symbiosis of mitochondrial bacterial remnants in human cells, through the rock-solid interrelationship between genes and the feedback from the environment in all senses - from the core phenomenon of functional epigenetics, to the universe itself and our place in it - that we are, at heart, inter-beings, co-arising.' Samuel Shem, New York University'Denis Noble is a pioneer in understanding human physiology through quantitative studies linking behaviour across multiple scales of biological organization - from proteins to cells, tissues, organs and organ systems. These studies have led him to characterize biological function in terms of a Principle of Biological Relativity: there is no privileged level of causation in biology, because living organisms are multilevel open stochastic systems in which the behaviour at any level depends on higher and lower levels, and so cannot be fully understood in isolation. This engaging book defends this view in depth, and thereby also provides strong support for an extended synthesis of evolutionary theory that goes beyond the Modern Synthesis of Neo-Darwinism. It is highly recommended as a thoughtful study of the kind of complexity real living organisms display.' George Ellis FRS, University of Cape Town, South Africa'In this elegantly written and personal book world-renowned physiologist and systems biologist Denis Noble effectively argues for a fundamental revision of the theory of evolution. Against the reductionist, gene-centered approach of Neo-Darwinism, which has dominated biology for more than a century, Noble passionately pleas for a more integrated approach. Massively supported by recent postgenomic and epigenetic empirical research, Dance to the Tune of Life deepens and synthesizes ideas Noble earlier developed in The Music of Life. Biology beyond the Genome (2006) and subsequent writings. Just like Newtonian physics underwent a major transformation in the beginning of the 20th century due to Einstein's general theory of relativity, the life sciences are facing a no less fundamental transformation. Noble's book is a must read for anyone who wants to understand this transformation.' Jos de Mul, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands'… enlightening … The illustrations are both vibrant and clarifying, giving this title a sparkle that compels you to imagine how each concept fits into the larger scheme. I commend this author for relishing the subtle reminders of what makes this inquiry important. It's a best read.' D. Wayne Dworsky, San Francisco Book Review (www.sanfranciscobookreview.com)'… a very informative read … Noble's Dance to the Tune of Life is an illuminating account of why philosophy is necessary in doing science.' Sepehr Ehsani, Metascience'The narrative is remarkable … Dance to the Tune of Life is a marvellous text reflecting on the complexity of biology.' Anna Holderbaum, The BiologistTable of ContentsPreface; Acknowledgments; 1. The universe and the principle of relativity; 2. Biological scales and levels; 3. Biological networks; 4. Nature and origin of cells; 5. Blind chance and natural selection; 6. Biological relativity; 7. Dancing nucleotides: natural genetic engineering; 8. Epigenetics and a relativistic theory of evolution; 9. The relativity of epistemology: the meaning of it all; 10. Postscript; Glossary; Index.
£21.84
The University of Chicago Press Political Descent
Book SynopsisHistorians of science have long noted the influence of the nineteenth-century political economist Thomas Robert Malthus on Charles Darwin. This book reveals that two evolutionary and political traditions developed in England in the wake of the 1832 Reform Act: one Malthusian, the other decidedly anti-Malthusian.Trade Review"In his exploration of the crucial role of Malthusian thought in the evolutionary theory of liberal radicalism, Hale has provided scholars with a sort of sequel to Adrian Desmond's Politics of Evolution. Impressive in its scope, Political Descent is a bold and exciting book." (Bernard Lightman, editor of Victorian Science in Context)"
£37.05
Oxford University Press Life Evolving
Book SynopsisIn just a half century, humanity has made an astounding leap in its understanding of life. Now, one of the giants of biological science, Christian de Duve, discusses what we''ve learned in this half century, ranging from the tiniest cells to the future of our species and of life itself. With wide-ranging erudition, de Duve takes us on a dazzling tour of the biological world, beginning with the invisible workings of the cell, the area in which he won his Nobel Prize. He describes how the first cells may have arisen and suggests that they may have been like the organisms that exist today near deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Contrary to many other scientists, he argues that life was bound to arise and that it probably only took millennia--maybe tens of thousands of years--to move from rough building blocks to the first organisms possessing the basic properties of life. With equal authority, De Duve examines topics such as the evolution of humans, the origins of consciousness, the developmentTrade Review"A well-written, engaging scientific tour de force.... de Duve exhibits an extraordinary skill in conveying his deep knowledge of biology.... Both a first-rate scholar and an accomplished popularizer of science...de Duve moves with equal familiarity and eloquence from scientific papers to French poets.... Life Evolving forces the reader to avoid intellectual complacency and to articulate one's own arguments to effectively address his position. These are, in themselves, major reasons to appreciate the book."--Science "This book is addressed to the educated lay person interested in the origin of life, its evolution to the present day and its philosophical implications. The reader is in for a treat of unsurpassed lucid and poetic writing. It is the testament of one of the great biologist-philosophers of our time."--Gunter Blobel, Nobel Laureate in Physiology and Medicine "An original thinker and graceful writer, Christian de Duve is an E.O. Wilson for the cell. In Life Evolving, De Duve lays bare the molecular machinery of life, finding both explanation of our evolutionary past and signs of what it will mean to be human in the twenty-first century."--Andrew H. Knoll, Fisher Professor of Natural History, Harvard University "A well-written, engaging scientific tour de force.... de Duve exhibits an extraordinary skill in conveying his deep knowledge of biology.... Both a first-rate scholar and an accomplished popularizer of science...de Duve moves with equal familiarity and eloquence from scientific papers to French poets.... Life Evolving forces the reader to avoid intellectual complacency and to articulate one's own arguments to effectively address his position. These are, in themselves, major reasons to appreciate the book."--Science "This book is addressed to the educated lay person interested in the origin of life, its evolution to the present day and its philosophical implications. The reader is in for a treat of unsurpassed lucid and poetic writing. It is the testament of one of the great biologist-philosophers of our time."--Gunter Blobel, Nobel Laureate in Physiology and Medicine "An original thinker and graceful writer, Christian de Duve is an E.O. Wilson for the cell. In Life Evolving, De Duve lays bare the molecular machinery of life, finding both explanation of our evolutionary past and signs of what it will mean to be human in the twenty-first century."--Andrew H. Knoll, Fisher Professor of Natural History, Harvard UniversityTable of ContentsIntroduction ; 1. What is Life? (a: Chemistry) ; 2. What is Life? (b: Information) ; 3. Where Does Life Come From? ; 4. How Did Life Arise? (a: The Way to RNA) ; 5. How Did Life Arise? (b: From RNA to Protein-DNA) ; 6. How Did Life Arise? (c: The Birth of Cells) ; 7. The History of Life ; 8. The Invisible World of Bacteria ; 9. The Mysterious Birth of Eukaryotes (a: The Problem) ; 10. The Mysterious Birth of Eukaryotes (b: A Possible Pathway) ; 11. The Visible Revolution ; 12. The Arrow of Evolution ; 13. Becoming Human ; 14. The Riddle of the Brain ; 15. Reshaping Life ; 16. After Us, What? ; 17. Are We Alone? ; 18. How About God in All That?
£33.29
WW Norton & Co Reconstructing Human Origins
Book SynopsisThe definitive textbook for paleoanthropology courses.Table of ContentsEXTENSIVE, CAREFULLY CHOSEN ART PROGRAMA generous, carefully constructed art program (with figures, tables, and photographs with captions) helps students master this complex material. The art program has been thoroughly updated for the new edition, including new easily accessible reference charts inside the front cover summarizing Plio-Pleistocene stratigraphic information, time scale, and paleomagnetic stratigraphy.
£85.50
Taylor & Francis The End of the World The Science and Ethics of
Book SynopsisAre we in imminent danger of extinction? Yes, we probably are, argues John Leslie in his chilling account of the dangers facing the human race as we approach the second millenium.Trade Review'Well written and enjoyably frightening. Top people ought to read it. It may change the way they think and act.' - Michael Thompson-Noel, Financial Times'This is an important and excellent book; a brief history of the end of our time. To paraphrase: don't die in ignorance.' - Patrick Neate, The Face'A startling work that is sure to rile and beguile professional philosophers and lay readers alike.' - Times Literary Supplement'An originality and boldness of thought that makes Leslie's work stand out from much other work being done today.' - Canadian Journal of Philosophy'Tightly argued and well written book.' - NetworkTable of ContentsIntroduction, 1. War, Pollution, Disease, 2. Other Dangers, 3. Judging the Risks, 4. Why Prolong Human History? 5. The Domesday Argument, 6. Testing the Argument, 7. Prisoner's Dilemma and Nuclear Revenge, Bibliography, Index of Names, Index of Concepts.
£37.99
Cambridge University Press Climate Modes of the Phanerozoic
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£104.50
The University of Chicago Press The Tragic Sense of Life
Book SynopsisWith detractors ranging from paleontologist Stephen Jay Gould to modern-day creationists and advocates of intelligent design, Ernst Haeckel (1834-1919) is better known as a divisive figure than as a pioneering biologist. This biography rehabilitates Haeckel - focusing on his science and art. It also gives an account of Haeckel's eventful life.Trade Review"This is a brilliant book.... It is intellectually brilliant, offering an account of Haeckel as driven by tragic failures in love that colored his view of life. And the book is brilliant scholarship, drawing on a wide range of sources to paint a quite different picture of Haeckel's work than other scholars have achieved." - History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences "An excellent, well-illustrated, and scholarly biography of Haeckel." - Andrew Robinson, Financial Times "The Tragic Sense of Life is an immensely impressive work of biography and intellectual history, and a fitting testament to a complex and contradictory character.... Richards succeeds brilliantly in reestablishing Haeckel as a significant scientist and a major figure in the history of evolutionary thought." - P. D. Smith, Times Literary Supplement"
£28.00
Columbia University Press Life Itself
Book SynopsisThis strategy, derived from Newtonian mechanism, is embodied in reductionism: break what is complicated into simpler pieces, understand the pieces themselves, and reconstruct organisms from this understanding. In Life Itself, Robert Rosen argues that such a view is neither necessary nor sufficient to answer the question.Table of Contents1. Prolegomenon 2. Strategic Considerations: The Special and the General 3. Some Necessary Epistemological Considerations 4. The Concept of State 5. Entailment Without States: Relational Biology 6. Analytic and Synthetic Models 7. On Simulation 8. Machines and Mechanisms 9. Relational Theory of Machines 10. Life Itself: The Preliminary Steps 11. Relational Biology and Biology
£22.50
Harvard University Press Making Faces The Evolutionary Origins of the
Book SynopsisAdam Wilkins draws on studies of nonhuman species, the fossil record, genetics, and molecular and developmental biology to reconstruct the evolution of the human face and its inextricable link to our species' evolving social complexity. The neural and muscular mechanisms that allowed facial expressions also led to speech, which is unique to humans.Trade ReviewMaking Faces makes faces fascinating by opening a window onto an intriguing biological landscape. Lucid accounts of the roles played by genes, bones, muscle, and brain foreshadow provocative questions about race, sex, and psychology. Wilkins’s elegant account is a guide not only to what we see in the mirror, but also to the latest and the best in human evolution. -- Richard Wrangham, author of Catching Fire: How Cooking Made Us HumanMaking Faces is a highly readable account of how and why the human face is the way it is. Wilkins lucidly weaves together over a century of research on the development, anatomy, and evolution with new provocative ideas. -- Daniel E. Lieberman, author of The Evolution of the Human HeadTracing our evolutionary history back to the emergence of the first vertebrates some 500 million years ago, Wilkins pairs biological and genetic studies with the archaeological record to examine how humans developed the most expressive faces in the animal kingdom. It was an intriguing transformation that also provided the foundation for someof our species’ unique characteristics, including the neural and muscular mechanisms necessary for speech, the cognitive ability to interpret emotional responses, and thereby sociability and culture. The book…gives a truly fresh appreciation of the wonders of the human face—even if they are still lost on us first thing in the morning. -- Nicholas Bartos * Current World Archaeology *This engaging and highly readable book offers a lucid account of the diverse areas of ‘scientific investigation’ that have shaped contemporary understanding of the evolution of the human face…[It] will appeal to any individual with an interest in human evolution and biology. -- T. Harrison * Choice *
£37.36
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
£100.30
Harvard University Press Apes and Human Evolution
Book SynopsisRussell Tuttle synthesizes a vast literature in primate evolution and behavior to explain how apes and humans evolved in relation to one another and why humans became a bipedal, tool-making, culture-inventing species distinct from other hominoids. He refutes the theory that we are sophisticated, instinctively aggressive and destructive killer apes.Trade ReviewLike the late Stephen Jay Gould’s magisterial Structure of Evolutionary Theory, Tuttle’s tome is a grand synthesis of all the latest research and data about apes and their relation to us… But lest you think it is intended chiefly for colleagues in the fields of anthropology and evolutionary biology, Tuttle’s style throughout is crisp and often witty. -- John Farrell * Forbes *Witty, readable, compendious, learned, and judicious, Russell Tuttle’s big new book offers every reader a thorough survey of the biology and evolution of apes, including humans and their ancestors. For scientists, it will be an invaluable resource and a treasury of unfamiliar facts and challenging ideas. -- Matt Cartmill, Professor of Anthropology, Boston UniversityIn this masterly overview, Tuttle interprets human evolution through detailed comparisons with our closest zoological relatives, the apes. This is a truly monumental treatise, not only in scope but particularly because of the depth of scholarship that has been brought to bear. Drawing on a lifetime of study focusing on anatomy but also including behavior and ecology, this is destined to become a classic reference work. -- Robert D. Martin, A. Watson Armour III Curator of Biological Anthropology, The Field Museum, ChicagoA rare accomplishment. Apes and Human Evolution is an unusually fine contribution to the field and will foster great interest in any reader. -- Duane Rumbaugh, Regents Professor Emeritus of Psychology, Language Research Center, Georgia State UniversityTuttle provides both a synthesis and a history of the evolution of one of the most interesting species of all: ourselves. An impressive achievement, written by an authority on the topic. -- Karen B. Strier, Vilas Professor and Irven DeVore Professor of Anthropology, Department of Anthropology, University of Wisconsin–Madison
£66.36
John Wiley and Sons Ltd Evolution
Book SynopsisThis book is aimed at students taking courses on evolution in universities and colleges. Its approach and its structure are very different from previously-published evolution texts. The core theme in this book is how evolution works by changing the course of embryonic and post-embryonic development. In other words, it is an evolution text that has been very much influenced by the new approach of evolutionary developmental biology, or ''evo-devo''. Key themes include the following: developmental repatterning; adaptation and coadaptation; gene co-option; developmental plasticity; the origins of evolutionary novelties and body plans; and evolutionary changes in the complexity of organisms. As can be seen from this list, the book includes information across the levels of the gene, the organism, and the population. It also includes the issue of mapping developmental changes onto evolutionary trees. The examples used to illustrate particular points range widely, including animals, plantsTrade Review“For that audience, I think it will serve well and I recommend it strongly for university courses.” (The Quarterly Review of Biology, 6 March2013) “Written is an accessible style, illustrated by many original and specific examples including animals, plants or fossils, this book has the advantage to be an excellent textbook devoted to students studying evolution or to their teachers. It can be also recommended to anybody interested by the basic concept of evolution.” (Mammalia, 28 June 2012) "The style is lucid, the illustrations are lavish, and the length is just about right for an undergraduate course resource. Summing Up: Recommended. All students, researchers/faculty, and professionals." (Choice, 1 September 2011) "This exceedingly accessible and very attractive text is illustrated in full color." (Booknews, 1 June 2011) "Although this is a text intended for third level students and professional biologists, Prof Arthur's book brings anyone with more than a passing interest up to date on the mechanisms involved in evolution, and as he notes, we should go easy on the assumptions." (Science Spin, 1 May 2011)Table of ContentsPreface x Part I Foundations 3 1 Introduction 4 1.1 From Darwin to Development 4 1.2 Development; and Evolutionary Changes in Development 9 1.3 Development and the Realm of Multicellularity 11 2 What is Evo-Devo? 15 2.1 Forerunners of Evo-Devo 15 2.2 Nineteenth-Century Comparative Embryology 16 2.3 Diverse Antecedents—1900–1980 19 2.4 Conclusions from History; Messages for the Present 24 2.5 The Advent of Evo-Devo in the 1980s 25 2.6 Broad and Narrow Views of Evo-Devo 27 2.7 Too Few Laws, Too Many Facts? 28 3 Development, Cells and Molecules 34 3.1 Analysing the Developing Organism 34 3.2 Cells and Development: The Basics 37 3.3 Genes: Structure, Expression and Developmental Function 40 3.4 Signalling Pathways Within and Between Cells 45 3.5 Signalling: From Cell to Embryo 48 3.6 Long-Range Signalling and Developmental Processes 51 4 Natural Populations 54 4.1 The Ecological Theatre and the Evolutionary Play 54 4.2 Types of Creature; Types of Population 55 4.3 Spatial Structure 60 4.4 Age Structure 64 4.5 Genetic Structure 65 4.6 Natural Selection 67 Part II Developmental Repatterning 75 5 Mutation and Developmental Repatterning 77 5.1 Mutation in Terms of Altered DNA Sequence 77 5.2 Mutation in Terms of Proximate Functional Consequences 80 5.3 Developmental Repatterning at Molecular and Higher Levels 82 5.4 Developmental Repatterning at the Level of the Whole Organism 88 5.5 Developmental Repatterning and Fitness 89 6 Heterochrony 93 6.1 What is Heterochrony? 93 6.2 Types and Levels of Heterochrony 94 6.3 Heterochrony at the Organismic Level 95 6.4 Heterochrony at the Molecular Level 99 6.5 Heterochrony and Fitness 102 7 Heterotopy 106 7.1 What is Heterotopy? 106 7.2 Heterotopic Processes Involving Left-Right Asymmetry 107 7.3 Heterotopic Processes Involving the A-P and D-V Axes 112 7.4 Other Types of Heterotopy 116 7.5 Concluding Remarks 119 8 Heterometry 121 8.1 What is Heterometry? 121 8.2 Increasing Relative Size 122 8.3 Decreasing Relative Size 124 8.4 Bi-directional Heterometry 128 8.5 Heterometric Compensation 132 9 Heterotypy 135 9.1 What is Heterotypy? 135 9.2 Altered Products of Developmental Genes 137 9.3 Altered Pigmentation 139 9.4 Altered Morphology and the Origin of Novelty 140 9.5 The Origin of New Cell Types 144 10 The Integrative Nature of Repatterning 148 10.1 Repatterning is a Complex Process 148 10.2 Different Kinds of Repatterning can Produce a Similar Result 149 10.3 Compound Repatterning at a Single Level of Organisation 151 10.4 The Kind of Repatterning can Change Between Levels of Organisation 155 10.5 Categories and Subcategories of Repatterning 157 10.6 The Causes of Repatterning 159 11 Mapping Repatterning to Trees 161 11.1 Pattern, Process, Homology and Trees 161 11.2 The Origin(s) of Animal Segmentation 163 11.3 The Vertebrate Fin-to-Limb Transition 169 11.4 The Origin of Flowers 176 11.5 General Conclusions on Repatterning and Selection 179 Part III The Direction of Evolution 183 12 Adaptation, Coadaptation and Exaptation 185 12.1 Natural Selection on a Continuously Variable Character 185 12.2 Natural Selection on Two Characters; and the Idea of an Adaptive Landscape 190 12.3 Developmental and Functional Coadaptation 191 12.4 Morphological Geometry and Selection 194 12.5 Long-term Evolution and Exaptation 196 13 Developmental Bias and Constraint 200 13.1 A Key Question about Evolution’s Direction 200 13.2 Making Sure the Question is about Processes, not Terminology 204 13.3 Dependence versus Independence of Different Characters 208 13.4 Evo-Devo Meets Quantitative Genetics 209 13.5 Developmental Bias and ‘Routine’ Evolution 211 13.6 Developmental Bias and the Origin of Evolutionary Novelties 216 14 Developmental Genes and Evolution 218 14.1 The Direction of Evolution at the Developmental/Genetic Level 218 14.2 Developmental Genes: An Overview 219 14.3 Developmental Genes: Examples 223 14.4 The Hox Genes 225 14.5 Gene-Level Forms of Developmental Bias and Coadaptation 230 14.6 Changes in Regulatory versus Coding Regions of Genes 231 15 Gene Co-option as an Evolutionary Mechanism 234 15.1 What is Gene Co-option? 234 15.2 Co-option in the Evolution of Segments and Eyes 237 15.3 Appendage Evolution and Gene Co-option 241 15.4 Co-option in the Evolution of Zygomorphic Flowers 244 15.5 Evolution of the ‘Genetic Toolkit’ 245 15.6 Co-option, Exaptation and Developmental Bias 249 16 Developmental Plasticity and Evolution 252 16.1 Types of Developmental Plasticity 252 16.2 Discrete Variants: Winged and Wingless Forms of Insects 254 16.3 Meristic Variation: the Number of Segments in Centipedes 257 16.4 Continuous Variation: Plant Growth 259 16.5 Plasticity and Developmental Genes 260 16.6 The Evolution of Patterns of Plasticity 261 17 The Origin of Species, Novelties and Body Plans 272 17.1 Is Evolution Scale-dependent? 272 17.2 Speciation 273 17.3 The Origin of Novelties 281 17.4 Body Plans I: Overview 284 17.5 Body Plans II: the Origin of the Vertebrates 285 17.6 Body Plans III: the ‘Cambrian Explosion’ 286 18 The Evolution of Complexity 291 18.1 Defining Complexity 291 18.2 The Lack of a ‘Law of Increasing Complexity’ 293 18.3 Increases in the Complexity of Adults 299 18.4 Changes in the Complexity of Life-histories 302 18.5 Complexity at the Molecular Level 306 Part IV Conclusions 311 19 Key Concepts and Connections 312 19.1 Introduction: From Original Idea to Mature Scientific Discipline 312 19.2 A List of The Book’s Main Points, and the Emergence of Key Concepts 314 19.3 How do They Inter-Connect? 319 20 Prospects 327 20.1 Introduction: From the Present into the Future 327 20.2 Molecular Evo-Devo 327 20.3 Integrative Evo-Devo and General Evolutionary Theory 332 20.4 Wider Challenges 334 Glossary 336 Appendix 1: A Little Bit of History 355 Appendix 2: Naming of Genes and Proteins 359 Appendix 3: Geological Time 363 Appendix 4: Inferring Evolutionary Trees from Comparative Data 366 References 370 Index 383
£55.05
Picador USA The Dawn of Everything
Book SynopsisINSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A dramatically new understanding of human history, challenging our most fundamental assumptions about social evolutionfrom the development of agriculture and cities to the origins of the state, democracy, and inequalityand revealing new possibilities for human emancipation.For generations, our remote ancestors have been cast as primitive and childlikeeither free and equal innocents, or thuggish and warlike. Civilization, we are told, could be achieved only by sacrificing those original freedoms or by taming our baser instincts. In their major New York Times bestseller, The Dawn of Everything, David Graeber and David Wengrow fundamentally challenge these assumptions and recast our understanding of human history. We will never again see the past in the same way.Drawing on pathbreaking research in archaeology and anthropology, Graeber and Wengrow reveal how history becomes a far more int
£15.99
HarperCollins Publishers Inc Fossil Men The Quest for the Oldest Skeleton and
Book SynopsisTrade Review"[A] riveting account. ... In places, Fossil Men seems more reality television show than a work of popular science, as we follow an outrageous cast. ... The story lines border on the insane: There are civil wars, gunfights, at least one grenade rolling around the feet of scientists as they drive into the desert. ... Pattison... is every bit as good as the best scientist-writers. He describes the intricacies of the human wrist and foot with the skill of a poet... [and] explains in clear and compelling prose how scientists build family trees of ancient species." — New York Times Book Review "Entertaining. ... Satisfying. ... Gripping. ... Big personalities, simmering turmoil, and fascinating popular science." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “At the core of Kermit Pattison’s rip-roaring tale is the prickly, obsessive, brilliant American paleonaut, Tim White, who braves revolutions, tribal warfare, and bitter scientific rivals to unearth ancient bones, without which there would be no pre-history, no civilization, no humanity.” — PETER NICHOLS, New York Times bestselling author of The Rocks and Evolution's Captain "Brilliant. ... A work of staggering depth. ... Pattison deftly weaves strands of science, sociology and political science into a compelling tale that stretches over decades. ... His prose is lively and accessible. ... An ambitious work that fully justifies the extraordinary effort that went into it, both by the fossil men and by the writer who chronicled their work." — Minneapolis Star Tribune “Fossil Men is a wonderful mix of history, science and politics, full of pathos and insight in equal measure. I found it difficult to put down, and I didn’t want it to end....This book should be required reading for all those who care about how science may help answer the question of who we are as humans. A monumental achievement!” — HASOK CHANG, Professor of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Cambridge "An exciting book, full of colorful personalities, momentous discoveries, and new ideas that challenge us to reconsider everything we believed about the evolution of humankind." — Booklist "Compelling science. ... Perfect for National Geographic readers who want to dig deep into the human evolutionary tree." — Library Journal "A riveting story of academic, political, and personal intrigue." — Christian Science Monitor (Best Books of November 2020 Roundup) "A dazzling journey into deep geological time. ... Pattinson combines his meticulously researched examination of the science of ancient humans with a visceral and penetrating tale of... intrigue, academic rivalry, pathological jealousy and intellectual inertia. He uses his first-hand experience of being on site in Ethiopia to detail the art, science, joys and challenges of fossil-hunting. ... Fascinating. ... Unexpected and revelatory." — The Spectator (London) "Equal parts biography and adventure novel, Pattison illustrates the colorful characters — flaws and all — whose research has shaped our origin story as we know it today." — Discover magazine “[A] lively debut. … Pattison ably combines the adventure yarn with scientific minutiae. … Those interested in human origins should check out this vivid and thorough study.” — Publishers Weekly "Blends science and drama to tell the story of a major paleoanthropology find. ... For anyone interested in fossil hunting, evolutionary science and a hominid skeleton like no other, this book delivers." — Science News “Pattison weaves the multiple intrigues of science, politics, and personalities into a masterly structured tale…. Leaves readers with a new sense of wonder at the origins of humankind.” — Christian Science Monitor "Fascinating. ... Exciting." — Twin Cities Pioneer Press "Any science-minded person... will truly enjoy Fossil Men." — Danville Commercial-News "Perceptive and revealing. ... Pattison has a commendable and enviable grasp of a wide range of difficult methods and concepts, and he does a fine job of presenting and explaining the many scientific developments that have enriched the way we interpret the hominin fossil record.” — Journal of Human Evolution
£23.75
Random House USA Inc The Origin of Species
Book SynopsisThe publication of Darwin’s The Origin of Species in 1859 marked a dramatic turning point in scientific thought. The volume had taken Darwin more than twenty years to publish, in part because he envisioned the storm of controversy it was certain to unleash. Indeed, selling out its first edition on its first day, The Origin of Species revolutionized science, philosophy, and theology. Darwin’s reasoned, documented arguments carefully advance his theory of natural selection and his assertion that species were not created all at once by a divine hand but started with a few simple forms that mutated and adapted over time. Whether commenting on his own poor health, discussing his experiments to test instinct in bees, or relating a conversation about a South American burrowing rodent, Darwin’s monumental achievement is surprisingly personal and delightfully readable. Its profound ideas remain controversial even today, making it the most influential book
£8.47
Harvard University Press Primeval Kinship How PairBonding Gave Birth to
Book SynopsisChapais shows that our knowledge about kinship and society in nonhuman primates supports, and informs, ideas proposed by Claude Lévi-Strauss. He contends that only a few evolutionary steps were required to bridge the gap between the kinship structures of our closest relatives—chimpanzees and bonobos—and the human kinship configuration.Trade ReviewBernard Chapais offers a powerful and controversial new account of hominid origins… His book offers us one more scenario of our human trajectory… Chapais‘ thesis urges us to consider very carefully why humans are so different. -- Monique Borgerhoff Mulder * Nature *Chapais has written a bold, new book that promises nothing less than the unveiling of the original, earliest form of human society and an account of how it developed over evolutionary time. The book indeed fulfills this promise, presenting a persuasive, well-argued, logical evolutionary scenario based on empirical data and a sound comparative method… Primeval Kinship presents powerful arguments concerning the origin and evolutionary path of human kinship. It reopens old questions, long abandoned, about the origins of human society, and addresses them with a brilliant synthesis of recent primate data. Chapais has demonstrated that primatology is now positioned to make significant contributions to the study of human kinship. This work will undoubtedly open further debate and inspire further research. It effectively dispels the view that human kinship is a purely cultural construction or that kinship can be understood outside the framework of our primate legacy. -- Linda Stone * Evolutionary Psychology *Primeval Kinship represents a bold effort to integrate two wildly disparate disciplines, primatology and cultural anthropology, to understand long-standing questions about the evolution of human society. With an increasing tendency toward specialization in science, there are few who dare step outside of their comfort zones to attempt broad, wide-ranging syntheses on problems that go to the heart of what it is to be human. In this regard, Chapais should be lauded for his labors and for an extremely stimulating read. His reasoned and careful treatment of the primate data provides considerable food for thought about how and why we have come to be the way we are. -- John C. Mitani * Primates *Primeval Kinship is a treasure chest of comparative research on human and primate social structure, organization, and behavior. This book will reignite and reinvigorate discussions of the evolution of primate and human society. It will be a model from which future social and physical anthropologists, primatologists, and social scientists can build. -- Robert Wald Sussman, Professor of Anthropology and Environmental Sciences, Washington University in St. LouisTable of Contents* Preface 1. The Question of the Origin of Human Society * A Forsaken Quest * The Deep Structure of Human Societies I. Primatologists As Evolutionary Historians 2. Primatology and the Evolution of Human Behavior * The Phylogenetic Decomposition Principle * Reconstructing the Exogamy Configuration 3. The Uterine Kinship Legacy * Primatological Theories and Primate Legacies * Appraising Primate Kinship * The Domain of Uterine Kindred in Primates * How Are Uterine Kin Recognized? * The Origin of Group-wide Kinship Structures 4. From Biological to Cultural Kinship * Beyond Consanguineal Kinship * The "Genealogical Unity of Mankind" * The Bilateral Character of Human Kinship 5. The Incest Avoidance Legacy * Elements of a Primatological Theory of Incest Avoidance * Humankind's Primate Heritage 6. From Behavioral Regularities to Institutionalized Rules * The Anthropologists' Treatment of the Primate Data * The Westermarck Knot * The Morality Problem * Lessons from Comparative Anatomy II. The Exogamy Configuration Decomposed 7. Levi-Strauss and the Deep Structure of Human Society * Reciprocal Exogamy as a Deep Structuring Principle * Reciprocal Exogamy as Archaic * The Convergence beyond the Critiques * Levi-Strauss and the Primate Data 8. Human Society Out of the Evolutionary Vacuum * Leslie White and the Primate Origins of Exogamy * Elman Service and the Primitive Exogamous Band * Robin Fox and the Initial Deconstruction of Exogamy 9. The Building Blocks of Exogamy * Pinpointing the Distinctiveness of Exogamy * Reconstructing Human Society: The Task Ahead * A Once Irreducible System III. The Exogamy Configuration Reconstructed 10. The Ancestral Male Kin Group Hypothesis * The Patrilocal Band Model * Male Philopatry in Apes * The Homology Hypothesis * Updating the Ancestral Male Kin Group Hypothesis * The Gorilla Alternative 11. The Evolutionary History of Pair-Bonding * The "Invariant Core of the Family" * Pair-Bonds as Parental Partnerships * The Pitfall of the Modern Family Reference * A Two-Step Evolutionary Sequence * Monogamy as a Special Case of Polygyny * The Evolutionary History of the Sexual Division of Labor 12 Pair-Bonding and the Reinvention of Kinship * The Fundamental Equation of the Exogamy Configuration * Kinship in the Ancestral Male Kin Group * Fatherhood * The Institutionalized Denial of Paternity * The Development of Agnatic Kinship Structures 13. Biparentality and the Transformation of Siblingships * Chimpanzee Siblingships * Fatherhood and the Evolution of Strong Brotherhoods * Fatherhood and the Brother--Sister Bond * The Added Effect of Shorter Interbirth Intervals 14. Beyond the Local Group: The Rise of the Tribe * Male Pacification as a Prerequisite for the Tribe * Females as Peacemakers: The Consanguinity Route * Females as Peacemakers: The Affinity Route * The Initial Impetus * The Prelinguistic Tribe 15. From Male Philopatry to Residential Diversity * Some Serious Discrepancies * The Emergence of Residential Diversity * Ancestral Patrilocality and Grandmothering 16. Brothers, Sisters, and the Founding Principle of Exogamy * The First Step: Outmarriage * Affinal Brotherhoods and the Origin of Exogamy Rules * From Siblings-in-Law to Cross-Cousins * The "Atom of Kinship" Revisited IV. Unilineal Descent 17. Filiation, Descent, and Ideology * The African Model of Unilineal Descent Groups * The Chestnut within the Model 18. The Primate Origins of Unilineal Descent Groups * Group Membership through Birth * Kinship-Based Segmentation * The Genealogical Boundaries of Exogamy * The Unisexual Transmission of Status * Primitive Corporateness * A Multilevel Structure of Solidarity 19. The Evolutionary History of Human Descent * Female Kin Groups as Precultural Matriclans * The Residential Basis of Proto--Descent Groups * The Latent Patriclan * Matrilineality as a Male Affair 20. Conclusion: Human Society as Contingent * References * Index
£25.16
Columbia University Press The Story of the Earth in 25 Rocks
Book SynopsisEvery rock is a tangible trace of the earth’s past. This book tells the fascinating stories behind the discoveries that shook the foundations of geology. In twenty-five chapters—each about a particular rock, outcrop, or geologic phenomenon—Donald R. Prothero recounts the scientific detective work that shaped our understanding of geology.Trade ReviewA natural follow-up to the author’s The Story of Life in 25 Fossils . . . [A] useful introduction to geology. * Kirkus Reviews *In 25 short and enjoyable chapters, [Prothero] explores issues that have been at the center of geology since long before geology was a science... Prothero provides thought-provoking historical context for each subject and presents information about the individuals responsible for advancing geological knowledge—including James Hutton, Charles Lyell, and Alfred Wegener—while explaining the underlying science in an accessible manner. * Publishers Weekly *Geologist Donald Prothero has crafted a rock-solid premise for this delightful book. -- Barbara Kiser * Nature *I learned something and gained a deeper appreciation for the history of Earth science from reading The Story of the Earth in 25 Rocks. I recommend it to anyone interested in tales of scientific discovery and natural marvels. * Physics Today *Skillfully presents a vast array of facts that should appeal to readers newly acquainted with Earth science who are interested in learning a bit more. * Choice *The Story of the Earth in 25 Rocks provides twenty-five well-lit doorways into the sometimes dark and imposing edifice of the geologic past. Colorful characters welcome the reader in, revealing the very human nature of scientific inquiry and our long and complicated relationship with rocks. -- Marcia Bjornerud, author of Reading the Rocks: The Autobiography of EarthTable of ContentsPrefaceAcknowledgments 1. Volcanic Tuff: Vulcan’s Wrath: The Eruption of Vesuvius2. Native Copper: The Iceman and the Island of Copper3. Cassiterite: The “Isles of Tin” and the Bronze Age4. Angular Unconformity: “No Vestige of a Beginning”: The Immensity of Geologic Time5. Igneous Dikes: The “Earth’s Great Heat Engine”: The Origin of Magmas6. Coal: The Rock That Burns Fires the Industrial Revolution7. Jurassic World: The Map That Changed the World: William Smith and the Rocks of Britain8. Radioactive Uranium: Clocks in Rocks: Arthur Holmes and the Age of the Earth9. Chondritic Meteorites: Messengers From Space: The Origin of the Solar System10. Iron-Nickel Meteorites: The Cores of Other Planets 11. Moon Rocks: Green Cheese or Anorthosite: The Origin of the Moon12. Zircons: Early Oceans and Life? Evidence in a Grain of Sand13. Stromatolites: Microbial Condos: Cyanobacteria and the Oldest Life14. Banded Iron Formation: Mountains of Iron: The Earth’s Early Atmosphere15. Turbidites: Archean Sediments and Submarine Landslides16. Diamictites: Tropical Glaciers and the Snowball Earth17. Exotic Terranes: Paradox in Rocks: Wandering Fossils and Traveling Landmasses18. Jigsaw-Puzzle Bedrock: Alfred Wegener and Continental Drift19. Chalk: The Cretaceous Seaway and Greenhouse Planet20. The Iridium Layer: The Death of the Dinosaurs21. Lodestones: How Paleomagic Launched Plate Tectonics22. Blueschists: The Puzzle of Subduction Zones23. Transform Faults: Earthquake! The San Andreas Fault24. Messinian Evaporites: The Mediterranean Was a Desert25. Glacial Erraticts: A Poet, a Professor, a Politician, a Janitor, and the Discovery of the Ice AgesIndex
£69.26
Princeton University Press Mate Choice
Book SynopsisTrade Review"Mate Choice represents an ambitious synthesis of our current understanding of sexual selection in a broad range of life forms. . . . The book provides a clear synthesis of the state of affairs in the study of mate choice and related fields." * Science *"Rosenthal does an admirable job refocusing decades of work mostly concerned with the effects of (primarily female) mate choice on (primarily male) behavior, physiology, and morphology."---David A. Gray, Quarterly Review of Biology
£45.00
Harvard University Press Discovering Retroviruses
Book SynopsisEight percent of our DNA contains retroviruses that are millions of years old. Anna Marie Skalka explains how our evolving knowledge of these particles has advanced genetic engineering, gene delivery systems, and precision medicine. Retroviruses cause disease but also hold clues to prevention and treatment possibilities that are anything but retro.Trade ReviewA gem. Anna Marie Skalka has produced a short but exciting story that covers 20th century biology from the vantage point of an insider and the perspective of retroviruses and related genetic elements…I recommend this book to students and those of us who remain excited by biology and medicine. -- Robert C. Gallo * FASEB Journal *Discovering Retroviruses takes the reader on a remarkable historical voyage from the earliest appearance of life on earth to the present day. Students will not find a better way to learn the basic history of molecular biology and retrovirology. Experts will find Skalka’s unraveling of how and why retroviruses are ‘beacons in the biosphere’ to be fresh, compelling, insightful, and thought-provoking. This book showcases Skalka’s passion and excitement for science. -- Lynn W. Enquist, Princeton UniversityThis fascinating book aptly anchors retroviruses in groundbreaking discoveries that mark the ascent of biology over the past hundred years. Discovering Retroviruses is elegantly written, with the clarity and insight only a leading scientist in the field can offer. -- Peter Vogt, The Scripps Research InstituteDiscovering Retroviruses takes us on an extraordinary journey from the beginnings of life to the transmission of disease. Skalka shows how retroviruses impacted the evolution of species, including our own, and introduces us to the remarkable people who made these discoveries. This is a compelling book. -- Bruce Stillman, Cold Spring Harbor LaboratoryAt its heart, this volume is a love letter to basic research, illustrating how scientists’ insight and the scientific record have synergized, time and again, to drive biomedical advances…Illuminating. -- Alice Telesnitsky * Quarterly Review of Biology *Intensely thought-provoking and satisfying…Immensely valuable. -- Tyler Hampton * Inference *
£24.26
Cosimo Classics The Descent of Man: and Selection in Relation to Sex
£28.99
Cambridge University Press Extinctions
Book SynopsisAre we now entering a mass extinction event? What can mass extinctions in Earth''s history tell us about the Anthropocene? What do mass extinction events look like and how does life on Earth recover from them? The fossil record reveals periods when biodiversity exploded, and short intervals when much of life was wiped out in mass extinction events. In comparison with these ancient events, today''s biotic crisis hasn''t (yet) reached the level of extinction to be called a mass extinction. But we are certainly in crisis, and current parallels with ancient mass extinction events are profound and deeply worrying. Humanity''s actions are applying the same sorts of pressures - on similar scales - that in the past pushed the Earth system out of equilibrium and triggered mass extinction events. Analysis of the fossil record suggests that we still have some time to avert this disaster: but we must act now.Trade Review'… a useful and succinct summary of the research into the reality and timing of mass extinctions from the early concepts to recent research - it brought me up-to-date with current thinking on mass extinctions. I admire his 'sceptical' stance: attempting to discriminate what a mass extinction actually is - outside the biggest three - is not as easy as has been assumed. The mass extinctions of the past clearly have relevance to the current approaching catastrophe in the Anthropocene, and the careful appraisal of exactly where we are in comparison with previous extinctions will be of great concern to those interested in the 'long view'. I particularly appreciated the focus on the notion of the interconnectedness of Earth systems.' Richard Fortey, author of Life: An Unauthorised Biography History and Trilobite: Eyewitness to Evolution'Despite its somber title and topic, Extinctions is an exuberant road trip through the history of life on Earth, led by a friendly and knowledgeable guide who knows all the locals along the way. Visiting so many ancestral Earthlings and vanished ecosystems is heady - and deeply humbling.' Marcia Bjornerud, Lawrence University, author of Timefulness and Reading the Rocks'Most of life may well be extinct, because of the huge age of the Earth, but Michael Hannah shows vividly in this book that the 8.7 million species on Earth today are profoundly at risk; the lessons of the fossil record tell us what will surely happen if we continue pushing species after species to the brink.' Michael Benton, University of Bristol, author of Dinosaurs Rediscovered'Without death, there can be no change. And, as Michael Hannah makes clear in his engaging new book, mass extinctions on various scales have been key shapers of the world as we know it. Had the dinosaurs not abruptly disappeared, we humans would not be here today. But as Hannah also shows, there is something dreadfully menacing about the massive species loss and climate change the world is currently experiencing, making his book a balanced yet deeply unsettling account of what humans are unwittingly doing to the world.' Ian Tattersall, American Museum of Natural History, co-author of The Accidental Homo sapiens'An accessible and authoritative guide to the past, present, and future of extinctions. Michael Hannah dives into the fossil record and surveys the great mass extinctions of Earth history, from the death of the dinosaurs to the demise of the woolly mammoth, and explains how they are relevant to understanding the predicament we are in today, and to plotting a better future.' Steve Brusatte, University of Edinburgh and New York Times/Sunday Times bestselling author of The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs'Michael Hannah's book expertly examines the geological record of mass extinction events. It asks us to consider whether we wish to join asteroid strikes and massive volcanic eruptions as causes of mass extinction. Or whether we can change our relationships with the wonderful diversity of life around us to avoid such an ignominious outcome.' Mark Williams, University of Leicester'… measured, thought-provoking analysis.' Andrew Robinson, NatureTable of ContentsPreface; Acknowledgements; Further reading; Introduction; 1. The Anthropocene and the Earth system; 2. A short detour: the fossil record and the geological time scale; 3. The origin of animals and the emergence of the Earth system; 4. Documenting ancient biodiversity; 5. Mass extinctions – the basics; 6. Causes of the End-Permian and End-Cretaceous extinction events; 7. Time heals all – recovering from a mass extinction; 8. The late Quaternary megafaunal extinctions; 9. Surviving the Anthropocene; Further reading; Index.
£14.99
Cambridge University Press Mycorrhizal Dynamics in Ecological Systems
Book SynopsisMycorrhizae are mutualisms between plants and fungi that evolved over 400 million years ago. This symbiotic relationship commenced with land invasion, and as new groups evolved, new organisms developed with varying adaptations to changing conditions. Based on the author''s 50 years of knowledge and research, this book characterizes mycorrhizae through the most rapid global environmental changes in human history. It applies that knowledge in many different scenarios, from restoring strip mines in Wyoming and shifting agriculture in the Yucatán, to integrating mutualisms into science policy in California and Washington, D.C. Toggling between ecological theory and natural history of a widespread and long-lived symbiotic relationship, this interdisciplinary volume scales from structure-function and biochemistry to ecosystem dynamics and global change. This remarkable study is of interest to a wide range of students, researchers, and land-use managers.Table of ContentsPreface; Glossary of key terms; Acknowledgements; 1. Introduction; 2. Structure-functioning relationships; 3. Evolutionary Ecology; 4. Physiological Ecology; 5. Population Ecology; 6. Community Ecology; 7. Ecosystem Dynamics; 8. Mycorrhizae and Succession; 9. Global Change; 10. Conservation, Restoration, and Re-Wilding: Mycorrhizae as a Cornerstone; Conclusion and Summary; Bibliography.
£39.89
