Evolution / Evolutionary biology Books
John Wiley and Sons Ltd Avian Evolution
Book SynopsisKnowledge of the evolutionary history of birds has much improved in recent decades. Fossils from critical time periods are being described at unprecedented rates and modern phylogenetic analyses have provided a framework for the interrelationships of the extant groups. This book gives an overview of the avian fossil record and its paleobiological significance, and it is the only up-to-date textbook that covers both Mesozoic and more modern-type Cenozoic birds in some detail. The reader is introduced to key features of basal avians and the morphological transformations that have occurred in the evolution towards modern birds. An account of the Cenozoic fossil record sheds light on the biogeographic history of the extant avian groups and discusses fossils in the context of current phylogenetic hypotheses. This review of the evolutionary history of birds not only addresses students and established researchers, but it may also be a useful source of information for anyone else with an inTrade Review"Of all the works on the evolution of birds, it is the most modern, complete summary, with just enough fossil figures (no reconstructions), including 16 central color pencils, morphological descriptions and of genealogical trees. A mine of reflections that illuminate our current settlements" Ornithos, 24:5 (2017)Table of ContentsForeword ix Preface xi Acknowledgments xiii Chapter 1 An Introduction to Birds, the Geological Settings of Their Evolution, and the Avian Skeleton 1 Birds Are Evolutionarily Nested within Theropod Dinosaurs 2 The Geological Settings of Avian Evolution in a Nutshell 4 Characteristics of the Avian Skeleton 6 Chapter 2 The Origin of Birds 18 Archaeopteryx: The German “Urvogel” and Its Bearing on Avian Evolution 19 The Closest Maniraptoran Relatives of Birds 22 Feather Evolution 32 The Origin of Avian Flight 37 Chapter 3 The Mesozoic Flight Way towards Modern Birds 43 Jeholornithids: Early Cretaceous Long-Tailed Birds 44 Confuciusornis, Sapeornis, and Kin: Basal Birds with a Pygostyle 45 Ornithothoraces and the Origin of Sustained Flapping Flight Capabilities 50 The Ornithuromorpha: Refinement of Modern Characteristics 55 Ornithurae and the Origin of Modern Birds 59 Chapter 4 Mesozoic Birds: Interrelationships and Character Evolution 64 The Interrelationships of Mesozoic Birds: Controversial Phylogenetic Placements and Well-Supported Clades 65 Character Evolution in Mesozoic Birds 68 Ontogenetic Development of Mesozoic Birds 81 Chapter 5 The Interrelationships and Origin of Crown Group Birds (Neornithes) 84 Phylogenetic Interrelationships of Neornithine Birds 85 The Mesozoic Fossil Record of Neornithine-Like and Neornithine Birds 88 Chapter 6 Palaeognathous Birds (Ostriches, Tinamous, and Allies) 94 The Interrelationships of Extant Palaeognathae 95 Early Cenozoic Palaeognathous Birds of the Northern Hemisphere 95 Long-Winged Ostriches, Rheas, and Tinamous 97 Short-Winged Palaeognathous Birds 101 Biogeography: A Textbook Example of Gondwanan Vicariance Has Been Dismantled 105 Chapter 7 Galloanseres: “Fowl” and Kin 107 Galliformes: From Herbivorous Forest Dwellers to Seed Eaters of Open Landscapes 108 The Waterfowl 113 Gastornithids: Giant Herbivorous Birds in the Early Paleogene of the Northern Hemisphere 118 Dromornithids (Mihirungs or Thunderbirds): Gastornis-Like Birds from Australia 120 Pelagornithids: Bony-Toothed Birds 121 Chapter 8 The “Difficult-to-Place Groups”: Biogeographic Surprises and Aerial Specialists 125 The Columbiform Birds: Doves, Sandgrouse, … and Mesites? 126 The Hoatzin: A South American Relict Species 127 Turacos and Cuckoos 129 Bustards 131 The “Wonderful” Mirandornithes, or How Different Can Sister Taxa Be? 132 Strisores: The Early Diversification of Nocturnal Avian Insectivores 136 Chapter 9 Shorebirds, Cranes, and Relatives 147 Charadriiformes: One of the Most Diverse Groups of Extant Birds 148 From Rail to Crane 156 Chapter 10 Aequornithes: Aquatic and Semi-Aquatic Carnivores 161 Loons: Foot-Propelled Divers of the Northern Hemisphere 162 Pelagic Tubenoses and Albatrosses 164 Penguins: More Than 60 Million Years of Flightlessness 168 The Polyphyletic “Pelecaniformes” and “Ciconiiformes” 174 Late Cenozoic Turnovers in Marine Avifaunas 187 Chapter 11 Cariamiforms and Diurnal Birds of Prey 189 Seriemas and Allies: Two Species Now, Many More in the Past 190 Diurnal Birds of Prey: Multiple Cases of Convergence among Raptorial Birds 197 Chapter 12 The Cenozoic Radiation of Small Arboreal Birds 204 The Courol and Mousebirds: Two African Relict Groups 205 The Long Evolutionary History of Owls 210 Parrots and Passerines: An Unexpected Sister Group Relationship and Its Potential Evolutionary Implications 212 Trogons, Rollers, and Woodpeckers: Cavity-Nesters with Diverse Foot Morphologies 223 Chapter 13 Insular Avifaunas Now and Then, on Various Scales 233 Islands and Isolated Continents as Refugia 234 The Evolution of Flightlessness in Predator-Free Environments 235 Insular Gigantism and Islands as Cradles of Unusual Morphologies 241 Glossary 245 References 248 Index 289
£999.99
WW Norton & Co Evolution
Book Synopsis
£95.00
Springer The Evolution and History of Human Populations in South Asia
Book SynopsisSetting Foundations.- Afro-Eurasian mammalian fauna and early hominin dispersals.- Resource-rich, stone-poor: Early hominin land use in large river systems of northern India and Pakistan.- Toward developing a basin model for Paleolithic settlement of the Indian subcontinent: Geodynamics, monsoon dynamics, habitat diversity and dispersal routes.- The Acheulean of peninsular India with special reference to the Hungsi and Baichbal valleys of the lower Deccan.- Changing trends in the study of a Paleolithic site in India: A century of research at Attirampakkam.- Was Homo heidelbergensis in South Asia? A test using the Narmada fossil from central India.- The Modern Scene.- The Toba supervolcanic eruption: Tephra-fall deposits in India and paleoanthropological implications.- The emergence of modern human behavior in South Asia: A review of the current evidence and discussion of its possible implications.- Genetic evidence on modern human dispersals in South Asia: Y chromosome and mitochondriaTrade ReviewFrom the reviews: "The volume is divided into four sections following a Preface, a List of Contributors, and a stunning introductory essay by the editors … . congratulations to Drs. Petraglia and Allchin for organizing a successful conference and serving as generous hosts to its participants. I intend to use this volume in a seminar I offer to undergraduate and graduate students at my university, ‘Paleoanthropology of South Asia.’ What a pleasure it will be to introduce this remarkable volume to them and to my colleagues." Kenneth A. R. Kennedy, Journal of Mammalian Evolution, Issue 15, 2008 "It is unusually good, informative and cohesive for a conference proceedings. Given the exhaustive references and sound conclusions of the many high quality chapters, this book rightfully shall become indispensable to the small, hardy band of specialists in the biohistory of South Asia." Robert S. Corruccini, International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, Vol. 18, 2008 “The most important contribution this volume makes is that the South Asian paleoanthropological and cultural evidence is highlighted through a relatively new and well-known international publishing series. It also introduces diverse lines of research to be pursued and will hopefully encourage and stimulate new methodological approaches and fresh interpretations of human evolutionary scenarios in a unique region of Asia.” Parth R. Chauhan, PaleoAnthropology 2010Table of Contents1. Human Evolution and Culture Change in the Indian Subcontinent Michael D. Petraglia and Bridget Allchin Part I. Setting Foundations 2. Afro-Eurasian Mammalian Fauna and Early Hominin Dispersals Alan Turner and Hannah J. O’Regan 3. 'Resource-Rich, Stone Poor': Early Hominin Land Use in Large River Systems of Northern India and Pakistan Robin Dennell 4. Toward Developing a Basin Model for Paleolithic Settlement of the Indian Subcontinent: Geodynamics, Monsoon Dynamics, Habitat Diversity and Dispersal Routes. Ravi Korisettar 5. The Acheulean of Peninsular India with Special Reference to the Hunsgi and Baichbal Valleys of the Lower Deccan K. Paddayya 6. Changing Trends in the Study of a Paleolithic Site in India: A Century of Research at Attirampakkam Shanti Pappu 7. Was Homo heidelbergensis in South Asia? A test using the Narmada fossil from Central India Sheela Athreya Part II. The Modern Scene 8. The Toba Supervolcanic Eruption: Tephra-Fall Deposits in India and Paleoanthropological Implications Sacha C. Jones 9. The Emergence of Modern Human Behavior in South Asia: A Review of the Current Evidence and Discussion of its Possible Implications Hannah V.A. James 10. Genetic evidence on modern human dispersals in South Asia: Y Chromosome and Mitochondrial DNA perspectives: The World through the eyes of two haploid genome. Phillip Endicott, Mait Metspalu and Toomas Kivisild 11. Crania diversity in South Asia relative to modern human dispersals and global patterns of human variation Jay T. Stock, Marta Mirazón Lahr and Samanti Kulatilake Part III. New Worlds in the Holocene 12. Interpreting Biological Diversity in South Asian Prehistory: Early Holocene Population Affinities and Subsistence Adaptations John R. Lukacs 13. Population Movements in the Indian Subcontinent during the Protohistoric Period: Physical Anthropological Assessment S.R. Walimbe 14. Foragers and Forager-Traders in South Asian Worlds: Some Thoughts from the Last 10,000 Years Kathleen D. Morrison 15. Anthropological, Historical, Archaeological and Genetic Perspectives on the Origins of Caste in South Asia Nicole L. Boivin 16. Language Families and Quantitative Methods in South Asia and Elsewhere April McMahon and Robert McMahon 17. Duality in Bos indicus mtDNA Diversity: Support for Geographical Complexity in Zebu Domestication David A. Magee, Hideyuki Mannen, Daniel G. Bradley 18. Non-Human Genetics, Agricultural Origins and Historical Linguistics in South Asia Dorian Q. Fuller Part IV. Concluding Remarks 19. Thoughts on The Evolution and History of Human Populations in South Asia Gregory L. Possehl
£42.74
John Wiley and Sons Ltd The Chosen Species
Book SynopsisThis engaging book tells the story of human evolution, asking if man is indeed the chosen species or merely an evolutionary accident. Written by world-renowned paleoanthropologists who are co-directors of the excavations at Atapuerca---a World Heritage Site and Europe's oldest known burial site---where a new human species, homo antecessor, was discovered Discusses various hypotheses of human evolution, drawing conclusions from verifiable facts and well-founded argument Offers a compelling narrative written for nonspecialists and students of human evolution Includes over 60 illustrations Sold over 100,000 copies in the original Spanish-language edition Trade Review“This book by the researchers who helped to unearth the extraordinary and important collection of human fossils from Atapuerca is an excellent introduction to human ancestry. Read it and you will experience at first hand the fascination of the human fossil hunter.” Bernard Wood, George Washington University “A fine book that tells the tale of human origins in an engaging and authoritative manner.” Roger Lewin, Associate of the Peabody Museum, Harvard University, and prize-winning author of Bones of Contention -------------------- The following are translations of Spanish-language reviews of the Spanish edition of the book: "Essential reading. … This book fills a crucial gap in the body of scientific literature written for the general public." --- La esfera de los libros "Far more than a timely presentation of the magnitude, significance, and contents of the famed Atapuerca site, this book is also an enlightening account of the origins of human life, including the basic principles of evolutionary theory. " --- El Pais "An excellent text…. By drawing on both biology and paleontology, Arsuaga and Martínez bring their subject to life for their readers." --- El Pais "Here is a book that should be of perennial interest to the educated reader, the humanist, who cannot get enough of research and writing on the subject of his own origins." --- ABC literarioTable of ContentsAcknowledgments. Introduction: Prehistory. Little Lucy. Intrepid Paleontologists.. Part I: Children of Africa. 1. Basic Principles of Evolutionary Theory. 2. We the Primates. 3. Climate and Evolution. 4. The Origin of Humanity. 5. The Bipedal Chimpanzee. 6. Paranthropus - Hominids of the Open Plains. 7. A New Kind of Hominid. 8. The Evolution of the Brain. 9. Teeth, Guts, Hands, Brain. 10. Development. 11. Social Intelligence. Summary.. Part II: A New Home. 12. New Locations for Human Evolution. 13. The Neanderthals. 14. The Origins of Modern Humanity: the Fossil Evidence. 15. The Origins of Modern Humanity: The Genetic. 16. The Origins of Human Language. 17. The Meaning of Evolution. Epilogue. The Never-ending Story. Bibliography. Index.
£35.10
John Wiley and Sons Ltd From DNA to Diversity
Book SynopsisIn this landmark work, the author team led by Dr. Sean Carroll presents the general principles of the genetic basis of morphological change through a synthesis of evolutionary biology with genetics and embryology. In this extensively revised second edition, the authors delve into the latest discoveries, incorporating new coverage of comparative genomics, molecular evolution of regulatory proteins and elements, and microevolution of animal development. An accessible text, focusing on the most well-known genes, developmental processes and taxa. Builds logically from developmental genetics and regulatory mechanisms to evolution at different genetic morphological levels. Adds major insights from recent genome studies, new evo-devo biology research findings, and a new chapter on models of variation and divergence among closely related species. Provides in-depth focus on key concepts through well-developed case studies. Features clear, 4-coTrade ReviewSean Carroll, author of one of the books under review and a coauthor of another, has made important contributions to the understanding of evolution and development. From DNA to Diversity, written with two other scientists, is the second edition of a book that has become a classic for students of evolution." The New York Review of Books, Volume LIII, Number 8 "With almost poetic ease, the authors tell a highly complex story without distorting its scientific substance. The story line goes through the levels of biological hierarchy all the way to the details of gene regulation and emerges with a deeper understanding of biological diversity. In Sean Carroll developmental evolution has found its Darwin." Gunter Wagner, Yale University "This book will be an excellent introductory text, exciting newcomers to the field, be they students in biology, or experts in either evolutionary biology or embryology who want to gain an appreciation for the insights developmental genetics is providing into the evolution of animal diversity." Cliff Tabin, Harvard University Medical School "From DNA to Diversity is written for a general audience, including undergraduates, with an interest in developmental and evolutionary biology, and it is a joy to read. Using striking examples, the authors summarize the current state of thinking on the interconnectedness between developmental genetics and evolutionary diversification." Axel Meyer, University of Konstanz; Nature "This book helps to fill a gap in the teaching of evolutionary theory that arose because developmental biology was not a direct participant in the evolutionary synthesis….This is an outstanding account of the latest findings in molecular developmental biology." James W. Valentine, Professor Emeritus, University of California, Berkeley "The authors have done an excellent job of distilling the large and complex literature on molecular genetics that is pertinent to understanding how gene networks evolve... The writing is consistently clear, concise, and engaging. " Gregory A. Wray, Duke University; Science "Carroll, Weatherbee, and Grenier have produced a wonderful and exciting introduction to the field of evolutionary developmental biology....Newcomers and aficionados will find this a compelling read." Martin J. Cohn, University of Florida; Evolution and Development "...this is one book that everybody should read who wants to know why 'evo-devo' is such a hot topic right now." Manfred Laubichler, Arizona State University "From DNA to Diversity can be, and should be read by College and University students as well as scientists out of the field, who want to be informed of what is new and promising in biology." Jean Deutsch, Universite Phillippe et Marie Curie, Paris; BioEssays "An engaging style, clear, four-colour illustrations, and up-to-date content all combine to make this text a highly accessible and definitive synthesis of the field." Ethology, Ecology and Evolution “This highly technical textbook facilitates learning by its conversational tone, summarization of important points [and] exciting case studies…Beautifully illustrated… this book is a pleasure to read.” Southeastern Naturalist Table of ContentsPreface. 1. A Brief History of Animals. 2. The Genetic Toolkit for Development. 3. Building Animals. 4. Evolution of the Toolkit. 5. Diversification of Body Plans and Body Parts. 6. Evolution of Morphological Novelties. 7. Morphological Variation and Species Divergence. 8. From DNA to Diversity: The Primacy of Regulatory Evolution. Glossary. Index
£65.50
John Wiley and Sons Ltd Charles Darwin
Book SynopsisThe definitive work on the philosophical nature and impact of the theories of Charles Darwin, written by a well-known authority on the history and philosophy of Darwinism.Trade Review"A major voice in Darwinian scholarship … .Ruse excels. His writing style is clear, calm and non-technical. … This work would appeal to many non-specialist readers. Instead of preaching to the converted, Ruse appeals to the uncertain reader and shows the extent (and therefore the limits) of Darwinian thinking … .Ruse has certainly presented a notable work." (Metascience, July 2009) "This volume is written in a very accessible style. It would make an ideal textbook for a seminar on evolutionary biology attended by both biologists and philosophers." (The Quarterly Review of Biology, June 2009) "Ruse a professor of philosophy at Florida State University highlights the philosophical impact of Darwin’s work and legacy addressing many of the theological and ethical issues and implications that continue to fuel debate today." (San Diego Union Tribune, April 20, 2009) "Quite usefully and skillfully applied to addressing the vast role of Darwin's work in evolution as it applies to science, philosophy, and society. The book is … well written and engaging both in style and content. I very much like the author's approach in this work because his efforts serve as far more than just a recounting of Darwin's life … .I highly recommend this excellent account of Darwin and how his life his interests and his world all came to help focus a keen intellect on resolving one of the prime mysteries of science. This book would serve not only college audiences of science students but also those studying philosophy." (Science Books and Films, December 2008) "Ruse (Florida State) is an outstanding authority on Darwinism, a founder of modern evolutionary biology, and an important player in the evolution-creationism controversy. Ruse's new book is an authoritative, readable history of the philosophy of the theory of evolution as proposed by Darwin. Recommended." (CHOICE, October 2008) "Currently [Blackwell Great Minds] follows its outstanding way with the present edition of Charles Darwin by Michael Ruse … .Ruse is an important figure in the Evolutionary Biology and Evolutionary Thought. With no doubt the book can be greeted as an outstanding work on the study and reading of Darwin in [an] enriching framework." (Metapsychology) "Michael Ruse needs no introduction to anyone who has read about the philosophy of biology or the controversies surrounding Darwinism over the past three-and-a-half decades. ... Various strands of Ruse's study and thought are brought together here in a single, updated, moderate-length volume that addresses general, serious-minded readers, as well as students, who wish an introductory overview of Ruse's understanding of Darwinism." (Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews)Table of ContentsList of Figures. Preface. 1. Charles Darwin. 2. On the Origin of Species. 3. One Long Argument. 4. Neo-Darwinism. 5. The Consilience: One. 6. The Consilience: Two. 7. Humans. 8. Knowledge. 9. Morality. 10. Religious Belief. 11. The Origins of Religion. 12. The Darwinian Revolution. Bibliography. Index
£74.66
John Wiley and Sons Ltd Doubting Darwin
Book SynopsisThe debate about what to teach as science in our schools has reached boiling point, both inside and outside the classroom. From Young Earth to Intelligent Design creationism, the intrusion of political and religious ideals is damaging the integrity of our public education system.Trade Review"This is a splendid discussion of the whole question of ID. Get this book and read it." Michael Ruse, review for National Center for Science Education “This is a clear and judicious book … Sarkar is to be praised for his nuanced and balanced presentation of the arguments and issues he discusses.” Kaleidoscope “Sarkar’s scientific expositions and dissections of Dembski’s specious arguments and Behe’s lack of imagination are clear, surgical, and authoritative. For those who would fear a return to the middle ages, this is the best critique of ID now available.” William Wimsatt, University of Chicago “Part history, part science, and part philosophy, Doubting Darwin? is a deft critique of the new creationism. Sahotra Sarkar hits all the main points with economy and the broad knowledge of a scientist-philosopher.” Jeffrey Shallit, University of Waterloo “The West’s simultaneous loyalty to Christianity and science is a cognitive dissonance in our culture as a whole, most prominently manifested in the Intelligent Design Movement. Sahotra Sarkar’s book is a welcome attempt to apply cognitive therapy to our culture, by talking us through the contradictions in intelligent design.” David Wolpert, Senior Computer Scientist at NASA “Sahotra Sarkar lucidly and comprehensively dismantles Intelligent Design creationism in the most powerful way: by explaining the biology. This book summarizes the theory and philosophy of evolution with depth and insight, and in a way that sharply refutes the objections of creationism.” P. Z. Myers, PhD, University of Minnesota, Morris, and author of Pharyngula Blog “Sarkar’s concise, elegant prose allows him to enlighten and engage readers on every topic…a must read for anyone interested in following the debate...” Choice Table of ContentsList of Figures. Preface. Acknowledgements. 1. Introduction. a. The Central Argument. b. The Evidence for Evolution. c. Rejecting Theories. d. Plan of the Book. 2. The Legacy of Darwin and Wallace. a. The Theory of Natural Selection. b. “Absurd in the Highest Possible Degree”. c. Darwin’s Unfortunate Retreat. d. Wallace and Weisman. e. The Decline of Darwinism. f. Mind and Culture. g. Contemporary Implications. 3. The Argument from Design. a. Adaptation and Design. b. Function, Design, and Selection. c. Blind Variation. d. Dembski’s Resurrection. 4. Mere Evolution. a. Mendel’s Legacy. b. The Modern Framework for Evolutionary Theory. c. Selectionism and Neutralism. d. Reconstructing the Past. e. Contemporary Debates. f. Terminological Choices. 5. The Cost of Lunch. a. Evolutionary Algorithms. b. The “No Free Lunch” Theorems. c. Dembski’s Excitement. d. Utter Irrelevance. e. Adaptationism. f. Final Assessment. 6. Complexity is Complicated. a. Irreducible Complexity?. b. Pathways to ICSs. c. The Citric Acid Cycle. d. The Blood Clotting System. e. The Bacterial Flagellum. f. Protein Evolution. g. Irreducibility and Design. 7. Questions of Information. a. What is Biological Information?. b. Information and Evolution. c. Specified Complexity. d. The Law of Conservation of Information. e. The Cambrian “Explosion”. f. Taking Leave of Creation Biology. 8. Cosmic Coincidences. a. Physics and Biology. b. Anthropic Principles?. c. The Force of Improbability. d. A Cosmological Design Argument. e. Is Fine-Tuning Surprising?. f. A Concluding Note. 9. Naturalism and Its Discontents. a. What Naturalism Is. b. Nagel’s Legacy. c. The Problem of Normativity. d. Creationist Critiques. e. Metaphysical Naturalism. 10 Conclusions. a. Critiques of Evolutionary Theory. b. Is ID Science?. c. Back to the Classroom. Notes. References. Index
£67.40
Johns Hopkins University Press Dealing with Darwin
Book SynopsisLivingstone concludes with contemporary examples to remind us that what scientists can say and what others can hear in different venues differ today just as much as they did in the past.Trade ReviewHow was Darwin's On the Origin of Species received by his contemporary scholars, particularly by theologians and religious authors? That is the subject of the thoroughly researched and elegantly written book by David N. Livingstone. -- Francisco J. Ayala Science, Religion and Culture Dealing with Darwin is a compelling account of how science is made in a process of transit. A theory such as Darwinian evolution is, after all, not a sealed package that is either accepted or rejected by its various audiences. Rather, as Livingstone's book vividly demonstrates, different versions of Darwin were appropriated, reconstituted and constructed to suit various local needs and theological or scientific contingencies. -- Gowan Dawson Journal of Historical Geography An informing and suggestive examination of the Darwinian episode. -- J. David Hoeveler Reports of the National Center for Science Education Dealing with Darwin has been many years in the making, but well worth waiting for. It is a delight to read, both from a literary and intellectual standpoint. Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith In this illuminating book, our intrepid tour guide crafts a vivid portrait of the geographical, cultural, political, and racial dynamics that have shaped and often continue to characterize debates over Darwin. Dealing with Darwin is a welcome addition to Livingstone's growing library of compelling works on religion and science, pathbreaking research that upends the way many think about the historical interplay between Darwinism and religious belief. Isis Its most original contribution is in using cultural geography to study science and religion. Its most interesting point is that reactions to Darwin were also always about something else. And finally, its most inspiring accomplishment is the way it makes microhistories serve a compelling larger argument: it is a comparative collection of local studies whose sum is more than its parts. This book is essential reading for those seeking to understand the geography, whether actual or metaphorical, of nineteenth-century science-and-religion. British Society for Literature and ScienceTable of ContentsPreface1. Dealing with Darwin: Locating Encounters with Evolution2. Edinburgh, Evolution, and Cannibalistic Nostalgia3. Belfast, the Parliament of Science, and the Winter of Discontent4. Toronto, Knox, and Bacon's Bequest5. Columbia, Woodrow, and the Legacy of the Lost Cause6. Princeton, Darwinism, and the Shorthorn Cattle7. Darwinian Engagements: Place, Politics, RhetoricNotesIndex
£31.50
Johns Hopkins University Press American Snakes
Book SynopsisThe captivating and beautifully illustrated true story of snakes in America. 125 million years ago on the floodplains of North America, a burrowing lizard started down the long evolutionary path of shedding its limbs. The 60-plus species of snakes found in Sean P. Graham's American Snakes have this ancestral journey to thank for their ubiquity, diversity, and beauty. Although many people fear them, snakes are as much a part of America's rich natural heritage as redwoods, bald eagles, and grizzly bears. Found from the vast Okefenokee Swamp to high alpine meadows, from hardwood canopies to the burning bottom of the Grand Canyon, these ultimate vertebrates are ecologically pivotal predators and quintessential survivors. In this revelatory and engaging meditation on American snakes, Graham, a respected herpetologist and gifted writer, explains the everyday lives of American snakes, from their daily routines and seasonal cycles to their love lives, hunting tactics, and defensive repertTrade ReviewBrimming with intriguing and unusual storiesof hognose snakes that roll over and play dead, blind snakes with tiny vestigial lungs, rainbow-hued dipsadines, and wave-surfing sea-snakesthe text is interspersed with scores of gorgeous full-color images of snakes, from the scary to the sublime. This proud celebration of a diverse American wildlife group will make every reader, no matter how skeptical, into a genuine snake lover.—Birdbooker Report[American Snakes] is an authoritative yet accessible guide that makes the world of American snakes attractive to even non-scientist readers.—Donovan's Literary ServicesThis is an excellent book about snakes, well worth the price, and worthy of finding a home in the libraries of herpetologists and all naturalists. I anticipate pulling my copy off the shelf again and again.—Robert Powell, Amphibian & Reptile ConservationA valuable resource for a range of audiences. It is an attractive introduction to snake biology for beginning herpetologists and curious readers, yet even seasoned professionals will likely find items to interest them. Recommended for general and undergraduate collections as well as herpetology research collections.—K. M. Sheffield, Clemson University, ChoiceAmerican Snakes is a wonderful book to read because it is replete with snake stories, personal stories, and stories about other herpetologists. It also has a lot of science about snakes in it. Sean Graham is a fine storyteller. He starts each chapter with a story that reveals something about human behavior, usually his, and snake behavior. The way he writes reads like his oral presentations to live audiences. His stories are engaging whether written or oral.—CopeiaThis thoroughly enjoyable book lets readers absorb the excitement of being a herpetologist who works with snakes while learning about the general and specific biology of the creatures. Any nascent or veteran field biologist will learn something new about snakes, and this volume is especially suitable for anyone who needs to be convinced that American snakes are an ideal group to focus on for a career.—J. Whitfield Gibbons, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, Quarterly Review of BiologyExtremely pleasant to read . . . very profound, cutting-edge, exciting, and interesting . . . The highly recommended work is aimed at a very wide audience, from the layman interested in reptiles to the expert.—Kriton Kunz, ReptiliaTable of ContentsForeword, by Rick ShinePrefaceAcknowledgments1. Introduction2. Form and Function3. A Day in the Life of a Snake4. A Year in the Life of a Snake5. Snake Sex6. Snake Food7. Snake Eaters8. Snake Defense9. Dangerous Snakes10. Snake Invaders11. Snake ConservationEpilogueReferencesIndex
£25.17
Johns Hopkins University Press Semiaquatic Mammals
Book SynopsisA groundbreaking review of the seldom-studied semi-aquatic freshwater mammals, covering biology, behavior, and conservation. Semi-aquatic mammals are some of the rarest and most endangered mammals on earth. What binds them together in the minds of biologists, despite their diverse taxa and body forms, are evolutionary traits that allow them to succeed in two worldsspending some time on land and some in the water. Semi-aquatic Mammals fills a crucial void in the literature by highlighting the important ecological roles and curious biology of these remarkable animals. In this unique book, wildlife ecologist Glynnis A. Hood presents the first comprehensive examination of a global suite of 140 freshwater semi-aquatic mammals. Each one has overcome the distinct ecological challenges of thriving in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats as part of everyday life. Covering millions of years, Hood's exploration begins with the extinct otter-like Buxolestes and extends to consider the geograpTrade ReviewIt's all here, in this mammal reference that I'll doubtless refer to again and again.—Matthew L. Miller, Nature - Cool Green ScienceOverall, this book is well written and in an entertaining style. A glossary is helpful for readers not familiar with some terms. The marvelous illustrations by Meaghan Brierley throughout the book and also the helpful maps and tables complete this compendium about the ecology and biology of semi-aquatic mammals.—Thiemo Braasch, Suiform SoundingsTable of ContentsList of Figures List of TablesPreface AcknowledgmentsChapter 1. IntroductionPart I. Geographical Distribution and Habitats Chapter 2. PaleobiologyChapter 3. Ranging across the ContinentsChapter 4. Ecological NichesPart II. Physical AdaptationsChapter 5. MorphologyChapter 6. Physiological AdaptationsChapter 7. Locomotion and BuoyancyPart III. Feeding EcologyChapter 8. The Predators: Foraging Strategies and NichesChapter 9. The Prey: Predator-Prey InteractionsPart IV. ReproductionChapter 10. Mating and OffspringPart V. Conservation Challenges and Management ApproachesChapter 11. Status and ThreatsChapter 12. Introductions and ReintroductionsChapter 13. Management ApproachesAppendix A. Taxonomic List of Semi-aquatic and Riparian-Dependent MammalsAppendix B. Online ResourcesGlossaryReferences
£64.00
Johns Hopkins University Press Functional Inference in Paleoanthropology
Book SynopsisIn this deep examination of functional morphology, a renowned paleoanthropologist offers a new way to investigate human evolution through the fossil record. It is common for two functional anatomists to examine the exact same fossil material, yet argue over its evolutionary significance. How can this be? Traditionally, paleoanthropology has interpreted hominin fossil morphology by first considering the ecological challenges hominins faced, then drawing adaptive inferences based on the idea that skeletal morphology is largely a reflection of paleoecology. In Functional Inference in Paleoanthropology, innovative paleoanthropologist David J. Daegling suggests that researchers can resolve dichotomous interpretations of the fossil record by instead focusing on the biology and development of the bones themselvessuch as measurable responses to deformations, stresses, and damage. Critically exploring how scientists probe and interpret fossil morphology for behavioral and adaptive inferences,Table of ContentsPrefaceChapter 1. Unresolved Problems in Human EvolutionChapter 2. Situating Functional Morphology in Evolutionary BiologyChapter 3. Approaches to Functional Inference in PaleoanthropologyChapter 4. BipedalityChapter 5. Hominin Dietary AdaptationsChapter 6. The Osteocyte Perspective on Human EvolutionChapter 7. Teleonomy RevisitedNotesReferencesIndex
£65.02
Johns Hopkins University Press Cave Biodiversity
Book SynopsisA deep-dive into the evolutionary biology, biogeography, and conservation of the most elusive subterranean creatures in the world. Far from the austere, sparsely populated ecosystems often conjured in the imagination, caves host some of the most mysterious and biodiverse natural systems in the world. Subterranean environments, however, are the least explored terrestrial habitats, contributing to misconceptions about their inhabitants. Edited by cave scientist and conservation ecologist Dr. J. Judson Wynne, Cave Biodiversity explores both the evolution and the conservation of subterrestrial-dwelling fauna. Covering both vertebrates and invertebrates, including mollusks, fishes, amphibians, arthropods, and other troglobionts, this volume brings together ichthyologists, entomologists, ecologists, herpetologists, and conservationists to provide a nuanced picture of life beneath the earth's surface. Broad chapters covering biotic and abiotic factors that influence evolution and support biTable of ContentsList of ContributorsForewordPrefaceAcknowledgementsChapter 1. Influence of the Physical Environment on Terrestrial Cave DiversityChapter 2. Evolutionary Models Influencing Subterranean SpeciationChapter 3. Biology and Ecology of Subterranean MolluscaChapter 4. The Subterranean Cholevinae of ItalyChapter 5. Cave Trechine (Coleoptera: Carabidae) Radiation and Biogeography in Eastern North America,Chapter 6. Subterranean Colonization and Diversification of Cave-dwelling SalamandersChapter 7. Diversity, Distribution, and Conservation of Cavefishes in ChinaIndex
£67.15
University of Toronto Press Marking Time
Book SynopsisMarking Time, edited by Joel Faflak, analyses prevailing notions of evolution by tracing its origins to the literary, scientific, and philosophical discourses of the long nineteenth century.Trade Review"…the essays in this volume offer interesting contributions to our understanding of the Romantic conception of natural history and its relation to Darwinian evolution – pointing toward the possibility of expanding the contours of the ‘Romantic Darwin’ narrative." -- Andrea Gambarotto, Universite Catholique de Louvain * HPLS *"Marking Time: Romanticism and Evolution, thoughtfully edited by Joel Faflak, presents a multiplicity of thinkers delving deeply into the possibility and potential for entanglement among temporality, Romanticism, and evolution." -- Dewey W. Hall, California State Polytechnic University * European Romantic Review *"There is much to learn from Marking Time, both in terms of how evolution served as a pervasive concept and metaphor across multiple discourses and disciplines in the Romantic era, and in the specific writings and authors analyzed in individual chapters, in which familiar texts are made unfamiliar and unfamiliar texts are brought to the forefront. Marking Time will surely have a major effect on future studies of Romantic science and the history of evolution." -- Seth T. Reno Auburn, University at Montgomery * Clio *"Marking Time: Romanticism and Evolution offers excellent contributions to these diverse fields of study, and Faflak’s timely collection leaves readers with a portrait of Romantic evolution’s own entangled bank of topics and concepts far knottier—and more interesting—than the one familiar from more traditional histories of Darwinian evolutionary science." -- Andrew Bukett * Isis *Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Marking Time: Romanticism and Evolution Joel Faflak Part 1 Romanticism's Darwin 1. Plants, Analogy, and Perfection: Loose and Strict Analogies Gillian Beer 2. Darwin and the Mobility of Species Alan Bewell 3. Darwin's Ideas Matthew Rowlinson Part 2 Romantic Temporalities 4. Deep Time in the South Pacific: Scientific Voyaging and the Ancient/Primitive Analogy Noah Heringman 5. Malthus Our Contemporary?: Toward a Political Economy of Sex Maureen N. McLane Part 3 Goethe and the Contingencies of Life 6. Goethe's Morphology G bor ron Zempl n 7. Vertiginous Life: Goethe, Bones, and Italy Andrew Piper 8. Taking Chances Theresa M. Kelley Part 4 Evolutionary Idealisms 9. Did Goethe and Schelling Endorse Species Evolution? Robert J. Richards 10. The Vitality of Idealism: Life and Evolution in Schelling's and Hegel's Systems Tilottama Rajan 11. Degeneration: Inversions of Teleology Joan Steigerwald Contributors Index
£52.20
APress Artificial Intelligence and Human Evolution
Book SynopsisThis book explores, from a high level, the parallels between the evolution of humans and the evolution of machines. The book reviews practical questions about the future of AI but also engages in philosophical discussions about what machine intelligence could mean for the human experience. The book focuses on what is intelligence and what separates intelligent species from non-so-intelligent ones. It concludes this section with the description of true nature of humanintelligence can be. We discuss how we looked at machines few hundred years back and how their definition and the expectations from them has changed over time. We will consider when and how machines became intelligent and then explore in depth he latest developments in artificial intelligence with explanation of deep learning technology and humanlike chat interface provided with products like ChatGPT. We will define both human intelligence and artificial intelligence and the distinction between the two. In the third andTable of ContentsChapter 1: Introduction.- Chapter 2: Origin of Life.- Chapter 3: Evolution of Species.- Chapter 4: Human Intelligence.- Chapter 5: Origin of Machines.- Chapter 6: Machine Intelligence.- Chapter 7: Humans in Intelligent Environment: Near Future.- Chapter 8: Intellectual Humanity.- Chapter 9:Final Words.
£42.49
University of Toronto Press Biology of Sex
Book SynopsisBiology of Sex is a lively and intellectually challenging textbook. Mills analyzes the biological basis of sex by considering genetic, physiological, and evolutionary principles. In order to explain the biological aspects of human sex, he uses direct and intriguing comparisons with the many variations in sexual systems among non-human organisms. Text boxes provide fascinating examples: non-human species that cannibalize their partners during copulation, organisms that do not fall within one of two biological sexes, and species that “trick” others into raising their young. The author also explores questions such as: “Is sex only for reproduction?”, “Why is sex pleasurable?”, and “What are the roots of sexual conflict?” Intended primarily for readers without a science background, Biology of Sex provides novel content from the human and non-human worlds to introduce the complex subject of sex and reproduction.Table of ContentsList of Figures List of Boxes Preface 1. Introduction Key themes 1.1 The wider context: sex, gender, sexuality, and sexual orientation 1.1.1 Assigned sex and gender dysphoria 1.1.2 Sex as a biological construct and gender as a social construct 1.2 A caveat about biological determinism and ideology 1.3 The comparative approach 1.4 Biology as a part of natural science 1.5 Theories and the methodology of science Summary Further reading 2. Sex and Reproduction Key themes 2.1 Does sexual motivation reveal its “purpose”? 2.1.1 Sex has diverse purposes through co-option 2.1.2 Homosexuality could be one manifestation of co-option 2.1.3 Sexual features can also be co-opted for non-social purposes 2.2 Reproduction: sexual, asexual, and non-sexual 2.2.1 Not all organisms reproduce sexually 2.2.2 Non-sexual reproductions of human cells is through mitosis and cytokinesis 2.2.3 Asexual reproduction in complex organisms 2.2.4 Switching between parthenogenesis and sexual reproduction 2.3 Sexual reproduction fundamentals 2.3.1 Female and male: Eggs and sperm 2.3.2 Primary versus secondary sex characteristics 2.4 From fertilization to the production of offspring 2.4.1 External versus internal fertilization 2.4.2 Other variations in patterns of sexual reproduction Summary Further reading 3 Sex and Inheritance Key themes 3.1 How an Augustinian friar discovered the rules of sexual inheritance 3.1.1 Mendel’s peas were a “friendly” study system 3.2 Developing Mendel’s Law of Segregation 3.2.1 The second-generation offspring showed a surprising pattern of inheritance 3.2.2 The meaning of segregation in the making of gametes 3.3 Mendel’s Law of Independent Assortment 3.4 Updating Mendelian genetics 3.4.1 Using modern terminology 3.5 Applying Mendelian genetics to humans 3.5.1 Mendelian inheritance of blood groups in humans 3.6 Sex, DNA, and chromosomes 3.6.1 Chromosomes are the hereditary material 3.6.2 The human karyotype 3.6.3 DNA is the genetic code 3.6.4 How DNA encodes information 3.7 What happens to chromosomes in the making of gametes? 3.7.1 What is crossing-over? 3.7.2 The two divisions of meiosis 3.7.3 Sex and chromosomes that don’t crossover 3.7.4 How meiosis relates to Mendel’s laws Summary Further reading 4. Sex and Evolution Key themes 4.1 A short history of evolutionary thought 4.1.1 Evolutionary theory is a natural result of the Enlightenment 4.1.2 Exploration, fossils, and a very old Earth also led to evolutionary theory 4.1.3 Jean-Baptiste Lamarck proposed a mechanism for evolution in 1809 4.1.4 Charles Darwin and the voyage of the Beagle 4.2 The principles of natural selection 4.2.1 The argument for natural selection 4.2.2 The concepts of fitness and adaptation 4.3 DNA as an evolutionary legacy 4.3.1 Mutations, and how alleles differ from one another 4.3.2 Chromosomal mutations can also contribute to evolution 4.3.3 Mutation rates in sperm and eggs 4.4 Thinking of breeding groups as gene pools 4.4.1 Human breeding groups can be thought of as gene pools 4.4.2 The ABO blood group gene pool 4.5 The evolutionary costs of sex 4.5.1 The numerical argument that sex is costly 4.5.2 Sexual reproduction also involves search costs 4.5.3 Sexual reproduction can entail health, injury, and mortality costs 4.6 The evolutionary benefits of sex 4.6.1 Advantages associated with a diverse gene pool 4.6.2 Inbreeding reveals the value of gene mixing through sex 4.6.3 The Red Queen hypothesis and Muller’s ratchet 4.7 The role of sex in the creation of species 4.7.1 Two different patterns of species evolution 4.7.2 How do gene pools become split at the start of speciation? 4.7.3 Pre-zygotic and post-zygotic reproductive barriers Summary Further reading 5. Sexual Selection Key themes 5.1 Sexual selection is a sub-category of natural selection 5.1.1 Comparing examples of natural selection and sexual selection 5.1.2 Re-formulating the natural selection argument for sexual selection 5.1.3 Manifestations of sexual selection 5.2 Why are females usually the “limiting sex”? 5.2.1 Females usually invest more in reproduction 5.2.2 Does inter-sexual selection produce payoffs? 5.2.3 Does intra-sexual selection produce payoffs? 5.3 How mate choice based on ornaments increases female fitness 5.3.1 Genetic benefits in the runaway hypothesis: “Sexy sons” 5.3.2 Genetic benefits in the good genes hypothesis: Better survival 5.3.3 Benefits in the good resources hypothesis: Honest promises 5.4 Sex role reversal 5.4.1 Sex role reversal: Adjusting investments made by males and females 5.5 Not all intra-sexual competition involves fighting 5.5.1 Scrambles are a form of indirect competition 5.5.2 Endurance and subterfuge are also forms of indirect competition 5.5.3 Sperm competition Summary Further reading 6. Mating Systems Key themes 6.1 There are five major types of mating systems 6.2 Monogamy 6.2.1 Distinguishing among types of monogamy 6.2.2 Hypotheses for monogamy 6.3 Polygyny is the most common form of polygamy 6.3.1 Two models for polygyny 6.3.2 Human polygyny 6.4 The benefits for females of mating with multiple males 6.4.1 Non-monogamous females hedge their bets against infertility 6.4.2 Non-monogamous females reap genetic benefits 6.4.3 Non-monogamous females can reap direct benefits 6.5 Polyandry 6.5.1 Polyandrous mating systems are much less common than polygynous ones 6.6 Polygynandry 6.6.1 Reproductive skew 6.6.2 Cooperative breeding 6.7 Promiscuity 6.7.1 Factors associated with promiscuity 6.7.2 Scramble competitions are usually promiscuous mating systems 6.7.3 “Lek polygyny” is a promiscuous system resembling hook-up culture Summary Further reading 7. Sexual Conflict Key themes 7.1 Strategies for sexual success 7.1.1 A comment on terminology 7.1.2 Sexual strategies exist in the context of sexual conflict 7.2 Realms of sexual conflict 7.2.1 Sexual conflict before mating 7.2.2 Sexual conflict during mating 7.2.3 Sexual conflict after mating 7.2.4 Sexual conflict during parenting 7.3 Mating strategies can change with circumstances 7.3.1 Making the best of things 7.3.2 Life history theory argues for plastic mating strategies 7.3.3 Sex allocation 7.4 Same-sex parenting Summary Further reading 8. Sex Determination and Differentiation Key themes 8.1 Are male and female bodies the only two options in sex determination? 8.2 The familiar method of sex determination relies on X- and Y-chromosomes 8.2.1 Using insects to discover the role of sex chromosomes 8.2.2 The X- and Y-chromosomes in humans 8.2.3 Little genetic differences between men and women, but big phenotypic differences 8.2.4 The SRY gene and transcription 8.3 Not all genetic sex determination relies on the XY system 8.3.1 Genetic sex determination without Y-chromosomes 8.3.2 Are females ever the heterogametic sex? 8.3.3 Chromosomal sex determination where hermaphroditism is a phenotype 8.3.4 Genetic sex determination in honeybees 8.4 Environmental sex determination 8.4.1 Temperature is a non-social sex-determination system 8.4.2 Environmental sex determination can override genetic sex determination 8.4.3 Can mothers use temperature to select their offspring’s sex? 8.4.4 Social systems of environmental sex determination 8.4.5 Anomalous sex determination caused by a member of a different species 8.4.6 Anomalous sex determination by ecotoxins Summary Further reading 9. Human Sexual Anatomy and Regulation Key themes 9.1 Human sexual differentiation and function is highly dependent on hormones 9.1.1 The endocrine system regulates hormones in the bloodstream 9.1.2 Major hormones that regulate sexual development, function, and behavior 9.2 Sex differentiation is part of development 9.2.1 Human sexual differentiation before birth 9.3 The male reproductive system 9.3.1 Further male differentiation during the prenatal period 9.3.2 Male sexual development at puberty 9.3.3 Sexual anatomy of the human adult male 9.4 The female reproductive system 9.4.1 Further female differentiation during the prenatal period 9.4.2 Female sexual differentiation at puberty 9.4.3 Sexual anatomy of the human adult female 9.5 Anomalous sexual phenotypes in humans 9.5.1 Consequences of anomalies in the sex chromosomes 9.5.2 Intersex conditions that result from dysfunctional alleles 9.5.3 When girls become men at puberty 9.6 Sex linkage: Why some genetic disorders occur mostly in males 9.7 Cancers of sexually differentiated organs and tissues 9.7.1 Cancers associated with male organs 9.7.2 Cancers associated with female organs Summary Further reading 10. Human Fertility and Birth Key themes 10.1 Key differences between making sperm and eggs 10.1.1 Spermatogenesis occurs from puberty to old age 10.1.2 Oogenesis occurs from the fetal stage to menopause 10.2 The menstrual cycle 10.2.1 Most mammals have an estrous cycle instead 10.2.2 Is women’s fertile period concealed? 10.3 Sexual arousal and response in men and women 10.4 Fertilization and the making of a zygote 10.4.1 Infertility 10.4.2 Contraception 10.5 Pregnancy 10.5.1 The placenta 10.5.2 Labor and delivery 10.6 Breast-feeding 10.7 Menopause 10.8 Sexually transmitted infections 10.8.1 A diversity of organisms cause STIs 10.8.2 Major bacterial STIs 10.8.3 Major STIs caused by viruses 10.8.4 Non-humans suffer sexually transmitted infections too Summary Further reading Glossary Index
£53.10
University of Toronto Press Biology of Sex
Book SynopsisBiology of Sex is a lively and intellectually challenging textbook. Mills analyzes the biological basis of sex by considering genetic, physiological, and evolutionary principles. In order to explain the biological aspects of human sex, he uses direct and intriguing comparisons with the many variations in sexual systems among non-human organisms. Text boxes provide fascinating examples: non-human species that cannibalize their partners during copulation, organisms that do not fall within one of two biological sexes, and species that “trick” others into raising their young. The author also explores questions such as: “Is sex only for reproduction?”, “Why is sex pleasurable?”, and “What are the roots of sexual conflict?” Intended primarily for readers without a science background, Biology of Sex provides novel content from the human and non-human worlds to introduce the complex subject of sex and reproduction.Table of ContentsList of Figures List of Boxes Preface 1. Introduction Key themes 1.1 The wider context: sex, gender, sexuality, and sexual orientation 1.1.1 Assigned sex and gender dysphoria 1.1.2 Sex as a biological construct and gender as a social construct 1.2 A caveat about biological determinism and ideology 1.3 The comparative approach 1.4 Biology as a part of natural science 1.5 Theories and the methodology of science Summary Further reading 2. Sex and Reproduction Key themes 2.1 Does sexual motivation reveal its “purpose”? 2.1.1 Sex has diverse purposes through co-option 2.1.2 Homosexuality could be one manifestation of co-option 2.1.3 Sexual features can also be co-opted for non-social purposes 2.2 Reproduction: sexual, asexual, and non-sexual 2.2.1 Not all organisms reproduce sexually 2.2.2 Non-sexual reproductions of human cells is through mitosis and cytokinesis 2.2.3 Asexual reproduction in complex organisms 2.2.4 Switching between parthenogenesis and sexual reproduction 2.3 Sexual reproduction fundamentals 2.3.1 Female and male: Eggs and sperm 2.3.2 Primary versus secondary sex characteristics 2.4 From fertilization to the production of offspring 2.4.1 External versus internal fertilization 2.4.2 Other variations in patterns of sexual reproduction Summary Further reading 3 Sex and Inheritance Key themes 3.1 How an Augustinian friar discovered the rules of sexual inheritance 3.1.1 Mendel’s peas were a “friendly” study system 3.2 Developing Mendel’s Law of Segregation 3.2.1 The second-generation offspring showed a surprising pattern of inheritance 3.2.2 The meaning of segregation in the making of gametes 3.3 Mendel’s Law of Independent Assortment 3.4 Updating Mendelian genetics 3.4.1 Using modern terminology 3.5 Applying Mendelian genetics to humans 3.5.1 Mendelian inheritance of blood groups in humans 3.6 Sex, DNA, and chromosomes 3.6.1 Chromosomes are the hereditary material 3.6.2 The human karyotype 3.6.3 DNA is the genetic code 3.6.4 How DNA encodes information 3.7 What happens to chromosomes in the making of gametes? 3.7.1 What is crossing-over? 3.7.2 The two divisions of meiosis 3.7.3 Sex and chromosomes that don’t crossover 3.7.4 How meiosis relates to Mendel’s laws Summary Further reading 4. Sex and Evolution Key themes 4.1 A short history of evolutionary thought 4.1.1 Evolutionary theory is a natural result of the Enlightenment 4.1.2 Exploration, fossils, and a very old Earth also led to evolutionary theory 4.1.3 Jean-Baptiste Lamarck proposed a mechanism for evolution in 1809 4.1.4 Charles Darwin and the voyage of the Beagle 4.2 The principles of natural selection 4.2.1 The argument for natural selection 4.2.2 The concepts of fitness and adaptation 4.3 DNA as an evolutionary legacy 4.3.1 Mutations, and how alleles differ from one another 4.3.2 Chromosomal mutations can also contribute to evolution 4.3.3 Mutation rates in sperm and eggs 4.4 Thinking of breeding groups as gene pools 4.4.1 Human breeding groups can be thought of as gene pools 4.4.2 The ABO blood group gene pool 4.5 The evolutionary costs of sex 4.5.1 The numerical argument that sex is costly 4.5.2 Sexual reproduction also involves search costs 4.5.3 Sexual reproduction can entail health, injury, and mortality costs 4.6 The evolutionary benefits of sex 4.6.1 Advantages associated with a diverse gene pool 4.6.2 Inbreeding reveals the value of gene mixing through sex 4.6.3 The Red Queen hypothesis and Muller’s ratchet 4.7 The role of sex in the creation of species 4.7.1 Two different patterns of species evolution 4.7.2 How do gene pools become split at the start of speciation? 4.7.3 Pre-zygotic and post-zygotic reproductive barriers Summary Further reading 5. Sexual Selection Key themes 5.1 Sexual selection is a sub-category of natural selection 5.1.1 Comparing examples of natural selection and sexual selection 5.1.2 Re-formulating the natural selection argument for sexual selection 5.1.3 Manifestations of sexual selection 5.2 Why are females usually the “limiting sex”? 5.2.1 Females usually invest more in reproduction 5.2.2 Does inter-sexual selection produce payoffs? 5.2.3 Does intra-sexual selection produce payoffs? 5.3 How mate choice based on ornaments increases female fitness 5.3.1 Genetic benefits in the runaway hypothesis: “Sexy sons” 5.3.2 Genetic benefits in the good genes hypothesis: Better survival 5.3.3 Benefits in the good resources hypothesis: Honest promises 5.4 Sex role reversal 5.4.1 Sex role reversal: Adjusting investments made by males and females 5.5 Not all intra-sexual competition involves fighting 5.5.1 Scrambles are a form of indirect competition 5.5.2 Endurance and subterfuge are also forms of indirect competition 5.5.3 Sperm competition Summary Further reading 6. Mating Systems Key themes 6.1 There are five major types of mating systems 6.2 Monogamy 6.2.1 Distinguishing among types of monogamy 6.2.2 Hypotheses for monogamy 6.3 Polygyny is the most common form of polygamy 6.3.1 Two models for polygyny 6.3.2 Human polygyny 6.4 The benefits for females of mating with multiple males 6.4.1 Non-monogamous females hedge their bets against infertility 6.4.2 Non-monogamous females reap genetic benefits 6.4.3 Non-monogamous females can reap direct benefits 6.5 Polyandry 6.5.1 Polyandrous mating systems are much less common than polygynous ones 6.6 Polygynandry 6.6.1 Reproductive skew 6.6.2 Cooperative breeding 6.7 Promiscuity 6.7.1 Factors associated with promiscuity 6.7.2 Scramble competitions are usually promiscuous mating systems 6.7.3 “Lek polygyny” is a promiscuous system resembling hook-up culture Summary Further reading 7. Sexual Conflict Key themes 7.1 Strategies for sexual success 7.1.1 A comment on terminology 7.1.2 Sexual strategies exist in the context of sexual conflict 7.2 Realms of sexual conflict 7.2.1 Sexual conflict before mating 7.2.2 Sexual conflict during mating 7.2.3 Sexual conflict after mating 7.2.4 Sexual conflict during parenting 7.3 Mating strategies can change with circumstances 7.3.1 Making the best of things 7.3.2 Life history theory argues for plastic mating strategies 7.3.3 Sex allocation 7.4 Same-sex parenting Summary Further reading 8. Sex Determination and Differentiation Key themes 8.1 Are male and female bodies the only two options in sex determination? 8.2 The familiar method of sex determination relies on X- and Y-chromosomes 8.2.1 Using insects to discover the role of sex chromosomes 8.2.2 The X- and Y-chromosomes in humans 8.2.3 Little genetic differences between men and women, but big phenotypic differences 8.2.4 The SRY gene and transcription 8.3 Not all genetic sex determination relies on the XY system 8.3.1 Genetic sex determination without Y-chromosomes 8.3.2 Are females ever the heterogametic sex? 8.3.3 Chromosomal sex determination where hermaphroditism is a phenotype 8.3.4 Genetic sex determination in honeybees 8.4 Environmental sex determination 8.4.1 Temperature is a non-social sex-determination system 8.4.2 Environmental sex determination can override genetic sex determination 8.4.3 Can mothers use temperature to select their offspring’s sex? 8.4.4 Social systems of environmental sex determination 8.4.5 Anomalous sex determination caused by a member of a different species 8.4.6 Anomalous sex determination by ecotoxins Summary Further reading 9. Human Sexual Anatomy and Regulation Key themes 9.1 Human sexual differentiation and function is highly dependent on hormones 9.1.1 The endocrine system regulates hormones in the bloodstream 9.1.2 Major hormones that regulate sexual development, function, and behavior 9.2 Sex differentiation is part of development 9.2.1 Human sexual differentiation before birth 9.3 The male reproductive system 9.3.1 Further male differentiation during the prenatal period 9.3.2 Male sexual development at puberty 9.3.3 Sexual anatomy of the human adult male 9.4 The female reproductive system 9.4.1 Further female differentiation during the prenatal period 9.4.2 Female sexual differentiation at puberty 9.4.3 Sexual anatomy of the human adult female 9.5 Anomalous sexual phenotypes in humans 9.5.1 Consequences of anomalies in the sex chromosomes 9.5.2 Intersex conditions that result from dysfunctional alleles 9.5.3 When girls become men at puberty 9.6 Sex linkage: Why some genetic disorders occur mostly in males 9.7 Cancers of sexually differentiated organs and tissues 9.7.1 Cancers associated with male organs 9.7.2 Cancers associated with female organs Summary Further reading 10. Human Fertility and Birth Key themes 10.1 Key differences between making sperm and eggs 10.1.1 Spermatogenesis occurs from puberty to old age 10.1.2 Oogenesis occurs from the fetal stage to menopause 10.2 The menstrual cycle 10.2.1 Most mammals have an estrous cycle instead 10.2.2 Is women’s fertile period concealed? 10.3 Sexual arousal and response in men and women 10.4 Fertilization and the making of a zygote 10.4.1 Infertility 10.4.2 Contraception 10.5 Pregnancy 10.5.1 The placenta 10.5.2 Labor and delivery 10.6 Breast-feeding 10.7 Menopause 10.8 Sexually transmitted infections 10.8.1 A diversity of organisms cause STIs 10.8.2 Major bacterial STIs 10.8.3 Major STIs caused by viruses 10.8.4 Non-humans suffer sexually transmitted infections too Summary Further reading Glossary Index
£111.35
Cornell University Press Red Dynamite
Book SynopsisIn Red Dynamite, Carl R. Weinberg argues that creationism''s tenacious hold on American public life depended on culture-war politics inextricably embedded in religion. Many Christian conservatives were convinced that evolutionary thought promoted immoral and even bestial social, sexual, and political behavior. The fruits of subscribing to Darwinism were, in their minds, a dangerous rearrangement of God-given standards and the unsettling of traditional hierarchies of power. Despite claiming to focus exclusively on science and religion, creationists were practicing politics. Their anticommunist campaign, often infused with conspiracy theory, gained power from the fact that the Marxist founders, the early Bolshevik leaders, and their American allies were staunch evolutionists. Using the Scopes Monkey Trial as a starting point, Red Dynamite traces the politically explosive union of Darwinism and communism over the next century. Across thosTrade ReviewSplendid chronicle. * Evolution: Education and Outreach *[A]n important step in itself and something to which scholars of American religion and conservative politics should pay special attention. * Church History Review *Red Dynamite is an engaging and richly sourced narrative. It is especially relevant for historians of education studying science pedagogy, curricular backlash, textbook wars, and Christian homeschooling. * American Educational History Journal *Red Dynamite offers stunning new depth to a relatively familiar tale; this cogent work demonstrates just how interactive even seemingly very narrow ideological, spiritual, and religious beliefs can be with larger social, political, and cultural trends in American history. * The Journal of American History *Table of ContentsIntroduction: Belaboring Scopes 1. Lighting the Darwin Fuse 2. The Lamb-Dragon and The Devil's Poison 3. Blood Relationship, Bolshevism, and Whoopie Parties 4. The Wolf Pack and the Upas Tree 5. Beast Ancestry, Dangerous Triplets, and Damnable Heresies 6. Flood, Fruit, and Satan 7. Trees, Knees, and Nurseries 8. The Nightcrawler, the Wedge, and the Bloodiest Religion Epilogue: The Baby Christian and the Dark Place
£20.39
Cognella, Inc Human Evolution: Processes and Adaptations
Book SynopsisHuman Evolution: Processes and Adaptations is designed for introductory courses in biological anthropology. The book develops the theory and methods of the modern evolutionist and, with many clear examples, shows how to apply them to make sense of the biological traits that define our species. Featuring a scientific, issue-oriented perspective on human evolution – how it works, what it can and cannot do, and what it reveals about human nature – this textbook uses engaging analogies to make current research accessible to beginning students. This fourth edition includes new or expanded chapters on fossils and on genetics.More than a mere survey of the requisite topics, this book weaves the threads of natural selection, genetics, adaptation, speciation, classification, fossils, and human behavior into a coherent picture where each element usefully illuminates the others. In an approachable 250 pages, students learn not just the subject matter of biological anthropology, but acquire an evolutionary tool kit they can use to explore any biological question. Use of this tool kit is modeled through analyses that are of topical interest to the students, such as sex and sexuality. Human Evolution is a fresh, stand-alone text with key concepts depicted in more than 90 illustrations, and is designed to stimulate instructors and students alike.
£81.60
John Wiley and Sons Ltd The Evolution of Human Handedness, Volume 1288
Book SynopsisHandedness, or manual laterality of function, is thought to be both universal and unique to humans, making it a highly derived trait, based on an equally specialized neural substrate. By contrast, in various non-human species, both living and extinct, extent of lateralization varies. All known populations of living human beings apparently favor the right hand, motorically, culturally, and symbolically, thus right-handedness is species-typical, as well as species-specific. This laterality of function is correlated with asymmetry of structure, that is, neural, skeletal and muscular, for example as manifest especially in skilled movement, such as handwriting. Human brains are lop-sided, and sagitally-paired organs (hand, foot, eye, ear, etc.) are skewed in their use, usually biased to the right; explaining this variation appears to require both cultural and environmental causal variables. To tackle these questions and advance our knowledge of this basic human trait requires genuinely multi-disciplinary input by scholars willing to think inter-disciplinarily. Thus, participants in this Annals volume come from anthropology, archaeology, genetics, neurosciences, palaeo-anthropology, primatology, psychology, and psychiatry. NOTE: Annals volumes are available for sale as individual books or as a journal.Table of Contentsv Introduction to The Evolution of Human Handedness William C. McGrew, Wulf Schiefenhövel, and Linda F. Marchant Comparative 1 Handedness is more than laterality: lessons from chimpanzees Linda F. Marchant and William C. McGrew 9 Laterality in the gestural communication of wild chimpanzees Catherine Hobaiter and Richard W. Byrne 17 Neuroanatomical asymmetries and handedness in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes): a case for continuity in the evolution of hemispheric specialization William D. Hopkins Substrates 36 The protocadherin 11X/Y (PCDH11X/Y) gene pair as determinant of cerebral asymmetry in modern Homo sapiens Thomas H. Priddle and Timothy J. Crow 48 Multilocus genetic models of handedness closely resemble single-locus models in explaining family data and are compatible with genome-wide association studies J.C. McManus, Angus Davison, and John A. L. Armour 59 Laterality and the evolution of the prefronto-cerebellar system in anthropoids Jeroen B. Smaers, James Steele, Charleen R. Case, and Katrin Amunts Human evolution 70 Primate laterality and the biology and evolution of human handedness: a review and synthesis W. Tecumseh Fitch and Stephanie N. Braccini 86 Skeletal evidence for variable patterns of handedness in chimpanzees, human hunter-gatherers, and recent British populations Jay T. Stock, Meghan K. Shirley, Lauren A. Sarringhaus, Tom G. Davies, and Colin N. Shaw 100 The fighting hypothesis in combat: how well does the fighting hypothesis explain human left-handed minorities? Ton G.G. Groothuis, I.C. McManus, Sara M. Schaafsma, and Reint H. Geuze 110 The fighting hypothesis as an evolutionary explanation for the handedness polymorphism in humans: where are we? Charlotte Faurie and Michel Raymond Modern Humans 114 The nature and nurture of human infant hand preference Jacqueline Fagard 124 Laterality of handgrip strength: age- and physical training-related changes in Lithuanian schoolchildren and conscripts Janina Tutkuviene and Wulf Schiefenhövel 135 Biased semantics for right and left in 50 Indo-European and non-Indo-European languages Wulf Schiefenhövel
£99.00
Templeton Foundation Press,U.S. From Extraterrestrials to Animal Minds: Six Myths
Book Synopsis In this learned romp of science writing, Cambridge professor Simon Conway Morris cheerfully challenges six assumptions—what he calls ‘myths’—that too often pass as unquestioned truths amongst the evolutionary orthodox. His convivial tour begins with the idea that evolution is boundless in the kinds of biological systems it can produce. Not true, he says. The process is highly circumscribed and delimited. Nor is it random. This popular notion holds that evolution proceeds blindly, with no endgame. But Conway Morris suggests otherwise, pointing to evidence that the processes of evolution are “seeded with inevitabilities.” If that is so, then what about mass extinctions? Don’t they steer the development of life in radically new directions? Rather the reverse, claims Conway Morris. Such cataclysms accelerate evolutionary developments that were going to happen anyway. And what about that other evolutionary canard: the “missing link”? There is plenty to choose from in the fossil record, but persistently overlooked is that in any group, there is not one but a phalanx of “missing links.” Once again, we under-score the near-inevitability of evolutionary outcomes. Turning from fossils to minds, Conway Morris critically examines the popular tenet that the intelligence of humans and animals are the same thing, a difference of degree, not kind. A closer scrutiny of our minds shows that, in reality, an unbridgeable gulf separates us from even the chimpanzees, so begging questions of consciousness and Mind. Finally, Conway Morris tackles the question of extraterrestrials. Undoubtedly, the size and scale of the universe suggest that alien life must exist somewhere beyond Earth and our tiny siloed solar system? After all, evolutionary convergence more than hints that human-like forms are universal. But Dr. Conway Morris has serious doubts. The famous Fermi Paradox (“Where are they?”) appears to hold: Alone in the cosmos—and unique, but not quite in the way one might expect. Trade Review “Despite some misgivings, I found From Extraterrestrials to Animal Minds to be a good-humoured and thought-provoking book that both challenged notions I hold dear and provided genuinely interesting ideas. The breadth of research that was put into it is hard to miss, with 167 out of 409 pages providing hundreds of notes per chapter, most referencing multiple papers and responses. I have time for Conway Morris on account of his excellent past work and achievements while always keeping in mind he is a bit of a provocateur.” —The Inquisitive Biologist "An elegant and informative account of many popular mistakes about our evolutionary history, with fascinating details about creatures from surprisingly complex protists, through trilobites and almost-birds, all the way to our own peculiar species. Simon Conway Morris marshals his arguments and information to good effect, with an engaging openness to really peculiar theories and possible counterexamples." —Stephen R. L. Clark, DPhil, emeritus professor of philosophy, University of Liverpool “If, somehow, the Christian visionary poet-artist William Blake were a world-class Cambridge paleontologist, evolutionary biologist, and astrobiologist, drank gin and tonics, and was very, very funny, you would have a human marvel approaching Simon Conway Morris. You would also have a world at once physical and mythical—a true cosmic story come alive, become real, that we are writing even as we are being written by it. You would have a ‘universe built on imagination,’ which is to say, ‘on consciousness.’ You would have what appears to be so.” —Jeffrey J. Kripal, PhD, J. Newton Rayzor Professor of Religion and associate dean of the School of Humanities, Rice University “A classic Simon Conway Morris book. The point is not whether you agree with him (I rarely do) but whether you are intrigued, challenged, having fun with the play of ideas—as I always am. Equally, as always, I am deeply impressed by the profound understanding of evolutionary processes, as the author takes us on a dazzling tour through such topics as randomness and extinctions to supposed missing links (Conway Morris, the paleontologist is very good here) and then on to animal minds and extraterrestrials. A worthy successor to Life’s Solution. Highly recommended.” —Michael Ruse, PhD, professor emeritus at the University of Guelph, Canada, and author of The Gaia Hypothesis “This book opens a fresh perspective on the evolutionary process, a very welcome change from the neo-Darwinian orthodoxy that has predominated for so long. Conway Morris shows convincingly that long-term trends stretch over many millions of years, developmental patterns occur again and again in many kinds of convergent evolution, and all this takes place in a universe built on imagination. Altogether surprising and liberating.” —Rupert Sheldrake, PhD, author of The Science DelusionTable of ContentsIntroductionEvolutionary Journeys1 The Myth of No Limits2 The Myth of Randomness Evolutionary History3 The Myth of Mass Extinctions4 The Myth of Missing Links Mind5 The Myth of Animal Minds6 The Myth of ExtraterrestrialsCodaAcknowledgmentsNotesIndexAbout the Author
£25.19
Maize Books Man-Made: The Evolutionary Influence of Humans
Book SynopsisFrom artificial selection, to altering the course of natural selection, to tolerating the new world we are creating, to investigating whether we have eliminated species entirely through overhunting or exploitation, we examine how humans have created a new evolutionary path.
£19.90
Cognella, Inc Origins: The Story of the Beginning of Everything
Book SynopsisAbout 13.8 billion years ago the universe was born, with space and time coming into being in the same instant. By the time the universe was 1 second old, the four forces in nature had acquired their present characteristics, elementary particles had obtained their mass, and particles constituting the nuclei of atoms were created. The nuclei of light elements, hydrogen and helium, were formed within the first 10 minutes of the birth of the universe with the first stable atoms coming to existence when the universe was 380,000 years old. Over the next billions of years, the first generation of stars and galaxies formed, planetary systems came into existence, and life on Earth appeared and evolved, resulting today’s plants and animals.Origins: The Story of the Beginning of Everything is a fascinating tale of the beginning of the universe, the origin of life, the start of civilization, and everything in between. The text explores the nature of space and time, the origin of particles, mass and chemical elements, and the first stars and galaxies. Readers learn about the origin of the planetary systems and Earth, the genesis of life on Earth and the dawning of agriculture, the first cities, civilization, and language.The book takes readers on a journey to the depth of space and beginning of time, to where stars and galaxies formed and life started, a place and a time no one has ever been. This journey does not exhaust us physically but enriches us intellectually. Through the text, readers can better understand themselves and their position in the world. The book provides a well-organized and comprehensive response to the question of where everything comes from in the most basic and scientific senses. The book is well-suited to courses in astronomy and physics.
£97.60
Arcler Education Inc Evolution Theory: Historical Background and
Book SynopsisThe objective of the book Evolution Theory: Historical Background and Fundamentals is to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the historical context and fundamental principles of the theory of evolution. By delving into the origins and development of this groundbreaking scientific concept, the book aims to shed light on the contributions of influential scientists, the controversies surrounding evolutionary thought, and the evidence supporting this paradigm-shifting theory. Through a rigorous exploration of key concepts such as natural selection, adaptation, and genetic variation, readers will gain a deeper appreciation for the profound impact of evolution on our understanding of the natural world and the diversity of life on Earth.
£139.20
ISTE Ltd and John Wiley & Sons Inc The Skull of Quadruped and Bipedal Vertebrates:
Book SynopsisThis book forms part of the set, Comparative Anatomy and Posture of Animal and Human, and focuses on the skulls of Quaternary mammals and of Man since the acquisition of upright posture. Although the vast majority of the quadruped fossil species have a balanced postural adaptation, with no asymmetries or maxillo-mandibular dysmorphoses, the Hominine species that has acquired this readjustment of the body as well as a bipedal adaptation to the ground, will experience a series of postural imbalances starting with malocclusion in the genus Homo. In order to arrive at this conclusion, the cranio-facial architectural biodynamics of several species of fossil and current mammals have been analyzed over three decades. In addition, hundreds of skulls of anatomically modern Hominids have been examined, highlighting their occlusal offsets, variations, anomalies and pathologies.Table of ContentsIntroduction xi Part 1. The Skull of Fossil and Present-day Quadruped Vertebrates: Craniofacial Structure and Postural Balance 1 Chapter 1. Proboscideans: The Mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius) 3 1.1. Chronological, geographical and morphological indications of the species 3 1.2. Mammoth discoveries in Île-de-France 5 1.3. A young mammoth in Maisons-Alfort 5 1.4. A woolly mammoth skull in the reserves 6 1.5. A mammoth skull with removed tusks 7 1.6. A particular tooth eruption 8 Chapter 2. Equidae 11 2.1. The horse (Equus caballus) 11 2.1.1. Chronological, geographical and morphological indications of species 11 2.1.2. A fossil horse in Africa: paleogeographic and biostratigraphic distributions 15 2.1.3. The postural balance of Equidae 17 2.1.4. Joint pathologies in service horses 18 2.1.5. Introduction to animal bone pathologies and zoonoses 20 2.1.6. The horse’s status over the centuries 20 2.2. The donkey (Equus asinus) 21 2.2.1. Chronological, geographical and morphological indications of species 22 2.2.2. The status of the donkey over the centuries 23 Chapter 3. Bovidae 25 3.1. Aurochs (Bos primigenius) 25 3.1.1. Chronological, geographical and morphological indications of species 25 3.1.2. Cattle (Bos taurus) 27 3.1.3. The status of cattle over the centuries 28 3.2. The bison (Bison priscus): chronological, geographical and morphological indications of the species 28 3.3. The buffalo (Syncerus antiquus) 29 3.3.1. Chronological, geographical and morphological indications of the current Syncerus and Bubalus buffaloes 29 3.3.2. Chronological, geographical and morphological indications of fossil species 30 3.3.3. Bos/Syncerus dental distinction criteria 35 3.3.4. Postural balance and paleoecology of Bovidae 38 3.3.5. Polymorphism and dimorphism in Bovidae 39 3.3.6. Osteoarticular abnormalities and bone pathologies in Bovidae 41 3.4. The common eland (Taurotragus oryx) 43 3.4.1. Chronological, geographical and morphological indications of species 43 3.4.2. Posture and locomotor adaptation 46 3.5. The hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus) 48 3.5.1. Chronological, geographical and morphological indications of species 48 3.5.2. Postural balance 49 3.6. Gazelles (Gazella) 50 3.6.1. Chronological, geographical and morphological indications of species 50 3.6.2. Postural balance 51 Chapter 4. Cervidae 53 4.1. The red deer (Cervus elaphus) 53 4.1.1. Chronological, geographical and morphological indications of species 53 4.1.2. The status of deer developing over the centuries 58 4.2. The Algerian thick-cheeked deer (Megaceroides algericus) 59 4.2.1. Several species from Europe, the Mediterranean islands and one species from the Maghreb 60 4.2.2. Size of Megaceroides algericus 63 Chapter 5. Suidae 65 5.1. The wild boar (Sus scrofa) 65 5.1.1. Chronological, geographical and morphological indications of species 65 5.1.2. The status of the boar over the centuries 67 5.1.3. Postural balance of the boar 67 5.2. The warthog (Phacochoerus aethiopicus or africanus) 70 5.2.1. Chronological, geographical and morphological indications of species 71 5.2.2. A particular tooth eruption 74 5.2.3. Postural balance of the warthog 76 5.2.4. Pathologies in warthogs 77 5.2.5. A catastrophic mortality curve 78 Chapter 6. Carnivores 81 6.1. The lion (Panthera leo) 81 6.1.1. Chronological, geographical and morphological indications of the species 81 6.1.2. Occlusal posture and the lion’s balance on the ground 83 6.2. The panther or leopard (Panthera pardus) 84 6.2.1. Chronological, geographical and morphological indications of species 85 6.2.2. Occlusal posture and postural balance of the panther on the ground 85 6.3. The spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta): chronological, geographical and morphological indications of the species 87 6.4. The striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) 89 6.4.1. Chronological, geographical and morphological indications of species 89 6.4.2. Occlusal posture and postural balance of hyenas on the ground 90 6.5. The cave bear (Ursus spelaeus) and the brown bear (Ursus arctos): chronological, geographical and morphological indications of the species 93 6.6. The wolf (Canis lupus): chronological, geographical and morphological indications of the species 95 Chapter 7. Lagomorphs: The Hare (Lepus capensis) 99 7.1. Chronological, geographical and morphological indications of the species 99 7.2. The status of the hare over the centuries 101 Part 2. The Skull of Fossil Bipedal Vertebrates: Craniofacial Structure and Postural Balance 103 Chapter 8. Primates 105 8.1. Occlusal posture, quadrupedic and verticalization of the Hominoid body 106 8.2. Work in dentofacial orthopedics and embryogenesis 108 Chapter 9. Hominoids 111 9.1. Kenyapithecus 112 9.2. Nacholapithecus 113 9.3. Otavipithecus namibiensis 113 Chapter 10. From Hominoids to Hominids 115 10.1. Ardipithecus ramidus kadabba 115 10.2. Praeanthropus tugenensis (= Orrorin tugenensis) 116 10.3. Sahelanthropus tchadensis 116 10.4. Ardipithecus ramidus 117 10.5. Praeanthropus africanus (= Australopithecus anamensis) 118 Chapter 11. Australopithecus 119 11.1. Australopithecus afarensis 120 11.2. Australopithecus africanus 120 11.3. Australopithecus bahrelghazali 120 11.4. Australopithecus garhi 121 11.5. Paranthropus robustus 121 11.6. Australopithecus aethiopicus 121 11.7. Australopithecus boisei 122 Chapter 12. The Genus Homo 123 12.1. Homo habilis 126 12.2. Homo rudolfensis 126 12.3. Homo ergaster and Homo erectus 127 12.4. Homo georgicus 128 12.5. Homo neanderthalensis 129 12.5.1. Plesiomorphic and autapomorphic morphological features 129 12.5.2. Non-Sapiens craniofacial dynamics and posture 130 12.5.3. A permanent labidodental joint 130 12.5.4. The asymmetry of fossil pieces 133 12.6. Homo sapiens 135 Chapter 13. Migration and Paleogeographic Distribution of the Homininae 137 13.1. Australopithecus and Homo habilis: regional African migrations 137 13.2. Homo ergaster and Homo erectus: the first great African-Eurasian journey 139 13.3. Homo neanderthalensis: a Eurasian traveler 141 13.4. Homo sapiens: the second great conquest voyage on all continents 141 Part 3. The Skull of Homo sapiens in All its Diversity 145 Chapter 14. The Craniofacial Puzzle in Motion 147 14.1. Normality and its boundaries with the abnormal and the pathological 147 14.2. The importance of interpreting or reinterpreting (Le Double 1903, 1906) 148 14.3. Craniofacial structural mechanics and dynamics 149 14.3.1. Biodynamics of vault bones 150 14.3.2. Biodynamics of the temporal bone 151 14.3.3. Biodynamics of the occipital bone 151 14.3.4. Biodynamics of the sphenoidal bone 152 14.3.5. Biodynamics of the maxillary bone 152 14.3.6. Biodynamics of the mandibular bone 154 Chapter 15. The Basics of Structural Analysis 157 15.1. Analysis tools using imaging 157 15.2. Maxillo-mandibular dysmorphoses 159 x The Skull of Quadruped and Bipedal Vertebrates 15.2.1. Angle’s classification 160 15.3. History of structural mechanics: from geometry to imagery 161 15.3.1. The initiators 161 15.3.2. FDO orthopedists and orthodontists 163 15.3.3. Osteopaths 165 15.3.4. Recent work in human paleontology and paleoanthropology 166 Chapter 16. Identification of Malformation 169 16.1. Craniostenosis, a history of sutures 169 16.2. Craniofacial asymmetries 172 16.2.1. Examples of craniofacial asymmetries 174 16.2.2. The importance of the spine and its effects in basic cranial equilibrium or disequilibrium 180 16.3. Psalidodontia or labidodontia? 181 16.3.1. The behavior of the dental articulation of juvenile Pleistocene and Holocene populations in the Maghreb and the Sahara 184 16.3.2. Dental articulation and extraction of the incisors 187 16.4. Para-masticatory functions of Homo sapiens in Algeria 190 16.5. Occlusal equilibrium and adaptation of regional morphotypes 193 16.5.1. In the Paris Basin 193 16.5.2. In the Maghreb countries 198 16.5.3. Occlusal balance and the regional morphotype in the Maghreb and Sub-Saharan Africa 199 Chapter 17. Ignored Pathologies 205 17.1. Extremely rare craniofacial pathologies 205 17.1.1. Crouzon syndrome 205 17.1.2. Marfan syndrome 205 17.1.3. Cranial thickening and Albers-Schönberg’s disease 206 17.1.4. Torticollis 206 17.1.5. Parietal thinning 207 17.1.6. Scurvy 208 17.2. The oldest therapeutic practice: trepanning 209 Conclusion 211 References 213 Index 235
£124.15
CABI Publishing Culicipedia: Species-group, genus-group and
Book SynopsisMosquitoes are undeniably one of the most studied groups of insects due to their great impact on human health as the agents that transmit the pathogens which cause malaria, filariasis and numerous viral diseases, such as yellow fever and dengue fever. The study of mosquitoes has given rise to a plethora of names for subspecies, species, subgenera, genera and family-level groups, many of which are duplicate names for the same entity. This unique volume is a comprehensive compilation of all scientific names introduced at all levels of classification within the family since the official start of zoological nomenclature. The work is largely a lexicon that is historical and informative as well as nomenclatural and bibliographic. Unlike catalogues, it contains sections devoted separately to the groups of names regulated by the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, the species, genus and family groups, as well as sections concerned with names derived from personal and geographical names and other sources. In addition to insights into the history of mosquito classification, attention given to the formation, latinization and derivation of names makes the work a crucial contribution to mosquito science. Culicipedia is an important comprehensive reference source for students, entomologists, professional taxonomists and other scientists interested in culicid nomenclature, classification and the etymology of scientific names.Table of ContentsSection 1: Species-group Names Section 2: Genus-group Names Section 3: Family-group and Other Suprageneric Names Section 4: Species-group Names Formed from Personal Names Section 5: Species-group Names Formed from Geographical Names Section 6: Genus-group Names Formed from Personal Names Section 7: Some Interesting Species- and Genus-group Names Section 8: Phylogenetic Classification of Composite Genus Aedes Section 9: Changed Spellings of Species-group Names Appendix 1: Current Higher-level Classification of the Culicidae Appendix 2: Multi-generic and Traditional Classifications of the Genus Aedes Appendix 3: Table of Changed Spellings of Species-group Names
£172.98
Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd Darwinism and Evolutionary Economics
Book SynopsisDarwinism is fast becoming an orthodoxy of modern thought, a framework within which a wide range of knowledge communities conduct their discourse. Ever since its formation, Darwinian theory has experienced a close, though not always comfortable, association with economics. Evolutionary economists now appear to show little concern for the consistency of knowledge in their embrace of Darwinism.Darwinism and Evolutionary Economics brings together contributions from eminent authors who, building on Darwin's own insights and on developments in evolutionary theory, offer challenging views on how economics can use evolutionary ideas effectively.This collection of critical essays provides a thorough examination of the application of Darwinian theory to economic thought, and will appeal to evolutionary economists and all those with an interest in Darwin, innovation and evolutionary science.Trade Review'This outstanding collection of essays by leading scholars helps explain how evolutionary economics has come of age. They show how evolutionary economics offers a progressive and diverse research agenda built on strong foundations. These are essays of lasting value.' -- J. Stanley Metcalfe, University of Manchester, UKTable of ContentsContents: Preface (Richard R. Nelson) 1. Darwinism and Evolutionary Economics Part I: 2. Darwin, Economics and Contemporary Economists 3. The Strange ‘Laissez Faire’ of Alfred Russell Wallace: The Connection between Natural Selection and Political Economy Reconsidered 4. The Evolutionary Economics of Alfred Marshall: An Overview 5. Keynes and Darwinism Part II: 6. Is Social Evolution Lamarckian or Darwinian? 7. Nesting Lamarckism within Darwinian Explanations: Necessity in Economics and Possibility in Biology? 8. The Appearance of Lamarckism in the Evolution of Culture 9. The Human Agent in Evolutionary Economics References Index
£105.00
Liverpool University Press Origin of Human Nature: A ZEN Buddhist Looks at
Book SynopsisOffers an original and fertile way to integrate spiritual and scientific views of human evolution. It offers a new and refreshing alternative to the way we think about our origins: random mutation (mechanistic neo-Darwinism), Genesis (God did it all personally), and Intelligent Design (God personally does what we can't otherwise account for). The result is an invigorating perspective on how our best qualities -- our capacity for love, our appreciation of beauty, our altruistic capability, our creativity and intelligence -- have come into being and evolved. How we think about our origin matters: if we think we are machines living among other machines, we will act accordingly. By showing evolution as a creative and intelligent process with its own inherent logic, THE ORIGIN OF HUMAN NATURE resolves the dilemma of how to have, at the same time, both truth and ethics. Instead of starting in an imagined remote and 'uncertain past' and moving to the present, this book starts at the certain and 'immediate present' and works back. That consciousness, creativity, and intelligence exist is certain. The question is: how can these have evolved? Dr Albert Low has made a study of human nature throughout his life. To write this book he draws on his prolonged meditations on creativity and the human condition, his years of providing psychological and spiritual counseling, and a wide-ranging knowledge of Western psychology, philosophy, and science.Trade Review"In The Origin of Human Nature, Dr. Albert Low breathes new life into old terms - the transcendent, consciousness, awareness, evolution, creativity, intention - not by going around science, but by going through it. In the current frenzy to purge science of purpose, meaning, direction, and values, Low's insights are a welcome resource. One might say that our survival depends on the wisdom in this book." -- Larry Dossey, MD, author of The Extraordinary Healing Power of Everyday Things."The old religious models don't seem to work for us these days. And so we have turned to secularity, to the cooler gaze of science, especially the neo-Darwinism of Richard Dawkins and others. Albert Low shows that the bloom of their answer - the random-mutation mechanistic evolutionary system - that once seemed so promising, cannot account for our capacity for love, appreciation of beauty, altruism, creativity or intelligence. And it cannot offer us meaning or direction. So we find ourselves in an uncomfortable place of ambiguity... The Origin of Human Nature offers a model that lives creatively in just that ambiguity." -- Professor Robert Forman, Professor Emeritus of Comparative Religion, CUNY, founding Co-Editor of The Journal of Consciousness Studies and author of Grassroots Spirituality."In this intelligently written book Albert Low gives us a modern Guide for the Perplexed; a richly thoughtful reflection on the roots of human nature that glows with a deep respect for both science and the spirit." Allan Combs, author of The Radiance of Being."The battles over evolution are fought by two sides that are far too rigid in their thinking, the Biblical literalists on the one hand and the mechanistically committed materialists on the other. But our human and spiritual nature is much bigger than fanatic literalism or scientistic dogmatism, and Low's refreshing book offers a more open direction to explore the potentials of evolution for real human beings."Table of ContentsIntroduction; On Darwin's Theory; On Subjectivity and Objectivity; 'Knowing', the Basis of Experience; Knowing and Evolution; On a New Way of Thinking; On Intention; Intention as Dynamic Process; The 'Blind, Unconscious, Automatic' Process of Intention; On Causation and Programming; What is Creativity?; Creative or Mechanical Evolution?; The Evolution of Intelligence; On the Evolution of Consciousness; The Ambiguity of 'I-You'; The Birth of Ego; On Humans and Evolution; Epilogue.
£27.96
SAR Press Anthropology of Race: Genes, Biology and Culture
Book SynopsisWhat do we know about race today? Is it surprising that after a hundred years of debate and inquiry by anthropologists, the answer not only remains uncertain but the very question is so fraught? In part, this reflects the deep investments modern societies have made in the concept of race. We can hardly know it objectively when it comprises a pervasive aspect of our identities and social landscapes, determining advantage and disadvantage in a thoroughgoing manner. Yet know it we do—perhaps mistakenly, haphazardly, or too informally, but knowledge claims about race permeate everyday life in the United States. In addition, what we understand or assume about race changes as our practices of knowledge production also change. Until recently, a consensus held among social scientists—predicated, in part, upon findings by geneticists in the 1970s about the structure of human genetic variability—that “race is socially constructed.” In the early 2000s, following the successful sequencing of the human genome, a series of counter-claims challenging the social construction consensus was formulated by some geneticists who sought to support the role of genes in explaining race. This volume arises out of the fracturing of that consensus and the attendant recognition that asserting a constructionist stance is no longer a tenable or sufficient response to the surge of knowledge claims about race.Contributors: Ron Eglash, Clarence C. Gravlee, John Hartigan, Linda M. Hunt, Kuzawa W. Kuzawa, Sandra Soo-Jin Lee, Jeffrey C. Long, Pamela L. Sankar, Zaneta M. Thayer, Nicole Truesdell
£26.96
Springer Nature Switzerland AG On the Nature of Ecological Paradox
Book SynopsisThis work is a large, powerfully illustrated interdisciplinary natural sciences volume, the first of its kind to examine the critically important nature of ecological paradox, through an abundance of lenses: the biological sciences, taxonomy, archaeology, geopolitical history, comparative ethics, literature, philosophy, the history of science, human geography, population ecology, epistemology, anthropology, demographics, and futurism. The ecological paradox suggests that the human biological–and from an insular perspective, successful–struggle to exist has come at the price of isolating H. sapiens from life-sustaining ecosystem services, and far too much of the biodiversity with which we find ourselves at crisis-level odds. It is a paradox dating back thousands of years, implicating millennia of human machinations that have been utterly ruinous to biological baselines. Those metrics are examined from numerous multidisciplinary approaches in this thoroughly original work, which aids readers, particularly natural history students, who aspire to grasp the far-reaching dimensions of the Anthropocene, as it affects every facet of human experience, past, present and future, and the rest of planetary sentience.With a Preface by Dr. Gerald Wayne Clough, former Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution and President Emeritus of the Georgia Institute of Technology. Foreword by Robert Gillespie, President of the non-profit, Population Communication.Table of Contents
£40.49
Springer Nature Switzerland AG Empirically Engaged Evolutionary Ethics
Book SynopsisA growing body of evidence from the sciences suggests that our moral beliefs have an evolutionary basis. To explain how human morality evolved, some philosophers have called for the study of morality to be naturalized, i.e., to explain it in terms of natural causes by looking at its historical and biological origins. The present literature has focused on the link between evolution and moral realism: if our moral beliefs enhance fitness, does this mean they track moral truths? In spite of the growing empirical evidence, these discussions tend to remain high-level: the mere fact that morality has evolved is often deemed enough to decide questions in normative and meta-ethics. This volume starts from the assumption that the details about the evolution of morality do make a difference, and asks how. It presents original essays by authors from various disciplines, including philosophy, anthropology, developmental psychology, and primatology, who write in conversation with neuroscience, sociology, and cognitive psychology.Table of Contents1. Situating empirically engaged evolutionary ethicsJohan De Smedt and Helen De CruzPart I. The nuts and bolts of evolutionary ethics2. Dual-process theories, cognitive decoupling and the outcome-to-intent shift: A developmental perspective on evolutionary ethicsGordon P. D. Ingram and Camilo Moreno-Romero3. Not so hypocritical after all: Belief revision is adaptive and often unnoticedNeil Levy4. The chimpanzee stone accumulation ritual and the evolution of moral behaviorJames B. HarrodPart II. The evolution of moral cognition 5. Morality as an Evolutionary ExaptationMarcus Arvan6. Social animals and the potential for morality: On the cultural exaptation of behavioral capacities required for normativityEstelle Palao7. Against the evolutionary debunking of morality: Deconstructing a philosophical mythAlejandro RosasPart III. The cultural evolution of morality8. The cultural evolution of extended benevolenceAndrés Carlos Luco9. The contingency of the cultural evolution of morality, debunking, and theism vs. naturalismMatthew Braddock10. Morality as cognitive scaffolding in the nucleus of the Mesoamerican cosmovisionAlfredo Robles-Zamora
£89.99
Springer Nature Switzerland AG Biotremology: Physiology, Ecology, and Evolution
Book SynopsisBiotremology is a new and emerging discipline in biological sciences that covers all aspects of behavior associated with substrate-borne mechanical waves. This volume provides state-of-the-art reviews and technical contributions from leading experts and invited younger researchers on topics from signal production and transmission to perception in its ecological context. Reviews about the knowledge of well-studied groups are complemented with perspectives on the study of less-explored groups or contexts. Special attention is given to practical issues in measuring substrate-borne vibrations as well as to applied biotremology. The book appeals to all those interested in communication and vibrational behavior.Table of ContentsPart I. Studying Vibrational Behavior: Ideas, Concepts and History 1. Peggy S. M. Hill, Valerio Mazzoni, Peter Narins, Meta Virant-Doberlet & Andreas Wessel Quo Vadis, Biotremology? 2. Peggy S. M. Hill, Meta Virant-Doberlet & Andreas Wessel What is Biotremology? 3. John A. Endler Biotremology and Sensory Ecology 4. René-Guy Busnel, Francois Pasquinelly & Bernard Dumortier [transl. & ed. by Hannelore Hoch, Marie-Claire Busnel & Peggy S. M. Hill] Body Tremulations and their Transmission as Vibrations for Short Distance Information Transfer between Ephippiger Male and Female (1955) Part II. The State of the Field: Concepts and Frontiers in Vibrational Behavior 5. Sebastian Oberst, Joseph C. S. Lai & Theodore A. Evans Physical Basis of Vibrational Behavior: Channel Properties, Noise and Excitation signal extraction 6. Rafael L. Rodríguez Copulatory Courtship with Vibrational Signals 7. Andrej Čokl, Maria Carolina Blassioli-Moraes, Raul Alberto Laumann, Alenka Žunič & Miguel Borges Stinkbugs Multisensory Communication with Chemical and Vibratory Signals Transmitted Through Different Media Part III. Practical Issues in Studying Vibrational Behavior 8. Rok Šturm, Jernej Polajnar & Meta Virant-Doberlet Practical Issues in Studying Natural Vibroscape and Biotic Noise 9. Gašper Korinšek, Tadej Tuma & Meta Virant-Doberlet Automated Vibrational Signal Recognition and Playback Part IV. Vibration Detection and Orientation 10. Matthew J. Mason & Léa M. D. Wenger Mechanisms of Vibration Detection in Mammals 11. Johannes Strauß, Nataša Stritih Peljhan & Reinhard Lakes-Harlan Determining Vibroreceptor Sensitivity in Insects: The Influence of Experimental Parameters and Recording Techniques 12. Felix A. Hager & Wolfgang H. Kirchner Directionality in Insect Vibration Sensing: Behavioral Studies of Vibrational Orientation Part V. Biology and Evolution of Vibrational Behavior in Some Well-Studied Taxa 13. Caitlin O’Connell-Rodwell, Xiying Guan & Sunil Puria Vibrational Behavior in Elephants 14. Peter M. Narins Seismic Communication in the Amphibia with Special Emphases on the Anura 15. Monika J. B. Eberhard & Mike D. Picker Vibrational Communication in Heelwalkers (Mantophasmatodea) 16. Felix A. Hager, Kathrin Krausa & Wolfgang H. Kirchner Vibrational Behavior in Termites (Isoptera) Part VI. Applied Biotremology 17. Valerio Mazzoni, Rachele Nieri, Anna Eriksson, Meta Virant-Doberlet, Jernej Polajnar, Gianfranco Anfora & Andrea Lucchi Mating Disruption by Vibrational Signals: State of the Field and Perspectives 18. Shira D. Gordon & Rodrigo Krugner Mating Disruption by Vibrational Signals: Applications for Management of the Glassy-winged Sharpshooter 19. Jernej Polajnar, Lara Maistrello, Aya Ibrahim & Valerio Mazzoni Can Vibrational Playback Improve Control of an Invasive Stink bug? 20. Richard W. Mankin Vibrational Trapping and Interference with Mating of Diaphorina citri 21. Richard Hofstetter, Nicholas Aflitto, Carol L. Bedoya, Kasey Yturralde & David D. Dunn Vibrational Behavior in Bark Beetles: Applied Aspects Part VII. Outreach and Resources 22. Carrie L. Hall & Daniel R. Howard Shaking it up in the Classroom: Coupling Biotremology and Active Learning Pedagogy to Promote Authentic Discovery 23. Karl-Heinz Frommolt, Hannelore Hoch & Andreas Wessel Call for the Establishment of a VibroLibrary at the Animal Sound Archive Berlin 24. Tomas Saraceno, Ally Bisshop, Adrian Krell & Roland Mühlethaler The Arachnid Orchestras: Artistic Research in Vibrational Interspecies Communication 25. Matija Gogala and Boštjan Perovšek Bioacoustic Music Inspired by Biotremological Research
£179.99
Springer Nature Switzerland AG Systematics, Evolution, and Ecology of
Book SynopsisThis book presents a synthesis of critical new information for the Melastomataceae, one of the ten richest families among flowering plants with over 5,800 species that has its diversity highly concentrated in tropical or subtropical areas. It describes the family’s global diversity and distribution and summarizes recent advances in systematics, evolution, biogeography, reproductive biology and ecology.Trade Review“The book Systematics, Evolution, and Ecology of Melastomataceae is a comprehensive and up-to-date synthesis of our knowledge on a fascinating, widely distributed, and highly diversified family of flowering plants. … I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the Melastomataceae, or in tropical plant diversity in general. It is an essential resource for students, researchers, and conservationists.” (Marcelo Trovó, Brazilian Journal of Botany, Vol. 46 (4), 2023)Table of ContentsForeword Preface Section I – An introduction to Melastomataceae 1. Melastomataceae diversity and distribution 2. History of Classification of the Melastomataceae 3. General morphology and terminology 4. Historical biogeography of Melastomataceae Section II – Systematics 5. An overview of Melastomataceae classification and phylogenetics 6. Revisiting character evolution in the Myrtales and its bearing on classification: Should the circumscription of Melastomataceae include the “memecyloids”? 7. Systematics of Kibessieae 8. Systematics of Astronieae 9. Phylogeny and systematics of Henrietteeae 10. The tribe Miconieae: many genera or one genus? 11. Systematics and taxonomy of the Merianieae 12. Systematics of Bertolonieae and Trioleneae 13. Systematics of Blakeeae 14. The tribe Cyphostyleae; exceptions that prove the rules 15. Systematics of Sonerileae and Dissocheteae: creating order out of chaos 16. Systematics of Cambessedesieae 17. Systematics of Rhexieae 18. Systematics of Microlicieae 19. Systematic studies in the Neotropical tribe Marcetieae 20. Melastomateae: a review on the taxonomic history, morphology, molecular phylogeny and biogeography Section III – Evolution: Morphology, Biology, Reproduction and Biogeography 21. Comparative floral ontogeny of Melastomataceae 22. Seed morphological features in Melastomataceae 23. Patterns of Chromosome Number Diversity and Evolution in the Melastomataceae 24. Apomixis in Melastomataceae: Diversity of developmental mechanisms and ecological consequences 25. Pollination syndromes and flower diversification in Melastomataceae 26. Stamen diversity in Melastomataceae: morphology, color and function 27. Patterns of diversification of Miconia (Miconieae) in the Greater and Lesser Antilles 28. Colonization by Melastomataceae and its diversification in the Atlantic Forest 29. A review of the paleobotanical record of Melastomataceae Section IV – Ecology 30. Shapes of species responses to soil fertility in lowland Amazonian Melastomataceae 31. Seed germination ecology in Neotropical Melastomataceae 32. Seed dispersal ecology in Neotropical Melastomataceae 33. Myrmecophytism in the Melastomataceae Section V – Melastomataceae and humans 34. How non-native invasive Melastomataceae inform a greater understanding of the biology and genetics of the family Conclusion and future prospects
£179.99
Springer International Publishing AG The Social Impulse: The Evolution and
Book SynopsisThis book is an exploration of the integration-differentiation dynamics that result in a drive, or impulse, toward human sociality, arguing that our need to connect with other people is as fundamental as our need for food and shelter. In The Social Impulse: The Evolution and Neuroscience of What Brings Us Together, Jaime Pineda presents the evidence that social cohesion is a complementary force to natural selection, the Darwinian drive for differentiation and diversity. The book addresses the distinctive aspects of social behavior that arise from integration principles and seeks to answer the following questions: (1) Why does social cohesion arise? (2) What is the history of social dynamics? (3) How does social cohesion work? (4) When do the developmental aspects of social dynamics arise? A final section of the book addresses the value of sociality and social cohesion. By exploring the differences, similarities, and, most important, the interactivity between natural selection and social cohesion, this unique book provides a wealth of interesting, challenging, and unexpected insights.Table of ContentsTable of Contents Part I Differentiation-Integration Dynamics: Ultimate Causes Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1 Darwinian Dilemmas 1.2 Lingering Issues in the Social Domain 1.3 Goals and Themes Chapter 2: Purposeless Design 2.1 System of Synthetic Philosophy 2.2 The Supreme Law of Every Becoming 2.3 Revolutionary Ideas 2.4 Social Evolution Chapter 3: Darwinian Evolutionary Theory 3.1 The Incompleteness of Natural Selection 3.2 Group or Multilevel Selection 3.3 Gene-Culture Coevolution in Humans 3.4 Lamarckian Evolution and Epigenetics 3.5 Filling in a Darwinian Gap Chapter 4: Principles of Differentiation and Integration 4.1 Integrating the Processes of Evolution 4.2 Fundamental, Opposing Forces 4.3 Decreased Interdependency, Increased Complexity 4.4 Decreased Autonomy, Increased Function 4.5 Integration and Differentiation in the Brain Chapter 5: The Information Trend in Science 5.1 Evolution as Information 5.2 Features of Scientific Integration 5.3 Vertical Integration of Information 5.4 Horizontal Integration Chapter 6: Is Social Cohesion a Different Mechanism of Evolution? 6.1 Not Parallel, but Interactive and Intentional 6.2 Cultural Innovations as Traits 6.3 Cumulative Culture, Groups, and Social Cohesion 6.4 The Role of Communication 6.5 Sociocultural Primitives and Self-Organization Part II Roots and Mechanisms: Proximate Causes Chapter 7: Fundamental Physical Forces, Genes, and Epigenetics 7.1 Entropy and Negentropy in Evolution 7.2 Eusociality and Prosociality Responses to Evolutionary Pressures 7.3 Genetic Transition to Eusociality and Prosociality 7.4 The Impact of Epigenetics on Sociality Chapter 8: Biological Origins 8.1 From Unicellular to Multicellular Life 8.2 Cell Signaling and Adhesion 8.3 Phylogenetic Continuity 8.4 Mathematical Aggregation and Cohesiveness Chapter 9: Neural Mechanisms of Sociality 9.1 The Social Brain 9.2 Phylogeny of Social Behavior 9.3 Group Dynamics and Knowledge of Others 9.4 Social Intersubjectivity and the Insular Cortex 9.5 Interpersonal Neurobiology Chapter 10: Psychological Features 10.1The Cognitivism Paradigm 10.2Psychological Mechanisms of Social Cognition 10.3The Role of Imitation Learning 10.4Evolutionary Psychology, Memes, and Culture Chapter 11: Cognitive Science Underpinnings 11.1Social Cognition and Cohesiveness 11.2Empathy and Compassion 11.3Phylogenetic Primitives and Ontogenetic Continuity 11.4Constraints on the Becoming Function 11.5Phenomenology: The Lived Experience Chapter 12: A Sociological Systems Theory 12.1Societal Differentiations 12.2Structurally Linked Sociality and Social Cohesion 12.3Social Enactivism and Collective Rituals in the Wild Chapter 13: Developmental Roots 13.1Developmental Evolutionary Psychology 13.2History of Cognitive Development 13.3Social Brain Networks 13.4The Importance of Language 13.5Architecture of the Linguistic Systems Chapter 14: Metaphysical, Religious, and Spiritual Aspects 14.1Metaphysics and Religious Transformation of Reality 14.2The Importance of Myths: A Story of Origins 14.3Integration as the Search for Unity 14.4Evolution and Democratization of the Religious Impulse 14.5Cultural Aspects of Religion Part III Survival Value Chapter 15: Sociality’s Survival Value 15.1Filling in the Explanatory Gaps 15.2Benefits of a More Synthetic Theory 15.3Wise Managers of Evolutionary Processes 15.4Social Cohesion and Sociality 15.5Why Males Court and Females Choose 15.6Doing and Undoing Complexity 15.7Emergent General Intelligence Part IV Conclusions Chapter 16: A New Framework: A Theory of Integration 16.1Refinement of the Darwinian Framework 16.2Sociality as Constraint-Satisfaction and Self-Organizing 16.3Origins of Social Cohesion 16.4Sociocultural Development of Sociality 16.5Final Thoughts Appendix Poem: Song of the Shattering Vessels References Index
£123.49
Springer International Publishing AG Flowers in Amber
Book SynopsisWhile much attention has been given to animal life in amber, the remains of a variety of plants, including angiosperm flowers, also exist in fossilized resin. Presented here is a pictorial synopsis of 94 flowers that occur in four major amber deposits around the world. These deposits are from Burma (Myanmar), the Baltic area, the Dominican Republic and Mexico, and range in age from the mid-Cretaceous to the mid-Tertiary. The basic features of these flowers are presented and their relationship with existing plant lineages discussed. This work will be of interest to amber enthusiasts, plant taxonomists, plant morphologists, plant ecologists, plant evolutionists and plant paleontologists. Trade Review“Flowers in Amber, is the first volume solely focused on amber flowers and is an extraordinary contribution to science. … The 156 references cited throughout the volume will be appreciated by all readers interested in learning more details about the topics discussed by Poinar. The book is profusely illustrated with 250 photographs and is being offered at a very reasonable price, making it quite accessible to anyone interested in amber fossils.” (Fernando E. Vega, The Quarterly Review of Biology, Vol. 98 (2), June, 2023)Table of Contents Introduction The miracle of amber Floral characteristics Burmese amber flowers Summary of Burmese amber flowers Table of Burmese amber flowers Key to Burmese amber flowers Baltic amber flowers Summary of newly discovered Baltic amber flowers Table of newly discovered Baltic amber flowers Key to newly discovered Baltic amber flowers Dominican amber flowers Summary of Dominican amber flowers Table of Dominican amber flowers Key to Dominican amber flowers Mexican amber flowers Summary of Mexican amber flowers Table of Mexican amber flowers Key to Mexican amber flowers General conclusions References
£56.99
Springer International Publishing AG Evolutionary Biology: Contemporary and Historical
Book SynopsisThis book is reflecting upon core theories in evolutionary biology – in a historical as well as contemporary context. It exposes the main areas of interest for discussion, but more importantly draws together hypotheses and future research directions. The Modern Synthesis (MS), sometimes referred to as Standard Evolutionary Theory (SET), in evolutionary biology has been well documented and discussed, but was also critically scrutinized over the last decade. Researchers from diverse disciplinary backgrounds have claimed that there is a need for an extension to that theory, and have called for an Extended Evolutionary Synthesis (EES). The book starts with an introductory chapter that summarizes the main points of the EES claim and indicates where those points receive treatment later in the book. This introduction to the subjects can either serve as an initiation for readers new to the debate, or as a guide for those looking to pursue particular lines of enquiry. The following chapters are organized around historical perspectives, theoretical and philosophical approaches and the use of specific biological models to inspect core ideas. Both empirical and theoretical contributions have been included. The majority of chapters are addressing various aspects of the EES position, and reflecting upon the MS. Some of the chapters take historical perspectives, analyzing various details of the MS and EES claims. Others offer theoretical and philosophical analyses of the debate, or take contemporary findings in biology and discuss those findings and their possible theoretical interpretations. All of the chapters draw upon actual biology to make their points. This book is written by practicing biologists and behavioral biologists, historians and philosophers - many of them working in interdisciplinary fields. It is a valuable resource for historians and philosophers of biology as well as for biologists. Chapters 8, 20, 22 and 33 are available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.Table of ContentsSee attachments
£161.99
Springer International Publishing AG Essays on the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis:
Book SynopsisFrom the ‘punctuated equilibrium' of Eldrege and Gould, through Lewontin's ‘triple helix' and the various visions and revisions of the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis (EES) of Laland and others, both data and theory have demanded an opening-up of the 1950's Evolutionary Synthesis that so firmly wedded evolutionary theory to the mathematics of gene frequency analysis. It can, however, be argued that a single deep and comprehensive mathematical theory may simply not be possible for the almost infinite varieties of evolutionary process active at and across the full range of scales of biological, social, institutional, and cultural phenomena. Indeed, the case history of 'meme theory' should have raised a red flag that narrow gene-centered models of evolutionary process may indeed have serious limitations. What is attempted here is less grand, but still broader than a gene-centered analysis. Following the instruction of Maturana and Varela that all living systems are cognitive, in a certain sense, and that living as a process is a process of cognition, the asymptotic limit theorems of information and control theories that bound all cognition provide a basis for constructing an only modestly deep but wider-ranging series of probability models that might be converted into useful statistical tools for the analysis of observational and experimental data related to evolutionary process. The line of argument in this series of interrelated essays proves to be surprisingly direct.Table of Contents1 Onthemajortransitions1.1 Introduction1.2 Symmetryandsymmetry-breaking1.3 Resources1.4 Cognitioninnonergodicsystems1.5 Theprebiotic`bigbang'1.6 Biological`recombinationtransparency'1.7 Asimpleapplication1.8 Specializationandcooperation:multipleworkspaces1.9 Discussion1. MathematicalAppendix1. References2 OntheExtendedEvolutionarySynthesis2.1 Introduction2.2 Firstnotions2.3 Thebasictheory2.4 Examples2.5 Moretheory:selectionpressureasshadowprice2.6 Extendingthemodels2.7 Discussion2.8 MathematicalAppendix2.9 References3O nregulation3.1 Introduction3.2 Theory3.3 Applications3.4 Discussion3.5 MathematicalAppendix3.6 References4 Punctuatedregulationasanevolutionarymechanism4.1 Introduction4.2 FisherZerosreconsidered4.3 ExtinctionI:Simplenoise-inducedtransitions4.4 ExtinctionII:Morecomplicatednoise-inducedtransitions4.5 ExtinctionIII:Environmentalshadowprice4.6 Discussion4.7 MathematicalAppendix4.8 References5 Institutionaldynamicsunderselectionpressureanduncertainty5.1 Introduction5.2 ARateDistortionTheoremmodelofcontrol5.3 Selectionpressuredynamics5.4 Destabilizationbydelay5.5 ExtendingtheDataRateTheorem5.6 Movingon5.7 Reconsideringcognition\textit{AnSich5.8 Changingtheviewpoint5.9 Discussion5. References6O n`Speciation':Fragmentsizeininformationsystemphasetransitions6.1 Introduction6.2`Simple'phasetransition6.3 Phasetransitionsinnetworksofinformation-exchangemodules6.4 Discussion6.5 MathematicalAppendix:`Biological'renormalizations6.6 References7 Adaptingcognitionmodelstobiomolecularcondensatedynamics7.1 Introduction7.2 Resources7.3 Cognition7.4 PhasetransitionsI:Fisherzeros7.5 Cognitive`reactionrate'7.6 PhasetransitionsII:Signaltransductionandnoise7.7 Discussion7.8 MathematicalAppendix:Groupoids7.9 References8 EvolutionaryExaptation:Sharedinterbrainactivityinsocialcommunication8.1 Introduction8.2 Correlation8.3 Cognition8.4 Dynamics8.5 Cognitionrate8.6 Anexample8.7 Cooperation:Multipleworkspaces8.8 Networktopologyisimportant8.9 Timeandresourceconstraintsareimportant8.10 Furthertheoreticaldevelopment8.11 Discussion8.12 MathematicalAppendix8.13 References9 Afterward
£37.99
De Gruyter Morphology and Systematics: Phytophaga
Book SynopsisThis book is the third volume in the Handbook of Zoology series which treats the systematics and biology of Coleoptera. With approximately 350,000 described species, Coleoptera are by far the most species-rich order of insects and the largest group of animals of comparable geological age. This third Coleoptera volume completes the Morphology and Systematics volumes with 43 chapters and covers one of the largest radiations of beetles, the mainly plant-feeding Phytophaga, with information on world distribution, biology, morphology of all life stages (including anatomy), phylogeny and comments on taxonomy.Trade Review"This volume is certainly a milestone in weevil systematics and will be so for a long time."Rolf Oberprieler, CSIRO Australia
£253.35
Springer International Publishing AG Unraveling the Voynich Codex
Book SynopsisUnraveling the Voynich Codex reviews the historical, botanical, zoological, and iconographic evidence related to the Voynich Codex, one of the most enigmatic historic texts of all time. The bizarre Voynich Codex has often been referred to as the most mysterious book in the world. Discovered in an Italian Catholic college in 1912 by a Polish book dealer Wilfrid Voynich, it was eventually bequeathed to the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library of Yale University. It contains symbolic language that has defied translation by eminent cryptologists. The codex is encyclopedic in scope and contains sections known as herbal, pharmaceutical, balenological (nude nymphs bathing in pools), astrological, cosmological and a final section of text that may be prescriptions but could be poetry or incantations. Because the vellum has been carbon dated to the early 15th century and the manuscript was known to be in the collection of Emperor Rudolf II of the Holy Roman Empire sometime between 1607 and 1622, current dogma had assumed it a European manuscript of the 15th century. However, based on identification of New World plants, animals, a mineral, as well as cities and volcanos of Central Mexico, the authors of this book reveal that the codex is clearly a document of colonial New Spain. Furthermore, the illustrator and author are identified as native to Mesoamerica based on a name and ligated initials in the first botanical illustration. This breakthrough in Voynich studies indicates that the failure to decipher the manuscript has been the result of a basic misinterpretation of its origin in time and place. Tentative assignment of the Voynichese symbols also provides a key to decipherment based on Mesoamerican languages. A document from this time, free from filter or censor from either Spanish or Inquisitorial authorities has major importance in our understanding of life in 16th century Mexico. Publisher's Note: For the eBook editions, Voynichese symbols are only rendered properly in the PDF format.Trade Review“For future research on the codex, I would recommend more engagement with historians, but these authors are to be recognized for their detailed and multi faceted, multi-disciplinary study of this enigmatic work.” (Paula Devos, Economic Botany, Vol. 74 (2), 2020)“The overall impression one has of this remarkable work is that botanical expertise has significantly advanced our understanding of the Voynich Codex. … Tucker and Janick have given those who have taken an interest in unraveling this mystery outstanding material with which to continue their lively debate over its origins and meaning.” (Irwin Goldman, Chronica Horticulturae, Vol. 59 (1), 2019)Table of Contents
£49.49
Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. KG Flowering Plants. Eudicots: Malpighiales
Book Synopsis This volume presents systematic treatments for the families and genera of the Malpighiales, which more recently have been recognised as a new major group of the eudicots. Apart from several herbaceous lineages (already treated in Vol. IX of this series), the order consists mainly of rainforest trees, particularly those of the understorey. Accompanied by other early eudicot lineages, this reflects the well-documented origin of the group as invaders into the conifer-, cycad- and seed fern-dominated forests of the Cretaceous which, at that time, were transformed into the tropical rainforest biome. In this volume, 24 families with 429 genera comprising over 12,000 species are treated. Many of these belong to the vast family of the Euphorbiaceae (here conceived in a broader sense), followed by the Violaceae, whereas some of the remaining families are very small and even relictual. The revised classification includes a complete inventory of the genera belonging to the families treated in this volume, along with their diagnostic features and keys for their identification. References to the latest taxonomic literature and links to many different disciplines important to modern plant systematics make the volume a valuable source of information on the manifold aspects of plant diversity.Table of ContentsIntroduction to MalpighialesK. KubitzkiBalanopaceaeK. KubitzkiCaryocaraceaeG.T. PranceCentroplacaeaeK. KubitzkiChrysobalanaceaeG.T. PranceCtenolophonaceaeK. KubitzkiDichapetalaceaeG.T. PranceElatinaceaeK. KubitzkiErythroxylaceaeV. BittrichEuphorbiaceaeG.L. Webster †EuphroniaceaeK. KubitzkiGoupiaceaeK. KubitzkiHumiriaceaeK. KubitzkiIrvingiaceaeK. KubitzkiIxonanthaceaeK. KubitzkiLinaceaeS. Dressler, M. Repplinger and C. BayerLophopyxidaceaeK. KubitzkiMedusagynaceae W.C. Dickison †OchnaceaeM.C.E. Amaral and V. BittrichPandaceaeK. KubitzkiPutranjivaceaeG. LevinQuiinaceaeK. KubitzkiRhizophoraceaeA.E. SchwarzbachTrigoniaceaeV. BittrichViolaceaeH.E. Ballard, Jr., J. de Paula-Souza and G.A. WahlertAddition to PeridiscaceaeC. Bayer and S. DresslerGeneral ReferencesIndex
£161.99
Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden Das optimistische Gehirn: Warum wir nicht anders
Book SynopsisDas Gehirn ist die Zuversicht in Person Wie erzeugt unser Gehirn Hoffnung? Wie bringt es uns dazu, positiv in die Zukunft zu blicken? Was geschieht, wenn ihm das nicht gelingt? Wie unterscheiden sich die Gehirne von Optimisten und Pessimisten? Warum ist für die einen das Glas halbvoll, für die anderen halbleer? Tali Sharots These: Optimismus ist so überlebenswichtig für uns, dass er in unserem kompliziertesten Organ, dem Gehirn, fest verankert ist. „Wir haben die rosarote Brille auf, als Acht- wie als Achtzigjährige … Dabei sind wir uns unserer Neigung zum Optimismus oft gar nicht bewusst. Im Grunde ist der unrealistische Optimismus gerade deshalb so machtvoll, weil er – wie viele andere Illusionen – gar nicht vollständig unserer bewussten Entscheidung zugänglich ist.“ Faszinierend … Selbst wenn Sie ein eingefleischter Zyniker sind, werden Sie überrascht sein zu erfahren, dass Ihr Gehirn eine rosarote Brille aufhat, ob Sie das nun mögen oder nicht. National Public Radio Sharot beschreibt ihre Forschung in packenden Geschichten und macht dabei die komplizierte Wissenschaft leicht zugänglich. Ein Buch für alle, die jene biologischen Prozesse verstehen wollen, die unsere Sicht auf die Welt bestimmen. Positive Psychology News Daily Ein intelligent geschriebener Bericht über die Neigung der meisten Menschen, das Leben optimistisch zu sehen. New York Journal of Books ____Die Neurowissenschaftlerin Tali Sharot erkundet in diesem Buch unsere Neigung zum Optimismus, die auf neuronaler Ebene in unserem Gehirn festgeschrieben ist und entscheidend darüber mitbestimmt, wie wir unser Leben leben. Die meisten Menschen besitzen, wie die Psychologie schon lange weiß, eine unverbesserlich positive Weltsicht – auch wenn es ihnen selbst gar nicht bewusst ist. Vielleicht ist Optimismus sogar entscheidend für unsere Existenz. Tali Sharots Untersuchungen und Experimente auf dem Gebiet der Kognitionswissenschaft gewähren uns tiefe Einblicke in die biologischen Grundlagen des positiven Denkens. In ihrem leicht lesbaren Sachbuch zum Thema geht sie vielen spannenden Fragen auf den Grund: warum wir mit unseren Vermutungen darüber, was uns glücklich machen wird, so oft danebenliegen, welche Wirkung es hat, wenn wir Ereignisse vorwegnehmen oder fürchten, wie unser Gehirn Gefühle der Zuversicht und Hoffnung erzeugt und was passiert, wenn es sich irrt, wie sich die Gehirne von Optimisten und Pessimisten unterscheiden, wie Emotionen unser Erinnerungsvermögen beeinflussen oder wie unser unrealistischer Optimismus unsere finanziellen, beruflichen und emotionalen Entscheidungen prägt. Das optimistische Gehirn ist eine wissenschaftlich anspruchsvolle und gleichzeitig unterhaltsame Lektüre, die uns einen neuen Blick auf die Funktionsweise des Gehirns vermittelt.Trade Review“... Wissenschaftlich anspruchsvolle und komplexe Themen werden von der Autorin in einem interessanten Taschenbuch mit unterhaltsamen Geschichten und Experimenten dargestellt. ... Ein wissenschaftlich fundiertes Buch der anderen Art.” (Sandra Fuchs, in: Psychologie FoxBlog, sanfuchs1979.wordpress.com, 30. April 2016)“... gibt es in diesem empfehlenswerten Taschenbuch eine Fülle spannender Informationen und die Lektüre führt dazu, das eigene Denken und Handeln besser zu verstehen.“ (Karl Schäfer, in: Amazon.de, 2.November.2015)Faszinierend … Selbst wenn Sie ein eingefleischter Zyniker sind, werden Sie überrascht sein zu erfahren, dass Ihr Gehirn eine rosarote Brille aufhat, ob Sie das nun mögen oder nicht. National Public Radio Sharot beschreibt ihre Forschung in packenden Geschichten und macht dabei die komplizierte Wissenschaft leicht zugänglich. Ein Buch für alle, die jene biologischen Prozesse verstehen wollen, die unsere Sicht auf die Welt bestimmen. Positive Psychology News Daily Ein intelligent geschriebener Bericht über die Neigung der meisten Menschen, das Leben optimistisch zu sehen. New York Journal of Books Liefert evolutionäre, neurowissenschaftliche und sogar fast philosophische Gründe für Optimismus … Ein Buch, das ich jedem empfehlen kann. ForbesEin faszinierendes Lesevergnügen ... gewährt einen hervorragenden Einblick in [Sharots] oft geniale Experimente. BBC Focus Magazine Ein einsichtsreiches, an Oliver Sacks erinnerndes Erstlingswerk. The Village VoiceWas für ein Genuss. Ein charmantes, anregendes und leicht verständliches Buch einer Wissenschaftlerin, die zu erzählen versteht. Richard Thaler. Autor von Nudge. Wie man kluge Entscheidungen anstößt Weitere Stimmen zur englischen Ausgabe “Very enjoyable, highly original and packed with eye-opening insight, this is a beautifully written book that really brings psychology alive.” —Simon Baron-Cohen, author of The Science of Evil “If you read her story, you’ll get a better grip on how we function in it. I’m optimistic about that.” —Richard Stengel, Time “Once I started reading The Optimism Bias, I could not put it down.” —Louisa Jewell, Positive Psychology News Daily “With rare talent Sharot takes us on an unforgettable tour of the hopes, traps and tricks of our brains. . . . A must-read.” —David Eagleman, author of Incognito “A fascinating yet accessible exploration of how and why our brains construct a positive outlook on life.” —BrainPickings.org “Lively, conversational. . . . A well-told, heartening report from neuroscience’s front lines.” —Kirkus Reviews “Most readers will turn to the last page not only buoyed by hope but also aware of the sources and benefits of that hope.” —BooklistTable of ContentsProlog: Ist das Glas immer halbvoll? - Wo ist oben? - Sind Tiere Gefangene des Augenblicks? - Ist Optimismus eine selbsterfüllende Prophezeiung? - Was haben Barack Obama und Shirley Temple gemeinsam? - Wissen Sie im Voraus, was Sie glücklich machen wird? - Krokusse, die durch den Schnee brechen? - Warum sind Freitage besser als Sonntage? - Warum sehen Dinge besser aus, nachdem wir uns für sie entschieden haben? - Sind unsere Erinnerungen an den 11. September so exakt, wie wir denken? - Warum ist es besser, den Krebs zu besiegen, als die Tour de France zu gewinnen? - Hat der Optimismus eine Schattenseite? - Epilog: Eine hübsche Mademoiselle oder eine traurige Alte? – Danksagung.- Anmerkungen.- Index.
£18.19
Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden Biodiversität und Erdgeschichte
Book SynopsisDieses inspirierende und motivierende Lehrbuch zeichnet fächerübergreifend ein beeindruckendes Gesamtbild der biologischen Vielfalt. Spannende Aspekte der Evolution der Erde und des Lebens werden durch interdisziplinäre Verknüpfung geowissenschaftlicher und biowissenschaftlicher Aspekte aus einer ganz neuen Perspektive anschaulich vermittelt. Der Schwerpunkt liegt hierbei – unter Einbeziehung aktuellster wissenschaftlicher Erkenntnisse – auf dem Verständnis von Konzepten und Mechanismen.Dieses Buch richtet sich an Studierende der Bio- und Geowissenschaften und an alle an der Vielfalt des Lebens interessierten Leser. Das innovative Lehrbuchkonzept regt – gleichzeitig als Lesebuch, Bilderbuch und Lexikon der organismischen Biologie – sowohl Anfänger als auch Fortgeschrittene zu einem visuellen und intuitiven Lernen an. Jede Doppelseite bietet ein in sich geschlossenes, anschaulich bebildertes Kapitel mit themenbezogenem Glossar und weiterführenden Verweisen. Für Dozenten und Lehrer, für Schule und Hochschule bietet dieses Buch ein reichhaltiges Nachschlagewerk und einen umfassenden Fundus an didaktisch durchdachten und lernfreundlich illustrierten Lehrmaterialien.Der Inhalt reicht von der Entstehung der Erde über die geowissenschaftlichen Rahmenbedingungen und die Verknüpfung zwischen biologischer und geologischer Evolution bis zur Entstehung des Menschen von grundlegenden Mechanismen der Entstehung und Erhaltung der Diversität bis zur globalen Verteilung der heutigen Biodiversität von den Anfängen der biologischen Systematik in der griechischen Philosophie und der Bibel über die darwinsche Evolution und die Struktur und Funktion von Arten und Organismen bis zu den modernen Erkenntnissen der Megasystematik und Phylogenie. Mit diesem einzigartigen Konzept verschafft dieses Lehrbuch einen soliden Überblick über die Erdgeschichte und Biodiversität. Die Verknüpfung der verschiedenen Fachdisziplinen fördert das Verständnis übergeordneter Prinzipien und naturwissenschaftlicher Zusammenhänge.Trade Review“... ist das Buch außerordentlich eingänglich geschrieben, und der komplexe Sachverhalt mit vielen Abbildungen anschaulich untermauert. Man kann nur hoffen, dass es in Oberstufen der Schulen und Universitäten eine weite Verbreitung findet, um die ProbIeme, die sich um die Biodiversität ranken, einem großen Kreis wahrnehmbar zu machen.” (Ulrich Irmler, in: Faunistisch-Ökologische Mitteilungen (FÖAG), Jg. 9, Heft 11-12, 2016)“... Das Lehrbuch erhebt gerechtfertigt den Anspruch, ein verlässlichesNachschlage- und Referenzwerk für die bio-, umwelt- und agrarwissenschaftlichen Fachrichtungen zu sein.” (in: Allgemeines Ministerialblatt, Heft 8, 2015)“... für interessierte, fortgeschrittene Naturfreunde durchaus als bildende Lektüre und Anregung zur Beschäftigung mit vielen Details von der Erdgeschicht bis hin zu molekularbiologischen Erkenntnissen des Lebens empfohlen ... sehr beeindruckende Schlaglichter auf die Erdgeschichte und die Vielfalt des Lebens ... Die Stärke des Buches liegt vor allem auf vielen Übersichten, interdisziplinären Verknüpfungen und vielen didaktisch hervorragenden, übersichtlichen bildlichen Darstellungen von erdgeschichtlichen, phylogenetischen und strukturellen Fakten, von denen viele im Unterricht eingesetzt werden können. ” (Heinrich Dörfelt, in: Boletus, Jg. 36, Heft 2, 2015)Table of ContentsEinleitung.- Erdgeschichte Einleitung.- Erdgeschichte Präkambrium.- Erdgeschichte Phanerozoikum.- Erdgeschichte Paläozoikum.- Erdgeschichte Mesozoikum.- Erdgeschichte Känozoikum.- Einleitung Biogeographie und Biome, Art und Artbegriff.- Biome und Verteilung.- Megasystematik Grundlagen.- Megasystematik Unikonta.- Megasystematik Excavata.- Megasystematik Archaeplastida.- Megasystematik Rhizaria.- Megasystematik Chromalveolata.- Megasystematik Hacrobia.- Glossar.- Index.
£54.99
Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden Emergenzen auf der Stufe des Lebendigen
Book Synopsis Das Thema ‚Emergenzen in komplexen Systemen‘ wird derzeit viel diskutiert. Mit Emergenzen sind solche Strukturen und Eigenschaften eines Systems gemeint, die sich derzeit aus der Kenntnis der Teile des Systems und ihrer Wechselwirkungen nicht verstehen lassen. ‚Leben‘ zum Beispiel ist auch für den Molekularbiologen eine emergente Eigenschaft der Zelle, nicht aber ihrer Moleküle. ‚Bewusstsein‘ gilt nach wie vor als eine emergente Eigenschaft unseres Zentralnervensystems, nicht aber der einzelnen Neuronen. Emergenzen werden in Philosophie, Physik und Biologie unterschiedlich behandelt. Hans Mohr geht es vorrangig um eine zeitgerechte Würdigung der Bedeutung von Emergenzen bei der Erforschung komplexer Systeme in Biologie, Soziobiologie und Ökonomik.Table of ContentsBegriffliche Klärung.- Reduktion/Erklärung, Evolution, Leben/Bewusstsein.- Fallstudien in Thesenform.- Emergente Komplexität und Evolution, Rituale, Ökosysteme, Emergenzen und Meme.- Das Emergenzkonzept in der Soziobiologie.
£44.99
Springer Evolutionäre Medizin: Eine Einführung für
Book SynopsisWerner Buselmaier erläutert, dass die evolutionäre Medizin den Menschen als Ergebnis einer langen Entwicklung sieht. Diese Betrachtungsweise im Licht der Evolution ist für das Verständnis der Natur des gesunden wie des kranken Menschen von außerordentlicher Bedeutung. Die zunehmende Erkenntnis, dass es zum vollständigen Verständnis einer Krankheit sowohl unmittelbarer als auch evolutionsbiologischer Erklärungen bedarf, wird in allerjüngster Zeit auch in die Medizinerausbildung eingebracht.Trade Review“… ein ausführliches Lehrbuch zur Evolutionären Medizin ein Desiderat ist, bietet das Kompendium einen konkurrenzlos kompakten Einstieg, der nachdrücklich zur Lektüre zu empfehlen ist.” (fachbuchjournal, Jg. 8, Heft 5, Oktober 2016)Table of Contents
£11.77
Springer Spektrum Evolution
Book Synopsis1 Evolution.- 2 Selektion, Strategien und Zufall.- 3 Phylogenese.- 4 Evolutionäre Neuheiten.- 5 Adaptation.- 6 Vielfalt.- 7 Zwei Epiloge.
£37.99
Spektrum Akademischer Verlag Triebkraft Evolution - Vielfalt, Wandel,
Book SynopsisVorwort.- Peter Douglas Ward: Das Phänomen der lebenden Fossilien".- Glückspilze der Evolution" (Matthias Glaubrecht).- Ernst Mayr: Die Evolution der Organismen oder die Frage nach dem Warum".- Im Paradies der Luftmatratzen" (Ulf von Rauchhaupt).- Christian De Duve: Aus Staub geboren -- die Geschichte des Lebens auf der Erde".- Gott spielen" (Hubertus Breuer).- Mark Norell: Wer hat gesagt, Vögel seien keine Dinosaurier?".- Die Erfindung der Vogelfeder" (Josef H. Reichholf).- Jens Lorenz Franzen: Ursprung und Evolution der Pferde".- Mammutjagd auf Hoher See" (Florian Breier).- Richard Dawkins: Warum gibt es Menschen?".- Darwins kluge Erben" (Andreas Sentker).- Ian Tattersall: Wir waren nicht allein -- Homo sapiens und seine Vorläufer".- Der Alte" (Andreas Sentker/Urs Willmann).- Donald Johanson und Blake Edgar: Der Evolution des Menschen auf der Spur".- Der tumbe Kannibale" (Henning Engeln) .- Ralf W. Schmitz und Jürgen Thissen: Sind die Neandertaler unsere Vorfahren?" .- Zurück aus der Steinzeit" (Ulrich Bahnsen).- Gerd-Christian Weniger: Werkzeug und Wissen auf dem Weg zum kulturfähigen Menschen" .- Wunderwaffen aus Schöningen" (Kai Michel).- Geoffrey F. Miller: Einfallsreiches Werben der Ursprung menschlicher Kreativität".- Partnerwahl -- von wegen innere Werte" (Ivo Marusczyk).- Keith Harrison: Ist die Evolution des Menschen am Ende?".- Unsere nächsten Verwandten" (Ulrich Bahnsen).- Nachwort: Josef H. Reichholf: Die Macht der Evolution"
£14.99
Springer Verlag, Singapore Evolutionary Biology of Carabus Ground Beetles:
Book SynopsisThis book presents the whole picture of the ecological and evolutionary study on the ground beetle group, the subgenus Ohomopterus of the genus Carabus, endemic to Japan. This flightless beetle group consists of many geographic races. They show divergence in key traits for reproductive isolation—body size and genital morphology, which leads to coexistence of two or more species. This beetle group provides an important material to study how a lineage of organisms diversify and form multi-species assemblage, and thereby multiply their species richness. The book introduces novel genomic approaches to resolve questions about evolution of Ohomopterus. The readers will find that this story of evolution in Carabus beetles revealed by recent approaches is much different from what was told in previous literature.Exploring different cases across a wide range of lineages is important in constructing a synthetic theory of species radiation and richness, including speciation and species coexistence. This study on Ohomopterus beetles contributes to the ongoing discussion to understand how and why species multiply and how species richness increases in one area of our planet.Trade Review“The studies presented are inspiring in their scope, trajectory, and results, and I recommend this book to anyone interested in better understanding the bases of species richness and community assembly.” (David H. Kavanaugh, The Quarterly Review of Biology, Vol. 98 (2), June, 2023)Table of ContentsChapter 1. Introduction to the world of CarabusChapter 2. Ohomopterus: a species radiation with diversification of key traits for mechanical reproductive isolationChapter 3. Biology of OhomopterusChapter 4. Species assemblagesChapter 5. Natural hybridization and reproductive isolationChapter 6. Evolutionary history of OhomopterusChapter 7. Evolution of a key trait for species diversity: body sizeChapter 8. Evolution of a key trait for species diversity: genital morphologyChapter 9. Overview: How does species richness increase?Literature cited
£104.49
Springer Verlag, Singapore Molecular Systematics of Parasitic Helminths
Book SynopsisThis book aims to provide fundamental knowledge and information for research in molecular systematics on parasitic helminths (nematode, trematode, cestode). The shreds of evidence of molecular systematics studies will be compiled and discussed in terms of the utilities and pitfalls of the genetic marker used for various purposes, which have been implemented for molecular systematics of parasitic nematodes, cestodes, and trematodes. Moreover, this book will also provide the procedure for research on molecular systematics and DNA taxonomy as the guideline to explore parasitic helminths. Finally, the further perspectives of utilizing genetic markers for molecular studies on parasitic helminths will be addressed in the context of applications from the laboratory to fieldwork such as DNA barcoding and environmental DNA metabarcoding of parasitic helminths. The book will benefit postgraduate students and researchers requiring the detailed knowledge of molecular systematics, as well as researchers desiring a guideline to select genetic markers and analyze DNA sequences to make phylogenetic inferencesTable of Contents
£132.99
Springer Phylogeographic History of Plants and Animals
Book Synopsis
£151.99
