Description
Book SynopsisApproximately 99.9% of vertebrate species reproduce sexually. The exceptional 0.1% reproduce via asexual or clonal means, which vary wildly and are fascinating in their own right. In this book, John C. Avise describes the genetics, ecology, natural history, and evolution of the world''s approximately 100 species of vertebrate animal that routinely display one form or another of clonal or quasi-clonal reproduction. Approximately 99.9% of vertebrate species reproduce sexually. The exceptional 0.1% reproduce via asexual or clonal means, which vary wildly and are fascinating in their own right. In this book, John C. Avise describes the genetics, ecology, natural history, and evolution of the world''s approximately 100 species of vertebrate animal that routinely display one form or another of clonal or quasi-clonal reproduction. By considering the many facets of sexual abstinence and clonal reproduction in vertebrate animals, Avise sheds new light on the biological meaning and ramifications of standard sexuality.
Trade ReviewThe concepts in Clonality are vividly and entertainingly conveyed. [A] highly entertaining and thought-provoking book from a master of the field of evolutionary genetics. * Trends in Ecology and Evolution *
Table of ContentsPREFACE; PART I. BACKGROUND: LIKE BEGETS LIKE; CLONALITY AT THE GENE LEVEL: DNA REPLICATION; CLONALITY AT THE GENOMIC LEVEL: MITOSIS; CLONALITY IN THE CELLULAR CYTOPLASM: MITOCHONDRIAL DNA; CLONALITY IN THE SEX CHROMOSOMES; CLONALITY ACROSS THE SOMATIC CELLS; SEX AT THE INTER-CHROMOSOMAL LEVEL: MEIOSIS, SYNGAMY, AND MENDELS LAWS; SEX AT THE INTRA-CHROMOSOMAL LEVEL: DNA RECOMBINATION VIA CROSSING OVER; RECOMBINATION VERSUS MUTATION AS SOURCES OF GENETIC VARIATION; THE PARADOX OF SEX; SEX AND DEATH; CELLULAR AUTONOMY AND IMMORTALITY; SYNOPSIS; SUMMARY OF PART I; PART II. UNISEXUAL CLONALITY IN NATURE; THE CAST OF PLAYERS; CELLULAR AND GENETIC MECHANISMS; EVOLUTION AND PHYLOGENY; COMPARATIVE ECOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY; THE CAST OF PLAYERS; CELLULAR AND GENETIC MECHANISMS; EVOLUTION AND PHYLOGENY; COMPARATIVE ECOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY; SUMMARY OF PART II; PART III. SEXUAL CLONALITY IN NATURE; THE CAST OF PLAYERS; GENETIC AND EMBRYOLOGICAL MECHANISMS; ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION; THE CAST OF PLAYERS; GENETIC AND REPRODUCTIVE MECHANISMS; EVOLUTION AND ECOLOGY; SUMMARY OF PART III; PART IV. CLONALITY IN THE LABORATORY; GENE CLONING; WHOLE-INDIVIDUAL CLONING BY QUASI-NATURAL MECHANISMS; WHOLE-INDIVIDUAL CLONING BY MECHANISMS UNKNOWN IN NATURE; SUMMARY OF PART IV; EPILOGUE; GLOSSARY
