Description
Book SynopsisIn this 2005 book, many topics in natural selection are investigated including co-evolution, speciation, and extinction. It may be described as a book on mathematical Darwinism. Darwin used logical verbal arguments to understand evolution. These arguments are presented here in a mathematical setting useful for both understanding evolution and allowing for prediction as well.
Trade ReviewReview of the hardback: 'It's complicated, but it's where biology is at, and Vincent and Brown clarify the issues wonderfully.' Biologist
Review of the hardback: '… even-handedness, together with its peerless reasoning, helps this book stand out in a crowded field … masterly book. … time and again, Shanahan convinces us that Darwin's approach was relentlessly reconciliatory, pluralistic, and non dogmatic … Because it is equally ardent and articulate, Shanahan's own relentlessly moderate voice is likely to survive the fashionable Sturn und Drang.' Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences
Review of the hardback: '… provides a formal game-theoretic framework for addressing an impressive array of biological questions.' Journal of Mammalian Evolution
Review of the hardback: 'The book is written in an enthusiastic style. In several places you can still perceive the excitement the authors must have felt when they embarked on their work in evolutionary dynamics … a must-read for those interested in the history of evolutionary game theory …' www.PalArch.nl
Table of Contents1. Understanding natural selection; 2. Underlying mathematics and philosophy; 3. The Darwinian game; 4. G-functions for the Darwinian game; 5. Darwinian dynamics; 6. Evolutionary stable strategies; 7. The ESS maximum principle; 8. Speciation and extinction; 9. Matrix games; 10. Evolutionary ecology; 11. Managing evolving systems.