Evolution: an introduction - Softcover

Stearns, Stephen; Hoekstra, Rolf

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0199255636 ISBN 13: 9780199255634

Publisher: OUP Oxford, 2005

Synopsis

Since Charles Darwin's masterpiece 'The origin of Species by natural selection' was published in 1859, evolution has become an established science that illuminates and informs our understanding of many central biological issues from animal development to animal behaviour. Evolution 2/e stands alone amongst the major textbooks by focusing on key principles to offer a truly accessible, unintimidating treatment of this fascinating subject
Part One introduces the basic mechanisms of microevolution: selection, inheritance, and development. Part Two considers how natural selection has designed organisms for reproductive success. Part Three explores macroevolutionary processes such as speciation and extinction and the techniques which are used to study these. Part Four examines key events in evolution throughout the geological record. Finally, Part Five discusses two subjects, coevolution and evolutionary medicine, which integrate and contrast micro- and macroevolution. The book closes with a chapter that recapitulates major issues, discusses unsolved problems, and looks ahead to future developments in this dynamic field.
Recent advances in molecular biology and genetics have fuelled a renewed interest in evolutionary biology, and have given us new tools with which to explore the field, revolutionising our understanding of how evolutionary processes impact upon many aspects of biology. A rigorous yet engaging text, Evolution 2/e is perfect for any student wishing to gain a sound understanding of the subject.

Online Resource Centre:

- Figures available to download, to facilitate lecture preparation,
- Self test questions linked to each chapters in the textbook
- Key glossary terms in an interactive crossword format

About this title

Review:

This book exactly meets my needs as a general introductory text for students with different scientific and biological backgrounds ... The text provides and accessible, authoritative and readable account. This is an excellent text. (Steve Waite, University of Brighton)

Book Description:

TEXTBOOK

About this edition

• Publisher: OUP Oxford
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0199255636
• ISBN 13: 9780199255634
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 600