Mechanisms of Evolution (Biology Collection) - Softcover

Christopher J. Paradise (author) & A. Malcolm Campbell (author)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1606509713 ISBN 13: 9781606509715

Publisher: Momentum Press, 2016

Synopsis

Three of the four major mechanisms of evolution, natural selection, genetic drift, and gene flow are examined. There are 5 tenets of natural selection that influence individual organisms: Individuals within populations are variable, that variation is heritable, organisms differ in their ability to survive and reproduce, more individuals are produced in a generation than can survive, and survival & reproduction of those variable individuals are non-random. Organisms respond evolutionarily to changes in their environment and other selection pressures, including global climate change. The importance of spatial structure of a population in relation to how it affects the strength of gene flow and/or genetic drift, as well as the genetic variation and evolution of populations, is shown. Gene flow tends to reduce variation between populations and increase it within populations, whereas genetic drift tends to reduce genetic variation, especially in small, isolated populations. The mechanisms of evolution can lead to speciation, which requires both time and genetic isolation of populations, in addition to natural selection or genetic drift.

About this title

About the Author

Christopher Paradise is professor of biology and environmental studies at Davidson College. He teaches introductory biology, ecology, entomology, and topical seminars on ecotoxicology and renewable natural resources. He also occasionally leads a study abroad program in India.  His research evaluates anthropogenic factors that influence insect biodiversity at a variety of scales.  His current research interests include effects of land use patterns on pollinator communities in parks. 

A. Malcolm Campbell teaches biology at Davidson College, NC. He received national and international education awards: Genetics Society of America (2013); American Association for the Advancement of Science (2012); and American Society for Cell Biology (2006). He was the founding co-editor in chief of CBE Life Sciences Education; founding director of Genome Consortium for Active Teaching (GCAT); and member of the American Society for Cell Biology governing council (2012 –2014).

Edition details

• Publisher: Momentum Press
• Publication date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1606509713
• ISBN 13: 9781606509715
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 100