Evolution (2^nd Ed.)

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

Prologue, The Nature of the Issues, Part I, Microevolutionary Principles, 1: Adaptive Evolution, 2: Neutral Evolution, 3: Evolution as Changes in the Genetic Composition of Populations, 4: Origin and Maintenance of Genetic Variation, 5: The Importance of Development in Evolution, 6: The Expression of Variation, Part II, Organismal Design for Reproductive Success, 7: The Evolution of Sex, 8: Multilevel Selection and Genomic Conflict, 9: The Evolution of Life Histories and Sex Ratios, 10: Sexual Selection, Part III, Principles of Macroevolution, 11: Speciation and Extinction, 12: Phylogeny and Systematics, 13: Comparative Methods, Part IV, The History of Life, 14: Key Events in Evolution, 15: Major Events in the Geological Theater, 16: The Fossil Record and the Major Radiations, Part V, Integrating Micro- and Macro-Evolution, 17: Coevolution: Micro- and Macro, 18: Evolutionary Medicine and Human Evolution, 19: Conclusions and Prospects, Answers, Appendix of Basic Genetic Concepts, Glossary

First and second year undergraduates taking a first course in evolutionary biology. Also a useful primer for more advanced students, particularly at graduate level, who may be encountering evolutionary biology for the first time.

Professor Stephen Stearns, Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, USA Professor Rolf Hoekstra, Professor of Genetics, Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, The Netherlands