Evolution / Edition 2

by Stephen Stearns, Rolf Hoekstra

Overview

The second edition of Evolution introduces the basic mechanisms of microevolution, natural selection, and macroevolutionary processes such as speciation and extinction. It also examines key events in evolution throughout the geological record and discusses coevolution and evolutionary medicine. In addition, the text discusses unsolved problems and looks ahead to future developments in this dynamic field.

The text is organized into five parts. 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. Part Four examines key events in evolution throughout the geological record. Part Five discusses coevolution and evolutionary medicine, which integrate and contrast micro- and macroevolution. The book closes with a chapter that recapsulates major issues, discusses unsolved problems, and looks ahead to future developments in this dynamic field.

Evolution, Second Edition, is ideal for introductory undergraduate courses in evolutionary biology. A companion website contains downloadable images from the text, interactive simulations to help students explore the subject in a hands-on manner, and additional study questions with answers. Access it at http://www.oup.com/uk/booksites/content/0199255636/.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199255634
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	08/27/2005
Edition description:	REV
Pages:	596
Product dimensions:	9.62(w) x 7.46(h) x 0.94(d)

About the Author

Stephen Stearns is Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Yale University.

Rolf Hoekstra is Professor of Genetics at Wageningen University in the Netherlands.

Table of Contents

PrologueThe Nature of the IssuesPart I: Microevolutionary Principles1. Adaptive Evolution2. Neutral Evolution3. Evolution as Changes in the Genetic Composition of Populations4. Origin and Maintenance of Genetic Variation5. The Importance of Development in Evolution6. The Expression of VariationPart II: Organismal Design for Reproductive Success7. The Evolution of Sex8. Multilevel Selection and Genomic Conflict9. The Evolution of Life Histories and Sex Ratios10. Sexual SelectionPart III: Principles of Macroevolution11. Speciation and Extinction12. Phylogeny and Systematics13. Comparative MethodsPart IV: The History of Life14. Key Events in Evolution15. Major Events in the Geological Theater16. The Fossil Record and the Major RadiationsPart V: Integrating Micro- and Macroevolution17. Coevolution: Micro- and Macro18. Evolutionary Medicine and Human Evolution19. Conclusions and ProspectsAnswersAppendix of Basic Genetic ConceptsGlossary