Evolution : An Introduction

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 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 is perfect for any student wishing to gain a sound understanding of the subject. The Online Resource Centre includes: figures available to download, to facilitate lecture preparation; interactive simulations, to help students explore the subject in a hands-on manner; and additional questions and answers, to encourage independent learning.