An Introduction to Molecular Evolution and Phylogenetics

Description

An Introduction to Molecular Evolution and Phylogenetics offers an engaging yet highly informative narrative to demonstrate how molecular data can be used to answer evolutionary questions.

• Engaging yet highly informative writing style captures the author's genuine and infectious passion for her subject
• Equation-free approach makes the field accessible to all biologists, including those who prefer discussion and diagrams rather than algebra
• Cutting-edge case studies explore the scientific literature and show how theoretical concepts are applied in the context of real biological research
• Caters to different levels and interests with a unique combination of text, technical information, and case studies to enable flexible use
• Stunning full colour presentation is the perfect complement to the author's written prose

New to this edition

• Covers the same ground as the first edition - which was published as Reading the Story in DNA - but considerably expanded, updated, and remodelled to make the book better fit a semester teaching structure
• Updated throughout with enhanced coverage of genome-level evolution and descriptions of the latest techniques in the field, such as high throughput sequencing
• Streamlined chapter structure, with TechBoxes and Case Studies collated at the end of each chapter to provide an unbroken narrative
• Case studies have been updated and enhanced by the addition of two sections - 'Check your understanding' and 'What do you think?' - to test students' understanding and to encourage critical appraisal
• Additional online teaching resources, including one-hour class plans to accompany each chapter in the book

About the Author(s)

Lindell Bromham, Professor, Research School of Biology, Australian National University

Table of Contents

1:Introduction - The story in DNA
2:DNA - The immortal germline
3:Mutation - We are all mutants
4:Replication - Endless copies
5:Genome - Accident and design
6:Gene - Making an organism
7:Selection - Descent with modification
8:Drift - Chance and necessity
9:Species - Origin of species
10:Alignment - Same but different
11:Phylogeny - Tree of life
12:Hypotheses - Seeing the wood for the trees
13:Rates - Tempo and mode
14:Dates - Telling the time

Reviews

Engaging and entertaining writing, with concepts clearly conveyed in a way accessible to less numerate students. It is by far one of the most enjoyable and interesting text books on evolutionary genetics I have read. - Simon Goodman, University of Leeds

Nothing else comes close in terms of completeness and accessibility to our students. Reading the text is almost like having a conversation. - Lawrence Mays, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Additional Resources

The Online Resource Centre features:
For registered adopters of the book:
- Class plans for one-hour hands-on sessions associated with each chapter
- Figures from the textbook to view and download