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Cover

Evolution

Second Edition

Stephen Stearns and Rolf Hoekstra

Publication Date - 27 August 2005

ISBN: 9780199255634

596 pages
Paperback

The basic mechanisms of microevolution, natural selection, and macroevelotionary processes

Description

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/.

About the Author(s)

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

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

Previous Publication Date(s)

March 2000

Table of Contents

    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 Macroevolution
    17. Coevolution: Micro- and Macro
    18. Evolutionary Medicine and Human Evolution
    19. Conclusions and Prospects
    Answers
    Appendix of Basic Genetic Concepts
    Glossary

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