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Informationen zum Autor Mark Ridley works in the Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, UK, and formerly worked at Emory University, Atlanta, and the University of Cambridge, UK. He has carried out research in several areas of evolutionary biology, particularly in sexual selection and the comparative method. Klappentext Mark Ridley's Evolution has become the premier undergraduate text in the study of evolution. Readable and stimulating, yet well balanced and in-depth, this text tells the story of evolution, from the history of the study to the most recent developments in evolutionary theory. The third edition of this successful textbook features updates and extensive new coverage. The sections on adaptation and diversity have been reorganized for improved clarity and flow, and a completely updated section on the evolution of sex and the inclusion of more plant examples have all helped to shape this new edition. Evolution also features strong, balanced coverage of population genetics, and scores of new applied plant and animal examples make this edition even more accessible and engaging. Zusammenfassung * Dedicated website -- provides an interactive experience of the book, with illustrations downloadable to PowerPoint, and a full supplemental package complementing the book -- www. blackwellpublishing. com/ridley. * Margin icons -- indicate where there is relevant information included in the dedicated website. Inhaltsverzeichnis Preface. Acknowledgments. Part I: Introduction. 1. The Rise Of Evolutionary Biology. Evolution Means Change In Living Things By Descent With Modification. Living Things Show Adaptations. A Short History Of Evolutionary Biology. Summary. Further Reading. Study And Review Questions. 2. Molecular And Mendelian Genetics. Inheritance Is Caused By DNA Molecules, Which Are Physically Passed From Parent To Offspring. DNA Structurally Encodes Information Used To Build The Body's Proteins. Information In DNA Is Decoded By Transcription And Translation. Large Amounts Of Non-Coding DNA Exist In Some Species. Mutational Errors May Occur During DNA Replication. Rates Of Mutation Can Be Measured. Diploid Organisms Inherit A Double Set Of Genes. Genes Are Inherited In Characteristic Mendelian Ratios. Darwin's Theory Would Probably Not Work If There Was A Non-Mendelian Blending Mechanism Of Heredity. Summary. Further Reading. Study And Review Questions. 3. The Evidence For Evolution. We Distinguish Three Possible Theories Of The History Of Life. On A Small Scale, Evolution Can Be Observed In Action. Evolution Can Also Be Produced Experimentally. Interbreeding And Phenotypic Similarity Provide Two Concepts Of Species. Ring "Species" Show That The Variation Within A Species Can Be Extensive Enough To Produce A New Species. New, Reproductively Distinct Species Can Be Produced Experimentally. Small-Scale Observations Can Be Extrapolated Over The Long Term. Groups Of Living Things Have Homologous Similarities. Different Homologies Are Correlated, And Can Be Hierarchically Classified. Fossil Evidence Exists For The Transformation Of Species. The Order Of The Main Groups In The Fossil Record Suggests They Have Evolutionary Relationships. Summary Of The Evidence For Evolution. Creationism Offers No Explanation Of Adaptation. Modern "Scientific Creationism" Is Scientifically Untenable. Summary. Further Reading. Study And Review Questions. 4. Natural Selection And Variation. In Nature, There Is A Struggle For Existence. Natural Selection Operates If Some Conditions Are Met. Natural Selection Explains Both Evolution And ...
