The Major Transitions In Evolution

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The Major Transitions in Evolution

Author : John Maynard Smith,Eörs Szathmáry
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Page : 361 pages
File Size : 43,9 Mb
Release : 1997-10-30
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9780198502944

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The Major Transitions in Evolution by John Maynard Smith,Eörs Szathmáry Pdf

During evolution there have been several major changes in the way genetic information is organized and transmitted from one generation to the next. These transitions include the origin of life itself, the first eukaryotic cells, reproduction by sexual means, the appearance of multicellular plants and animals, the emergence of cooperation and of animal societies. This is the first book to discuss all these major transitions and their implications for our understanding of evolution.Clearly written and illustrated with many original diagrams, this book will be welcomed by students and researchers in the fields of evolutionary biology, ecology, and genetics.

The Major Transitions in Evolution Revisited

Author : Brett Calcott,Kim Sterelny
Publisher : MIT Press
Page : 330 pages
File Size : 44,5 Mb
Release : 2011-04-22
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780262294539

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The Major Transitions in Evolution Revisited by Brett Calcott,Kim Sterelny Pdf

Drawing on recent advances in evolutionary biology, prominent scholars return to the question posed in a pathbreaking book: how evolution itself evolved. In 1995, John Maynard Smith and Eörs Szathmáry published their influential book The Major Transitions in Evolution. The "transitions" that Maynard Smith and Szathmáry chose to describe all constituted major changes in the kinds of organisms that existed but, most important, these events also transformed the evolutionary process itself. The evolution of new levels of biological organization, such as chromosomes, cells, multicelled organisms, and complex social groups radically changed the kinds of individuals natural selection could act upon. Many of these events also produced revolutionary changes in the process of inheritance, by expanding the range and fidelity of transmission, establishing new inheritance channels, and developing more open-ended sources of variation. Maynard Smith and Szathmáry had planned a major revision of their work, but the death of Maynard Smith in 2004 prevented this. In this volume, prominent scholars (including Szathmáry himself) reconsider and extend the earlier book's themes in light of recent developments in evolutionary biology. The contributors discuss different frameworks for understanding macroevolution, prokaryote evolution (the study of which has been aided by developments in molecular biology), and the complex evolution of multicellularity.

On the Origin of Autonomy

Author : Bernd Rosslenbroich
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 302 pages
File Size : 43,6 Mb
Release : 2014-04-15
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9783319041414

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On the Origin of Autonomy by Bernd Rosslenbroich Pdf

This volume describes features of autonomy and integrates them into the recent discussion of factors in evolution. In recent years ideas about major transitions in evolution are undergoing a revolutionary change. They include questions about the origin of evolutionary innovation, their genetic and epigenetic background, the role of the phenotype and of changes in ontogenetic pathways. In the present book, it is argued that it is likewise necessary to question the properties of these innovations and what was qualitatively generated during the macroevolutionary transitions. The author states that a recurring central aspect of macroevolutionary innovations is an increase in individual organismal autonomy whereby it is emancipated from the environment with changes in its capacity for flexibility, self-regulation and self-control of behavior. The first chapters define the concept of autonomy and examine its history and its epistemological context. Later chapters demonstrate how changes in autonomy took place during the major evolutionary transitions and investigate the generation of organs and physiological systems. They synthesize material from various disciplines including zoology, comparative physiology, morphology, molecular biology, neurobiology and ethology. It is argued that the concept is also relevant for understanding the relation of the biological evolution of man to his cultural abilities. Finally the relation of autonomy to adaptation, niche construction, phenotypic plasticity and other factors and patterns in evolution is discussed. The text has a clear perspective from the context of systems biology, arguing that the generation of biological autonomy must be interpreted within an integrative systems approach.

The Major Transitions in Evolution

Author : John Maynard Smith
Publisher : W.H. Freeman
Page : 346 pages
File Size : 53,8 Mb
Release : 1995-01-01
Category : Biology
ISBN : 0716745259

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The Major Transitions in Evolution by John Maynard Smith Pdf

During evolution, there have been several major changes in the way that genetic information is organized and transmitted from one generation to the next. These transitions include the origin of life itself, the first eukaryotic cells, reproduction by sexual means, the appearance ofmulticellular plants and animals, the emergence of cooperation and of animal societies, and the unique language ability of humans. This is the first book to discuss all of these major transitions. In discussing such a wide range of topics in one volume, the authors are able to highlight thesimilarities between different transitions - for example, between the union of replicating molecules to form chromosomes and of cells to form multicellular organisms. The authors also show how an understanding of one transition sheds light on others. A common theme in the book is that entities thatcould replicate independently before the transition can replicate afterwards only as part of a larger whole. Why, then, does selection between entities at the lower level not disrupt selection at the higher level? In answering this question, the authors offer an explanation for the evolution ofcooperation at all levels of complexity. Written in a clear style, and illustrated with many original diagrams, this book can be read with enjoyment by anyone with an undergraduate training in the biological sciences. It will be ideal for advanced discussion groups on evolution. Although thecontent ranges widely from molecular biology to linguistics and from intragenomic conflict to insect societies, no detailed knowledge of any of these topics is required. Mathematical models are clearly explained, and equations and formulae are kept to a minimum.

Major Transitions in Vertebrate Evolution

Author : Jason S. Anderson,Hans-Dieter Sues
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 452 pages
File Size : 43,6 Mb
Release : 2007-09-11
Category : Science
ISBN : UOM:39015066901607

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Major Transitions in Vertebrate Evolution by Jason S. Anderson,Hans-Dieter Sues Pdf

New discoveries of ancient vertebrates, filling in gaps in the fossil record, are quickly eroding the traditionally recognized differences between the principal groups of vertebrates—for example, between dinosaurs and birds—and radically changing our understanding of the evolutionary history of the major group of animals to which our species belongs. This book describes this changing scientific landscape and contributes to the revolution in our knowledge of the developmental mechanisms that underlie evolutionary transformation.

The Origins of Life

Author : John Maynard Smith,Eörs Szathmáry
Publisher : Oxford University Press on Demand
Page : 191 pages
File Size : 44,7 Mb
Release : 2000
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780192862099

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The Origins of Life by John Maynard Smith,Eörs Szathmáry Pdf

In this fascinating book, John Maynard Smith and Eors Szathmary present an original picture of evolution. They propose that during evolution there have been a number of major transitions in the way in which information is passed between generations. These transitions include the appearance ofthe first replicating molecules, the emergence of co-operative animal societies, and the unique language ability of humans. Containing many new ideas, this book is contemporary biology on the grandest scale, from the birth of life to the origin of language.

Evolution in Action: Past, Present and Future

Author : Wolfgang Banzhaf,Betty H.C. Cheng,Kalyanmoy Deb,Kay E. Holekamp,Richard E. Lenski,Charles Ofria,Robert T. Pennock,William F. Punch,Danielle J. Whittaker
Publisher : Springer Nature
Page : 607 pages
File Size : 43,9 Mb
Release : 2020-07-08
Category : Computers
ISBN : 9783030398316

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Evolution in Action: Past, Present and Future by Wolfgang Banzhaf,Betty H.C. Cheng,Kalyanmoy Deb,Kay E. Holekamp,Richard E. Lenski,Charles Ofria,Robert T. Pennock,William F. Punch,Danielle J. Whittaker Pdf

This edited research monograph brings together contributions from computer scientists, biologists, and engineers who are engaged with the study of evolution and how it may be applied to solve real-world problems. It also serves as a Festschrift dedicated to Erik D. Goodman, the founding director of the BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action, a pioneering NSF Science and Technology Center headquartered at Michigan State University. The contributing authors are leading experts associated with the center, and they serve in top research and industrial establishments across the US and worldwide. Part I summarizes the history of the BEACON Center, with refreshingly personal chapters that describe Erik's working and leadership style, and others that discuss the development and successes of the center in the context of research funding, projects, and careers. The chapters in Part II deal with the evolution of genomes and evolvability. The contributions in Part III discuss the evolution of behavior and intelligence. Those in Part IV concentrate on the evolution of communities and collective dynamics. The chapters in Part V discuss selected evolutionary computing applications in domains such as arts and science, automated program repair, cybersecurity, mechatronics, and genomic prediction. Part VI deals with evolution in the classroom, using creativity in research, and responsible conduct in research training. The book concludes with a special chapter from Erik Goodman, a short biography that concentrates on his personal positive influences and experiences throughout his long career in academia and industry.

The Social Evolution of Human Nature

Author : Harry Smit
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Page : 241 pages
File Size : 47,6 Mb
Release : 2014-04-03
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9781107055193

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The Social Evolution of Human Nature by Harry Smit Pdf

Harry Smit examines the elements of current evolutionary theory and how they bear on the evolution of the human mind.

Major Evolutionary Transitions in Flowering Plant Reproduction

Author : Spencer C. H. Barrett
Publisher : University of Chicago Press
Page : 216 pages
File Size : 44,6 Mb
Release : 2008-11-28
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780226038162

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Major Evolutionary Transitions in Flowering Plant Reproduction by Spencer C. H. Barrett Pdf

The first volume to address the study of evolutionary transitions in plants, Major Evolutionary Transitions in Flowering Plant Reproduction brings together compelling work from the three areas of significant innovation in plant biology: evolution and adaptation in flowers and pollination, mating patterns and gender strategies, and asexual reproduction and polyploidy. Spencer C. H. Barrett assembles here a distinguished group of authors who address evolutionary transitions using comparative and phylogenetic approaches, the tools of genomics, population genetics, and theoretical modeling, and through studies in development and field experiments in ecology. With special focus on evolutionary transitions and shifts in reproductive characters—key elements of biological diversification and research in evolutionary biology—Major Evolutionary Transitions in Flowering Plant Reproduction is the most up-to-date treatment of a fast-moving area of evolutionary biology and ecology.

Epigenetic Inheritance and Evolution

Author : Eva Jablonka,Marion J. Lamb
Publisher : Oxford University Press, USA
Page : 364 pages
File Size : 53,7 Mb
Release : 1995
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN : 0198540620

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Epigenetic Inheritance and Evolution by Eva Jablonka,Marion J. Lamb Pdf

Does the inheritance of acquired characteristics play a significant role in evolution? In this book, Eva Jablonka and Marion J. Lamb attempt to answer that question with an original, provocative exploration of the nature and origin of hereditary variations. Starting with a historical account of Lamarck's ideas and the reasons they have fallen in disrepute, the authors go on to challenge the prevailing assumption that all heritable variation is random and the result of variation in DNA base sequences. They also detail recent breakthroughs in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying inheritance--including several pathways not envisioned by classical population genetics--and argue that these advances need to be more fully incorporated into mainstream evolutionary theory. Throughout, the book offers a new look at the evidence for and against the hereditability of environmentally induced changes, and addresses timely questions about the importance of non-Mendelian inheritance. A glossary and extensive list of references round out the book. Urging a reconsideration of the present DNA-centric view prevalent in the field, Epigentic Inheritance and Evolution will make fascinating and important reading for students and researchers in evolution, genetics, ecology, molecular biology, developmental biology, and the history and philosophy of science.

Key Transitions in Animal Evolution

Author : Rob Desalle,Bernd Schierwater
Publisher : CRC Press
Page : 446 pages
File Size : 50,5 Mb
Release : 2010-12-07
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781439854020

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Key Transitions in Animal Evolution by Rob Desalle,Bernd Schierwater Pdf

Tackling one of the most difficult and delicate of the evolutionary questions, this challenging book summarizes the more recent results in phylogenetics and developmental biology that address the evolution of key innovations in metazoans. Divided into three sections, the first considers the phylogenetic issues involving this area of the tree of life and the elucidation of those relationships that continue to trouble taxonomists. The second section considers the developmental biology of metazoan evolution including the development of the nervous system, sensory organs, and physiological maturation. Part three focuses on the evolution of pattern and process in the Metazoa.

Sequence — Evolution — Function

Author : Eugene V. Koonin,Michael Galperin
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 482 pages
File Size : 48,8 Mb
Release : 2013-06-29
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781475737837

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Sequence — Evolution — Function by Eugene V. Koonin,Michael Galperin Pdf

Sequence - Evolution - Function is an introduction to the computational approaches that play a critical role in the emerging new branch of biology known as functional genomics. The book provides the reader with an understanding of the principles and approaches of functional genomics and of the potential and limitations of computational and experimental approaches to genome analysis. Sequence - Evolution - Function should help bridge the "digital divide" between biologists and computer scientists, allowing biologists to better grasp the peculiarities of the emerging field of Genome Biology and to learn how to benefit from the enormous amount of sequence data available in the public databases. The book is non-technical with respect to the computer methods for genome analysis and discusses these methods from the user's viewpoint, without addressing mathematical and algorithmic details. Prior practical familiarity with the basic methods for sequence analysis is a major advantage, but a reader without such experience will be able to use the book as an introduction to these methods. This book is perfect for introductory level courses in computational methods for comparative and functional genomics.

Evolutionary Transitions to Multicellular Life

Author : Iñaki Ruiz-Trillo,Aurora M. Nedelcu
Publisher : Springer
Page : 489 pages
File Size : 41,8 Mb
Release : 2015-03-27
Category : Science
ISBN : 9789401796422

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Evolutionary Transitions to Multicellular Life by Iñaki Ruiz-Trillo,Aurora M. Nedelcu Pdf

The book integrates our understanding of the factors and processes underlying the evolution of multicellularity by providing several complementary perspectives (both theoretical and experimental) and using examples from various lineages in which multicellularity evolved. Recent years marked an increased interest in understanding how and why these transitions occurred, and data from various fields are providing new insights into the forces driving the several independent transitions to multicellular life as well as into the genetic and molecular basis for the evolution of this phenotype. The ultimate goal of this book is to facilitate the identification of general and unifying principles and mechanisms.

Evolution

Author : David Zeigler
Publisher : Academic Press
Page : 206 pages
File Size : 50,6 Mb
Release : 2014-04-14
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780128004173

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Evolution by David Zeigler Pdf

Evolution: Components and Mechanisms introduces the many recent discoveries and insights that have added to the discipline of organic evolution, and combines them with the key topics needed to gain a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms of evolution. Each chapter covers an important topic or factor pertinent to a modern understanding of evolutionary theory, allowing easy access to particular topics for either study or review. Many chapters are cross-referenced. Modern evolutionary theory has expanded significantly within only the past two to three decades. In recent times the definition of a gene has evolved, the definition of organic evolution itself is in need of some modification, the number of known mechanisms of evolutionary change has increased dramatically, and the emphasis placed on opportunity and contingency has increased. This book synthesizes these changes and presents many of the novel topics in evolutionary theory in an accessible and thorough format. This book is an ideal, up-to-date resource for biologists, geneticists, evolutionary biologists, developmental biologists, and researchers in, as well as students and academics in these areas and professional scientists in many subfields of biology. Discusses many of the mechanisms responsible for evolutionary change Includes an appendix that provides a brief synopsis of these mechanisms with most discussed in greater detail in respective chapters Aids readers in their organization and understanding of the material by addressing the basic concepts and topics surrounding organic evolution Covers some topics not typically addressed, such as opportunity, contingency, symbiosis, and progress

Great Transformations in Vertebrate Evolution

Author : Kenneth P. Dial,Neil Shubin,Elizabeth L. Brainerd
Publisher : University of Chicago Press
Page : 435 pages
File Size : 44,5 Mb
Release : 2015-07-20
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780226268392

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Great Transformations in Vertebrate Evolution by Kenneth P. Dial,Neil Shubin,Elizabeth L. Brainerd Pdf

How did flying birds evolve from running dinosaurs, terrestrial trotting tetrapods evolve from swimming fish, and whales return to swim in the sea? These are some of the great transformations in the 500-million-year history of vertebrate life. And with the aid of new techniques and approaches across a range of fields—work spanning multiple levels of biological organization from DNA sequences to organs and the physiology and ecology of whole organisms—we are now beginning to unravel the confounding evolutionary mysteries contained in the structure, genes, and fossil record of every living species. This book gathers a diverse team of renowned scientists to capture the excitement of these new discoveries in a collection that is both accessible to students and an important contribution to the future of its field. Marshaling a range of disciplines—from paleobiology to phylogenetics, developmental biology, ecology, and evolutionary biology—the contributors attack particular transformations in the head and neck, trunk, appendages such as fins and limbs, and the whole body, as well as offer synthetic perspectives. Illustrated throughout, Great Transformations in Vertebrate Evolution not only reveals the true origins of whales with legs, fish with elbows, wrists, and necks, and feathered dinosaurs, but also the relevance to our lives today of these extraordinary narratives of change.