Synopses & Reviews
'Evo Devo is evolutionary developmental biology, the third revolution in evolutionary biology. The first was marked by the publication of The Origin of Species. The second occurred in the early twentieth century, when Darwin\'s theories were merged with the study of genetics. Now the insights of Evo Devo are astonishing the biology world by showing how the endless forms of animals—butterflies and zebras, trilobites and dinosaurs, apes and humans, are made and evolved.
Perhaps the most surprising finding of Evo Devo is the discovery that a small number of primitive genes led to the formation of fundamental organs and appendages in all animal forms. The gene that causes humans to form arms and legs is the same gene that causes birds and insects to form wings, and fish to form fins; similarly, one ancient gene has led to the creation of eyes across the animal kingdom. Changes in the way this ancient tool kit of genes is used have created all the diversity that surrounds us.
Sean Carroll is the ideal author to lead the curious on this intellectual adventure—he is the acknowledged leader of the field, and his seminal discoveries have been featured in Time and The New York Times.'
Review
"[Carroll] reveals a remarkable series of insights into how evolution has shaped--and continues to shape--the wondrous assortment of creatures that share this planet with us. He emerges as the new, user-friendly public face of evolutionary science." Thomas Hayden
Review
"Carroll is a gifted writer. . . . In light of this new understanding (Evo Devo), the objections to evolutionary theory based on transitional gaps and irreducible complexity become more obtuse than ever." US News & World Report
Review
Combines clear writing with a deep knowledge. Library Journal
Synopsis
An introduction to evolutionary developmental biology demonstrates how the many forms of animals evolved and came into being, documenting how the Evo Devo branch of science proved that all animal organs and appendages, from arms and legs to wings and fins, were created from a small number of primitive genes. Reprint.
Synopsis
For over a century, opening the black box of embryonic development was the holy grail of biology. Evo Devo--Evolutionary Developmental Biology--is the new science that has finally cracked open the box. Within the pages of his rich and riveting book, Sean B. Carroll explains how we are discovering that complex life is ironically much simpler than anyone ever expected.
Synopsis
"A beautiful and very important book."--Lewis Wolpert,
About the Author
Sean B. Carroll is professor of genetics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. His first book, Endless Forms Most Beautiful, was a finalist for the 2005 Los Angeles Times Book Prize. Carroll's seminal scientific work has been featured in Time and The New Yorker. He lives in Madison, Wisconsin.