Synopses & Reviews
An elegant introduction to population geneticsWritten in the context of new molecular techniques for genetic analysis, Population Genetics and Microevolutionary Theory takes a modern approach to population genetics, incorporating today's molecular biology, species-level evolutionary biology, and a thorough acknowledgment of quantitative genetics as the theoretical basis for population genetics.
Logically organized into three main sections—population structure and history, genotype/phenotype, and selection/adaptation—the text stresses a multidimensional model of evolution throughout, examining how multiple factors working together lead to biological phenomena. Three simple premises of DNA behavior are used to derive population genetics theory, and quantitative genetics is discussed as a foundation for understanding natural selection. Real examples illustrate concepts, with many examples taken from human genetics and evolution.
Population Genetics and Microevolutionary Theory also features:
- An introduction to background material
- A conclusion providing a handy overview of the field and its modern applications
- Review questions and answers at the end of each chapter
- An appendix on genetic survey techniques
- An appendix on statistical analysis and theory
- Helpful general references and Internet links
Written in a clear and accessible manner, without complex mathematical equations, Population Genetics and Microevolutionary Theory gives graduate and advanced undergraduate students an elegant introduction to this key field of modern biology.
Review
"...enjoyable to read...will certainly find its place on the shelves of those interested...[in] alternative viewpoints..." (American Journal of Human Biology, May/June 2007)
Synopsis
The advances made possible by the development of molecular techniques have in recent years revolutionized quantitative genetics and its relevance for population genetics.
Population Genetics and Microevolutionary Theory takes a modern approach to population genetics, incorporating modern molecular biology, species-level evolutionary biology, and a thorough acknowledgment of quantitative genetics as the theoretical basis for population genetics.
- Logically organized into three main sections on population structure and history, genotype-phenotype interactions, and selection/adaptation
- Extensive use of real examples to illustrate concepts
- Written in a clear and accessible manner and devoid of complex mathematical equations
- Includes the author's introduction to background material as well as a conclusion for a handy overview of the field and its modern applications
- Each chapter ends with a set of review questions and answers
- Offers helpful general references and Internet links
About the Author
ALAN R. TEMPLETON, PhD, is Charles Rebstock Professor of Biology at Washington University in St. Louis, with joint appointments in Genetics and Biomedical Engineering.
Table of Contents
Preface.
1. Scope and Basic Premises of Population Genetics.
PART I:POPULATION STRUCTURE AND HISTORY.
2. Modeling Evolution and the Hardy-Weinberg Law.
3. Systems of Mating.
4. Genetic Drift.
5. Genetic Drift in Large Populations and Coalescence.
6. Gene Flow and Population Subdivision.
7. Gene Flow and Population History.
PART II: GENOTYPE AND PHENOTYPE.
8. Basic Quantitative Genetic Definitions and Theory.
9. Quantitative Genetics: Unmeasured Genotypes.
10. Quantitative Genetics: Measured Genotypes.
PART III: NATURAL SELECTION AND ADAPTATION.
11. Natural Selection.
12. Interactions of Natural Selection with Other Evolutionary Forces.
13. Units and Targets of Selection.
14. Selection in Heterogeneous Environments.
15. Serlection in Age-Structured Populations.
Appendix 1: Genetic Survey Techniques.
Appendix 2: Probability and Statistics.
References.
Problems and Answers.
Index.