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More copies of this ISBN:This title in other formats:The Plausibility of Life: Resolving Darwin's Dilemmaby Marc W Kirschner
Synopses & ReviewsPublisher Comments:In the 150 years since Darwin, the field of evolutionary biology has left a glaring gap in understanding how animals developed their astounding variety and complexity. The standard answer has been that small genetic mutations accumulate over time to produce wondrous innovations such as eyes and wings. Drawing on cutting-edge research across the spectrum of modern biology, Marc Kirschner and John Gerhart demonstrate how this stock answer is woefully inadequate. Rather they offer an original solution to the longstanding puzzle of how small random genetic change can be converted into complex, useful innovations. In a new theory they call “facilitated variation,” Kirschner and Gerhart elevate the individual organism from a passive target of natural selection to a central player in the 3-billion-year history of evolution. In clear, accessible language, the authors invite every reader to contemplate daring new ideas about evolution. By closing the major gap in Darwin’s theory Kirschner and Gerhart also provide a timely scientific rebuttal to modern critics of evolution who champion “intelligent design.” Book News Annotation:Darwin's dilemma was that though he could explain clearly how
selection from a range of variation led to change, he could not
explain the origin of variation itself. Kirschner (systems biology,
Harvard Medical School) and Gerhert (U. of California-Berkeley)
explore how small, random genetic changes can be converted into
complex useful innovations. A theory of novelty was impossible to
devise, they say, before the end of the 20th century and the
illumination of cellular and molecular mechanisms. Freelance
illustrator John Norton contributes informative line drawings.
Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) Book News Annotation:Darwin's dilemma was that though he could explain clearly how
selection from a range of variation led to change, he could not
explain the origin of variation itself. Kirschner (systems biology,
Harvard Medical School) and Gerhert (U. of California-Berkeley)
explore how small, random genetic changes can be converted into
complex useful innovations. A theory of novelty was impossible to
devise, they say, before the end of the 20th century and the
illumination of cellular and molecular mechanisms. Freelance
illustrator John Norton contributes informative line drawings.
Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Review:"Kirschner and Gerhart address some of the most interesting questions in current biology with enthusiasm and intellectual boldness. A remarkable advance in understanding evolution."-Alan H. Brush, Emeritus, University of Connecticut
Review:"In this terrific new book, molecular systems meet evolution. The result is a wealth of stimulating ideas set among clear explanations drawn from a revelatory decade in biology."-Andrew H. Knoll, author of Life on a Young Planet Review:"A beautifully written account of developmental evolution, integrating molecular and morphological information to describe clearly how highly complex organisms evolve through processes that facilitate variation. A tour de force." -James W. Valentine, author of On the Origin of Phyla Review:"Where does all the variation come from to explain the evolution of novel traits? This book, written in simple yet engaging prose, provides an answer with a theory of facilitated variation."-Peter Grant, Princeton University Synopsis:Two eminent biologists tackle and provide exhilarating new answers to what they argue is the central, unresolved question of evolution About the AuthorMARC W. KIRSCHNER is professor and chair, Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School. JOHN C. GERHART is professor in the Graduate School, University of California, Berkeley.
CITATION: "Kirschner and Gerhart address some of the most interesting questions in current biology with enthusiasm and intellectual boldness. A remarkable advance in understanding evolution."-Alan H. Brush, Emeritus, University of Connecticut
"One word comes to mind when I read this book: elegant. The authors have created an elegant essay/argument/overview of the subject of evolution."-Margaret Lowman, author of Life in the Treetops: Adventures of a Woman in Field Biology "In this terrific new book, molecular systems meet evolution. The result is a wealth of stimulating ideas set among clear explanations drawn from a revelatory decade in biology."-Andrew H. Knoll, author of Life on a Young Planet "A beautifully written account of developmental evolution, integrating molecular and morphological information to describe clearly how highly complex organisms evolve through processes that facilitate variation. A tour de force." -James W. Valentine, author of On the Origin of Phyla "'Where does all the variation come from to explain the evolution of novel traits?' This book, written in simple yet engaging prose, provides an answer with a theory of facilitated variation."-Peter Grant, Princeton University
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