The major transitions in evolution

John Maynard Smith and Eörs Szathmáry

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 of multicellular 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 the similarities 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 that could 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 of cooperation 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 the content 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.

「Nielsen BookData」より

[目次]

  • List of Tables
  • Preface
  • 1. Introduction
  • 2. What is Life?
  • 3. Chemical evolution
  • 4. The evolution of templates
  • 5. The chicken and egg problem
  • 6. The origin of translation and the genetic code
  • 7. The origin of protocells
  • 8. The origin of eukaryotes
  • 9. The origin of sex and the nature of species
  • 10. Intragenomic conflict
  • 11. Symbiosis
  • 12. Development in simple organisms
  • 13. Gene regulation and cell heredity
  • 14. The development of spatial patterns
  • 15. Development and evolution
  • 16. The origins of societies
  • 17. The origins of language
  • References
  • Index

「Nielsen BookData」より

この本の情報

書名 The major transitions in evolution
著作者等 Maynard Smith, John
Szathmáry, Eörs
Szathmary Eors
Smith John Maynard
出版元 Oxford University Press
刊行年月 1997, c1995
ページ数 xiv, 346 p.
大きさ 24 cm
ISBN 9780198502944
NCID BA35615446
※クリックでCiNii Booksを表示
言語 英語
出版国 イギリス
この本を: 
このエントリーをはてなブックマークに追加

このページを印刷

外部サイトで検索

この本と繋がる本を検索

ウィキペディアから連想