Evolution

This extensively illustrated, full-color textbook is divided into five sections. Introduction - it discusses the key experiments and ideas in the development of molecular biology and provides an account of the development of the ideas underpinning evolutionary theory. Origin and Diversity of Life - it describes the history of life on earth from the origin of life to the evolution of humans, with emphasis on the major transitions in genetic organization, novel adaptations, and the diversity of life. The impact of molecular biology is clearly presented, with chapters that make extensive use of up-to-date insights gained from complete genome sequences and the molecular mechanisms of developmental biology. Evolutionary Processes - it describes the evolutionary processes that account for the diversity of life: how variation arises and how selection acts on it are considered in detail. Many examples used to illustrate the theory are drawn from molecular sources. Human Evolution - it discusses human evolution and diversity. The benefits molecular markers have conferred on the understanding of human evolution are highlighted and integrated with paleontological evidence. Methods and Tools - it deals with techniques and models used in studying evolutionary biology, emphasizing the contribution of molecular biology and genomics to the phylogenetic reconstruction methods described. It includes Resources for Teaching Staff: The Evolution web site is an invaluable supplement to the textbook, a resource for the teacher that contains downloadable figures (for PowerPoint or overhead display) and chapter problems.