Rethinking Evolution

Author's Website
Rethinking Evolution links Darwin's early insights to the molecular realm inside living cells. This updated evolutionary synthesis provides an accessible explanation for biological complexity that cuts through the confusion surrounding evolutionary theory in a practical way.
In addition to a wide-ranging survey of proposed updates to the modern synthesis, this title provides extraordinary new insights including emergent evolutionary potential and the generative phenotype. Drawing on well-characterized empirical facts, Rethinking Evolution transcends classical Darwinian natural selection while retaining those core principles that have stood the test of time.
The updated synthesis brings a broad spectrum of specialized research together to provide a more plausible naturalistic explanation for biological evolution than ever before. Perspectives ranging from the role of energy in the origin of life to the networks of protein-DNA interactions that govern multicellular development are woven together in a robust conceptual fabric consistent with 21st century cutting-edge research.
Inspired in part by the surprising ways that DNA sequences change — such as his early discovery of a fundamental mispairing mechanism by which DNA sequences expand — and drawing on a career's worth of experience both as a research scientist as well as a biology and chemistry tutor — the author provides an engaging account that is essential reading — both for the public awareness and understanding of the science of evolution and for students and professionals in the biomedical sciences.
Contents: PrefaceAcknowledgmentsAbout the AuthorHow to Use Rethinking EvolutionThe Updated Evolutionary Synthesis (UES):OverviewEmergent Evolutionary Potential (EEP)Complex Interplay Between Empirical Discoveries and Conceptual FrameworksTimeless Molecular InnovationsThe Origin of LifeCombining the Origin of Life with the Origins of ComplexityFrom Genes to Complex Organization:Levels of Organization That Transcend SpeciesFrom 19th Century Natural Selection to 20th Century Mendelian GeneticsFrom the 'Modern Synthesis' to Molecular Genetics: What Was Missing?The Origins of Multicellularity and Embryonic DevelopmentEmbryos Are Not Computers, and DNA Is Not SoftwareShape-Specific Molecular Interaction and Binding Events (SSM-IBE)The Genetic Algorithm (GA): Blind Production of the Combinatorial PhenotypeThe Dual Character of Complex AdaptationsThe Creative Forces Behind Evolution, from Darwin to Evo-DevoRepetitive Sequences, Gene Duplication, and the Varieties of Genomic VariationBiological Principles of the Updated Evolutionary SynthesisReferencesGlossaryAbout the Cover PhotographIndex
Readership: General readers who want to understand the evolution of biological complexity, while gaining an essential background in modern molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. Essential reading for evolutionary biologists interested in an Updated Evolutionary Synthesis (UES); anyone studying general biology at the high school, college or graduate level; general public interested in learning how numerous empirical discoveries have led to a more plausible and comprehensive evolutionary theory. The UES retains core principles of classical Darwinian theory while recognizing the importance of emergent phenomena, and the molecular interactions that translate genetic information into biological structure and function during multicellular development. Updated Evolutionary Synthesis;Emergent Evolutionary Potential;Evolution;Popular Science;Biology;Darwinism;Evolutionary Psychology;Human Evolution;Biological Organization;Biological Complexity;Complexity;Organization;Origin of Species;Biological Evolution;Evolutionary Theory;Molecular Biology;Cell Biology;Developmental Biology;Evolutionary Biology;Evo-Devo;Evolutionary Developmental Biology;Neo-Darwinism;Modern Synthesis;Evolvability;Quantum Physics;Modularity;Facilitated Variation;Genome Evolution;Nonrandom Variation;Natural Selection;Charles Darwin;Genetics;Molecular Genetics;Human Survival;Ecology;Deep History;History of Life;Origin of Life00