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The plausibility of life : resolving Darwin's dilemma /

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 wing...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Clasificación:Libro Electrónico
Autores principales: Kirschner, Marc (Autor), Gerhart, John, 1936- (Autor)
Formato: Electrónico eBook
Idioma:Inglés
Publicado: New Haven : Yale University Press, ©2005.
Temas:
Acceso en línea:Texto completo
Descripción
Sumario: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'.
Descripción Física:1 online resource (xiii, 314 pages) : illustrations
Bibliografía:Includes bibliographical references (pages 293-301) and index.
ISBN:9780300128673
0300128673
9786611721831
6611721835