Evolution

• A focus on principles offers an unintimidating introduction to evolution, perfect for a first course in the subject
• New chapters on the role of development in evolution, on fossil record, co-evolution, and on evolutionary medicine and human evolution, and a completely rewritten chapter on phylogenetics give students an insight into these dynamic areas of research
• Key concepts are defined and highlighted in the margin, helping to ensure that the information presented is crystal clear
• An appendix of basic genetic concepts provides a firm foundation for those who have limited prior knowledge of genetics, opening up the subject to an even broader range of students
• Striking photographs supplement the line drawings and illuminate key themes in the text, helping students to visualise the concepts described
• Companion web site includes figures available to download, to facilitate lecture preparation, and interactive simulations, plus additional questions and answers, to encourage independent learning

New to this edition

• New chapters on 'The Role of Development in Evolution' on 'The Fossil Record and Life's History', on 'Co-evolution', and on 'Evolutionary Medicine & Human Evolution' encompass dynamic areas of interest to help engage the student
• New subdivision into five parts groups chapters into logical clusters, facilitating the book's use by students with little prior understanding of the subject area
• Enhanced explanations, particularly in earlier chapters, lead students more gradually into the subject, helping confidence in the subject to be established more rapidly
• An appendix of basic genetic concepts provides an firm foundation for those students who have limited prior knowledge of genetics
• New plate section presents key diagrams in full-colour, adding visual impact to the concepts explained in the text

Since Charles Darwin's masterpiece 'The origin of Species by natural selection' was published in 1859, evolution has become an established science that illuminates and informs our understanding of many central biological issues from animal development to animal behaviour. Evolution 2/e stands alone amongst the major textbooks by focusing on key principles to offer a truly accessible, unintimidating treatment of this fascinating subject Part One introduces the basic mechanisms of microevolution: selection, inheritance, and development. Part Two considers how natural selection has designed organisms for reproductive success. Part Three explores macroevolutionary processes such as speciation and extinction and the techniques which are used to study these. Part Four examines key events in evolution throughout the geological record. Finally, Part Five discusses two subjects, coevolution and evolutionary medicine, which integrate and contrast micro- and macroevolution. The book closes with a chapter that recapitulates major issues, discusses unsolved problems, and looks ahead to future developments in this dynamic field. Recent advances in molecular biology and genetics have fuelled a renewed interest in evolutionary biology, and have given us new tools with which to explore the field, revolutionising our understanding of how evolutionary processes impact upon many aspects of biology. A rigorous yet engaging text, Evolution 2/e is perfect for any student wishing to gain a sound understanding of the subject.

Companion web site: Figures available to download, to facilitate lecture preparation, - Interactive simulations, to help students explore the subject in a hands-on manner - Additional questions and answers, to encourage independent learning

Readership: First and second year undergraduates taking a first course in evolutionary biology. Also a useful primer for more advanced students, particularly at graduate level, who may be encountering evolutionary biology for the first time.