The Plausibility of Life

Resolving Darwin's Dilemma

Marc W. Kirschner, John C. Gerhart

314 pages, parution le 16/11/2005

Ajouter à une liste

Indisponible

Résumé

Listen to a conversation with Marc Kirschner on WBUR Boston's On Point with Tom Ashbrook.

Two eminent biologists tackle and provide exhilarating new answers to what they argue is the central, unresolved question of evolution

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."

L'auteur - Marc W. Kirschner

Marc W. Kirschner is professor and chair, Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School.

L'auteur - John C. Gerhart

John C. Gerhart is professor in the Graduate School, University of California, Berkeley.

Sommaire

Preface
Introduction: A Clock on the Heath
The Sources of Variation
Conserved Cells, Divergent Organisms
Physiological Adaptability and Evolution
Weak Regulatory Linkage
Exploratory Behavior
Invisible Anatomy
Facilitated Variation
Is Life Plausible?
Glossary
Notes
Index

Voir tout

Replier

Caractéristiques techniques

	PAPIER
Éditeur(s)	Yale University Press
Auteur(s)	Marc W. Kirschner, John C. Gerhart
Parution	16/11/2005
Nb. de pages	314
Format	16 x 24
Couverture	Relié
Poids	622g
Intérieur	Noir et Blanc
EAN13	9780300108651
ISBN13	978-0-300-10865-1