The Extended Phenotype

The Long Reach of the Gene

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Biological Sciences, Evolution, Nature
Cover of the book The Extended Phenotype by Richard Dawkins, OUP Oxford
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Richard Dawkins ISBN: 9780192506238
Publisher: OUP Oxford Publication: September 14, 2016
Imprint: OUP Oxford Language: English
Author: Richard Dawkins
ISBN: 9780192506238
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication: September 14, 2016
Imprint: OUP Oxford
Language: English

In The Selfish Gene, Richard Dawkins crystallized the gene's eye view of evolution developed by W.D. Hamilton and others. The book provoked widespread and heated debate. Written in part as a response, The Extended Phenotype gave a deeper clarification of the central concept of the gene as the unit of selection; but it did much more besides. In it, Dawkins extended the gene's eye view to argue that the genes that sit within an organism have an influence that reaches out beyond the visible traits in that body - the phenotype - to the wider environment, which can include other individuals. So, for instance, the genes of the beaver drive it to gather twigs to produce the substantial physical structure of a dam; and the genes of the cuckoo chick produce effects that manipulate the behaviour of the host bird, making it nurture the intruder as one of its own. This notion of the extended phenotype has proved to be highly influential in the way we understand evolution and the natural world. It represents a key scientific contribution to evolutionary biology, and it continues to play an important role in research in the life sciences. The Extended Phenotype is a conceptually deep book that forms important reading for biologists and students. But Dawkins' clear exposition is accessible to all who are prepared to put in a little effort. Oxford Landmark Science books are 'must-read' classics of modern science writing which have crystallized big ideas, and shaped the way we think.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In The Selfish Gene, Richard Dawkins crystallized the gene's eye view of evolution developed by W.D. Hamilton and others. The book provoked widespread and heated debate. Written in part as a response, The Extended Phenotype gave a deeper clarification of the central concept of the gene as the unit of selection; but it did much more besides. In it, Dawkins extended the gene's eye view to argue that the genes that sit within an organism have an influence that reaches out beyond the visible traits in that body - the phenotype - to the wider environment, which can include other individuals. So, for instance, the genes of the beaver drive it to gather twigs to produce the substantial physical structure of a dam; and the genes of the cuckoo chick produce effects that manipulate the behaviour of the host bird, making it nurture the intruder as one of its own. This notion of the extended phenotype has proved to be highly influential in the way we understand evolution and the natural world. It represents a key scientific contribution to evolutionary biology, and it continues to play an important role in research in the life sciences. The Extended Phenotype is a conceptually deep book that forms important reading for biologists and students. But Dawkins' clear exposition is accessible to all who are prepared to put in a little effort. Oxford Landmark Science books are 'must-read' classics of modern science writing which have crystallized big ideas, and shaped the way we think.

More books from OUP Oxford

Cover of the book Land Law by Richard Dawkins
Cover of the book Care of the Mentally Disordered Offender in the Community by Richard Dawkins
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of Phenomenological Psychopathology by Richard Dawkins
Cover of the book Crash and Beyond by Richard Dawkins
Cover of the book The Constitutional Structure of Proportionality by Richard Dawkins
Cover of the book Semantic Singularities by Richard Dawkins
Cover of the book Nuclear Physics: A Very Short Introduction by Richard Dawkins
Cover of the book Defending the Indefensible by Richard Dawkins
Cover of the book Global Antitrust Compliance Handbook by Richard Dawkins
Cover of the book Infancy and Earliest Childhood in the Roman World by Richard Dawkins
Cover of the book Extraterritorial Use of Force Against Non-State Actors by Richard Dawkins
Cover of the book Vienna Tales by Richard Dawkins
Cover of the book Christian Ethics: A Very Short Introduction by Richard Dawkins
Cover of the book Shakespeare's Comedies: A Very Short Introduction by Richard Dawkins
Cover of the book On Liberty, Utilitarianism and Other Essays by Richard Dawkins
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy