The Plausibility of Life: Resolving Darwin's Dilemma

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Biological Sciences, Evolution
Cover of the book The Plausibility of Life: Resolving Darwin's Dilemma by Marc W. Kirschner, John C. Gerhart, John Norton, Yale University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Marc W. Kirschner, John C. Gerhart, John Norton ISBN: 9780300128673
Publisher: Yale University Press Publication: October 1, 2008
Imprint: Yale University Press Language: English
Author: Marc W. Kirschner, John C. Gerhart, John Norton
ISBN: 9780300128673
Publisher: Yale University Press
Publication: October 1, 2008
Imprint: Yale University Press
Language: English
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.”

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

More books from Yale University Press

Cover of the book The Influence Peddlers by Marc W. Kirschner, John C. Gerhart, John Norton
Cover of the book Into the Black by Marc W. Kirschner, John C. Gerhart, John Norton
Cover of the book The Letters of Menakhem-Mendl and Sheyne-Sheyndl and Motl, the Cantor's Son by Marc W. Kirschner, John C. Gerhart, John Norton
Cover of the book The Psychology of Science and the Origins of the Scientific Mind by Marc W. Kirschner, John C. Gerhart, John Norton
Cover of the book France 1940 by Marc W. Kirschner, John C. Gerhart, John Norton
Cover of the book Why the Romantics Matter by Marc W. Kirschner, John C. Gerhart, John Norton
Cover of the book Martin Luther by Marc W. Kirschner, John C. Gerhart, John Norton
Cover of the book Against Dharma by Marc W. Kirschner, John C. Gerhart, John Norton
Cover of the book Web Style Guide, 4th Edition by Marc W. Kirschner, John C. Gerhart, John Norton
Cover of the book Einstein’s Unfinished Symphony by Marc W. Kirschner, John C. Gerhart, John Norton
Cover of the book The Ancient Oracles: Making the Gods Speak by Marc W. Kirschner, John C. Gerhart, John Norton
Cover of the book The Warrior Generals: Winning the British Civil Wars by Marc W. Kirschner, John C. Gerhart, John Norton
Cover of the book Modernization and Its Political Consequences by Marc W. Kirschner, John C. Gerhart, John Norton
Cover of the book The Soviet Theater by Marc W. Kirschner, John C. Gerhart, John Norton
Cover of the book The Road to Terror: Stalin and the Self-Destruction of the Bolsheviks, 1932-39, Updated and Abridged Edition by Marc W. Kirschner, John C. Gerhart, John Norton
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