Genetics, Paleontology, and Macroevolution

by Jeffrey S. Levinton

Overview

This expanded and updated second edition offers a comprehensive look at macroevolution and its underpinnings, with a primary emphasis on animal evolution. From a Neodarwinian point of view, the book integrates evolutionary processes at all levels to explain the diversity of animal life. It examines a wide range of topics including genetics, speciation, development, evolution, constructional and functional aspects of form, fossil lineages, and systematics, and —in a major new chapter—takes a hard look at the Cambrian explosion. The author delves into the age of molecular science and integrates important recent contributions made to our understanding of evolution.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521803175
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	08/06/2001
Edition description:	REV
Pages:	634
Product dimensions:	7.20(w) x 10.39(h) x 1.50(d)

Table of Contents

Preface to the first edition; Preface to the second edition; 1. Macroevolution: the problem and the field; 2. Genealogy, systematics, and macroevolution; 3. Genetics, speciation, and trans-specific evolution; 4. Development and evolution; 5. The constructional and functional aspects of form; 6. Patterns of morphological change in fossil lineages; 7. Patterns of diversity, origination, and extinction; 8. A Cambrian explosion?; Glossary; References; Author index; Subject index.

Editorial Reviews

Levinton (ecology and evolution, State U. of New York at Stony Brook) presents the second edition of this volume exploring macroevolution, with a main emphasis on animal evolution. Coverage includes genetics and speciation, development and evolution, the constructional and functional aspects of form, fossil lineages, and systematics. In the second edition, the chapter on genetic variation has been eliminated and relevant descriptions of within-population variation studies moved to other chapters where necessary. The chapter on development and evolution has been extensively revised and expanded, and a new chapter added on the Cambrian Explosion. Intended for researchers and graduate students. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

"What regulates biological diversity and its historical development? Can it be explained by natural selection alone? Has geological history regulated the tempo of diversification? There are some of the questions the author asks in this very interesting book and provides reasonable answers to a large entent, in this highly complex and difficult field." Tad Murty, Marine Geodesy

"...a comprehensive and insightful volume..." Quaternary Research

"Levinton's comprehensive summary of macroevolutionary topics has adapted to incorporate many of the changes the field has undergone while still retaining the flavor of the first edition of the text.... With an extensive bibliography and far-ranging discussion of topics, this book is a good reference source for anyone concerned with the evolutionary record. Levinton has produced an impressive volume that provides an interesting and insightful perspective on macro-evolution.... It integrates information from genetics, whole-organism biology, paleontology, and stratigraphy.... Genetics, Paleontology, and Macroevolution serves as an excellent starting point for discussion in a graduate seminar course. It is important to consider Levinton's perspective on evolutionary history and processes..." Palaios

From the Publisher