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In three volumes, The Handbook of Evolution spans the entire field of evolution from the origins of our universe, through the development of living systems on earth, to the formation of social structures and science and technology.
In this second volume, the world-renowned expert authors are joined by Pulitzer prizewinner Edward O. Wilson, of Harvard University. With each contribution written in a uniform style, the authors consider the subject from the perspective of a variety of disciplines, with numerous cross-referencing so as to retain a logical internal structure throughout.
An introductory synopsis of the evolution of organisms leads on to a look at the effects of complex social life on evolution and biodiversity. This is followed by the historical and philosophical aspects of the theory of biological evolution, human and animal. The final sections cover evolutionary developmental biology and environmental change as a possible driver of human evolution plus the human impact itself.
The result is more than a straightforward dictionary or encyclopedia, providing an overview of the history and methods used in the study of evolution, and not shying away from controversial theories and discussions. A must for scientists interested in the current level of knowledge in disciplines outside their own, as well as for anyone seeking an overview of the significance of evolution today.
Preface.
List of Contributors.
1 The Evolution of Organisms: A Synopsis (Francisco J. Ayala).
1.1 Biological Diversity and Evolution.
1.2 Evolutionary Theory.
1.3 The Evidence for Evolution: Paleontology.
1.4 Genetics of Evolution.
1.5 Natural Selection.
1.6 Sexual Selection and Kin Selection.
1.7 The Origin of Species.
1.8 Evolutionary History.
1.9 Punctuational Evolution.
1.10 Molecular Evolution.
2 The Evolution Controversies: An Overview (Michael Ruse).
2.1 Introduction.
2.2 The History of Evolutionism.
2.3 Origin of Life.
2.4 Natural Selection.
2.5 Human Sociobiology.
2.6 The Creationist Controversy.
2.7 Conclusions.
2.8 References.
3 The Effects of Complex Social Life on Evolution and Biodiversity (Edward O. Wilson).
3.1 Introduction.
3.2 Sociality and Rate of Evolution.
3.3 Sociality, Success, and Dominance.
3.4 References.
4 The Theory of Biological Evolution: Historical and Philosophical Aspects (Franz M. Wuketits).
4.1 Introduction.
4.2 “Forerunners” of Darwin.
4.3 What is an Evolutionary Theory and Who was the First Evolutionary Theorist?
4.4 Obstacles to Evolutionary Thinking.
4.5 Charles Darwin (1809–1882): The Theory of Natural Selection.
4.6 Darwin and After Darwin.
4.7 References.
5 Evolutionary Developmental Biology (Gerd B. Müller).
5.1 Introduction.
5.2 Historical Roots.
5.3 Agenda and Concepts.
5.4 Research Programs and Methods.
5.5 Practical and Theoretical Integration.
5.6 Prospects.
5.7 References.
6 Human Biological Evolution (Winfried Henke).
6.1 Summary.
6.2 Introduction to the Issue.
6.3 Human Biological Evolution: a Current Review.
6.4 Concluding Remarks.
6.5 References.
7 Evolution on a Restless Planet: Were Environmental Variability and Environmental Change Major Drivers of Human Evolution? (Peter J. Richerson, Robert L. Bettinger, and Robert Boyd).
7.1 Introduction.
7.2 The Evolution of Cenozoic Environments.
7.3 Climate and the Evolution of Large Brains and Cultural Artifacts.
7.4 Learning and Social Learning as Responses to Variability Selection.
7.5 Internal Constraints on the Evolution of Human Culture.
7.6 Cultural Evolution in the Late Pleistocene and Holocene.
7.7 Anthropogenic Effects on Climate Evolution.
7.8 Conclusions.
7.9 References.
8 The Human Impact (Bernhard Verbeek).
8.1 Introduction.
8.2 How an Extraterrestrial Would Perceive Modern Humans.
8.3 Pre-established Harmony.
8.4 The Progress of Civilization.
8.5 Ecology and the Human Being.
8.6 Evolution of Sustainability.
8.7 Back to the Past.
8.8 Culture: Evolution at a Meta Level.
8.9 Genome and Culture.
8.10 How Do We Learn Culture?
8.11 Evolutionarily Formed Learning Dispositions.
8.12 The Ecological–Social Dilemma.
8.13 Sustainability Through Faka-Tonga.
8.14 Cultural Comparison.
8.15 The Power of Constraints.
8.16 Critical Phase of Evolution.
8.17 References.
Index.
Overview
In three volumes, The Handbook of Evolution spans the entire field of evolution from the origins of our universe, through the development of living systems on earth, to the formation of social structures and science and technology.
In this second volume, the world-renowned expert authors are joined by Pulitzer prizewinner Edward O. Wilson, of Harvard University. With each contribution written in a uniform style, the authors consider the subject from the perspective of a variety ...