Colin Patterson – författare

This book reviews the phylogenetic data derived from molecular methods and from classical morphology, and analyses the contribution each can make to the study of evolution. Molecular biology and traditional areas of evolutionary biology such as morphology have not enjoyed a particularly happy marriage. Molecular biologists have the advantages of modernity, high technology, and visibility: their results often seem to represent the cutting edge of science, superseding and outmoding what went before. Nevertheless, this book shows that the partnership between those who study morphology and those who study molecules is alive and well: reconciliation is possible, necessary and inevitable because the problems involved in reconstructing the history of life do not change, whatever the source of the data. In eight chapters, leading exponents of molecular and morphological methods explore phylogeny, starting with hominoids, the most thoroughly studied group, then working outwards through the vertebrates, and ending at the level of the prokaryote and eukaryote kingdoms. Theoretical problems are also covered, including the concepts of homology, the molecular clock and neutral or 'non-Darwinian' evolution. The book concludes with an example in laboratory mice where the reliability of different methods for determining phylogeny can be tested against a known genealogy.

Introducing the latest ideas on how life originated and diversified on earth, this new edition of a classic work provides a concise and engaging summary of modern evolutionary theory. The heavily illustrated book is intended for readers with little or no formal training in science and is an ideal introduction for students. Teachers of biology will also find the book a valuable reference text.Among the features of the second edition:* new chapters on neural evolution and gene evolution* explanations of the latest theories on the evolution of humans* extensive updates throughout, with emphasis on molecular evolution* many new or updated illustrations* comprehensive coverage, clear and concise presentation