Evolutionary Analysis

By presenting evolutionary biology as an ongoing research effort, this best-seller aims to help readers think like scientists. The authors convey the excitement and logic of evolutionary science by introducing principles through recent and classical studies, and by emphasizing real-world applications. Features a new chapter on Phylogenomics and the Molecular Basis of Adaptation (Ch. 15). Offers an earlier presentation of Reconstructing Evolutionary Trees, reflecting the growing importance of this topic in the field. Includes the latest research and examples, giving students access to the most current developments in the field. Includes full-color photographs, diagrams and data-graphics throughout, developed by the author. Undergraduate courses in evolution

The authors address topics of current interest (e.g., the evolution of HIV in Chapter 1) in drawing the student into the conversation about what evolution is, how it happens, and how you can demonstrate that it is happening.

Major sections of the book include the following:

1) An introduction to evolution: the HIV story, evidence for evolution, natural selection...

2) Mechanisms of evolutionary change: mutation, genetic drift, genetics, etc...

3) Adaptation: sexual selection, kin selection, social behavior, life history factors...

4) The History of Life: mechanisms of speciation, reconstructing evolutionary trees, origins and evolution of life through human evolution...

5) Current Research in Evolutionary Biology: development and evolution (a field that's really gaining momentum these days), molecular evolution, evolution and human health...

The authors touch all the important bases in this introductory text on evolution. The organization of material is logical, the tone is professional without being overbearing, there are many understandable examples, and the illustrations are excellent. Because of those factors, this new book appears to be a great text to teach from. There are wonderful reference texts out there about evolution, but most of them are not easy to teach or learn from. This book, however, helps students to learn, and provides ample material for instructors to use.

This is now my top choice for a textbook in evolution. This book is definitely worth 5 stars!

I hope this review was helpful to you.

Alan Holyoak, Dept of Biology, Manchester College, IN


Worth the price   April 25, 2001
CJ foote (Halifax, Canada, Dalhousie Medical School)
6 out of 7 found this review helpful

Looking at the price of this book you might precieve it as a bit expensive but don't be decieved. If you are taking an evolution course or just want to know about evolution, this is the easiest and most comprehensive read you can get. It has comprehensive chapters with page and chapter summeries and loads of examples. It made my course more enjoyable having it. If you're taking a course with this book, buy it. If you're taking another evolution course that deals with many concepts of evolution and even touches on the mathematics of genetics.....buy the book and read it.


Great text book   February 16, 2008
Samihah Huq
This book is well written and actually not bad as far as text books go.


Good shape and good shiping   September 19, 2008
Margaret Shoemaker
The book was in good condition and arrived within a week. They notified me the day it was sent and I recommend this seller.


Insightful biology textbook   May 23, 2000
7 out of 11 found this review helpful

I bought this book because I am taking a biology class at the University I attend currently. This book is our textbook.

The first two chapters are about Darwinism and Evolution. I also read the Beak of the Finch by Jonathan Weiner who is the winner of the Pulitzer Prize. His points about Darwinism and Evolution are all in this textbook with many of graphs and pictures. Although it is a textbook, it's easy to comprehend even if you are not a pre-med student. Topics such as natural selection, microevolution, and irony and controversy of the validity of evolution by natural selection are covered.

Part II of the book is about Mutation and Mendelian Genetics. The author covers gene duplication and Yule's Numerical examples, analyzing the point of the natural selection being a potent force of evolution. And sexual selection and adaptations are other important topics that are discussed in the part II.

Part III of the book is about current research (1998). Various theories in relationships among humans and the extant apes, and sexual selection are covered in great depth. Again, it all comes down to microevolution and macroevolution and their patterns after examing adaptive radiations, punctuated equilibrium, and fossiles.

Lastly, the author talks about social behavior of various species. The author concludes that when individuals interact, four outcomes are possible with respect to fitness: cooperation, altruism, selfishness, and spite. Robert Trivers' theory of altrusim is tested and other "outcomes" about animal behavior are studied. From these studies, the author concludes that genetic variance exists for behavioral traits. "Thh field of behavior genetics is devoted to exploring the extent and nature of this variation. Behavioral geneticists use selection and heritability studies to identify traits with significant genetic variance... and can uncover the specific function of loci influencing social behavior."

I think this book covers many important topics and is easily comprehensible even for non-biology majors.