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Evidence-Based Evolutionary Medicine (New York Academy of Sciences)
by John S. Torday Virender K. Rehan Neil W. BlackstoneA groundbreaking, evidence-based text to the growing field of evolutionary medicine Evidence-Based Evolutionary Medicine offers a comprehensive review of the burgeoning field of evolutionary medicine and explores vital topics such as evolution, ecology, and aging as they relate to mainstream medicine. The text integrates Darwinian principles and evidence-based medicine in order to offer a clear picture of the underlying principles that reflect how and why organisms have evolved on a cellular level. The authors—noted authorities in their respective fields—address evolutionary medicine from a developmental cell-molecular perspective. They explore the first principles of physiology that explain the generation of existing tissues, organs, and organ systems. The text offers an understanding of the overall biology as a vertically integrated whole, from unicellular to multicellular organisms. In addition, it addresses clinical diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, both traditional and cell-homeostatic. This groundbreaking text: • Offers a much-needed, logical, and fundamental approach to biology and medicine• Provides a clear explanation of complex physiology and pathophysiology • Integrates topics like evolution, ecology and aging into mainstream medicine, making them more relevant • Contains the first evidence-based text on evolutionary medicine Written for medical and graduate students in biology, physiology, anatomy, endocrinology, reproductive biology, medicine, pathology, systems biology, this vital resource offers a unique text of both biology as an integrated whole with universal properties; and of medicine seeing the individual as a whole, not an inventory of parts and diseases.
Evidence-Based Forensic Dentistry
by Jasdeep Kaur Balwant RaiRecent years have witnessed significant advances in forensic odontology. This book presents basic concepts in the field and describes all the standard examination procedures currently employed in the acquisition of dental evidence. Detailed information is provided on the identification of unknown individuals, the application of forensic dentistry in mass disasters and multiple fatality incidents, the role of dental evidence in child abuse investigations, and the analysis of bite mark evidence. Other features of the book are a series of high-profile cases, clear advice on the writing of legal reports, and discussion of the significance of DNA and oral fluid in forensic odontology. The text is supplemented by numerous high-quality figures, many of them in color. This book will be invaluable for dental examiners and pathologists, legal and police science professionals, and dentists who want to use their training and experience in an interesting and challenging way.
Evidence-Based Imaging
by C. Craig Blackmore L. Santiago Medina Kimberly ApplegateEvidence-Based Imaging is a user-friendly guide to the evidence-based science and merit defining the appropriate use of medical imaging in both adult and pediatric patients. Chapters are divided into major areas of medical imaging and cover the most prevalent diseases in developed countries, including the four major causes of mortality and morbidity: injury, coronary artery disease, cancer, and cerebrovascular disease. This book gives the reader a clinically-relevant overview of evidence-based imaging, with topics including epidemiology, patient selection, imaging strategies, test performance, cost-effectiveness, radiation safety and applicability. Each chapter is framed around important and provocative clinical questions relevant to the daily physician's practice. Key points and summarized answers are highlighted so the busy clinician can quickly understand the most important evidence-based imaging data. A wealth of illustrations and summary tables reinforces the key evidence. This revised, softcover edition adds ten new chapters to the material from the original, hardcover edition, covering radiation risk in medical imaging, the economic and regulatory impact of evidence-based imaging in the new healthcare reform environment in the United States, and new topics on common disorders. By offering a clear understanding of the science behind the evidence, Evidence-Based Imaging fills a void for radiologists, family practitioners, pediatricians, surgeons, residents, and others with an interest in medical imaging and a desire to implement an evidence-based approach to optimize quality in patient care.
Evidence-Based Imaging in Pediatrics
by C. Craig Blackmore Kimberly E. Applegate L. Santiago MedinaThis practical book is ideal for readers who want to rapidly determine the appropriate imaging for pediatric patients. The text provides a concise and accessible summary of the literature on how and when to use imaging studies. Chapters address the essentials, such as cost-effectiveness, and are written in collaboration by renowned specialists in the fields of pediatrics and pediatric radiology. Topics cover common clinical scenarios in neuroimaging and musculoskeletal, chest, and abdominal imaging. Each imaging recommendation is presented along with the supporting data and the strength of the evidence.
Evidence-Based Neuroimaging Diagnosis and Treatment
by L. Santiago Medina Pina C. Sanelli Jeffrey G. JarvikEvidence-Based Neuroimaging is a user-friendly guide that employs evidence-based medicine criteria to systematically review the evidence defining the appropriate use of medical imaging for the brain, spine, head, and neck. Edited by L. Santiago Medina, Pina C. Sanelli, and Jeffrey G. Jarvik, the book provides a systematic framework for understanding the best imaging choices for patient care. Chapters highlight key points that support clinical applications, allowing fast access to pertinent information including patient selection, imaging strategies, test performance, cost-effectiveness, and applicability. The diagnostic imaging of many common diseases, disorders, and conditions are covered, including multiple sclerosis, acute ischemic stroke, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, traumatic brain injury, autism, spinal trauma, spinal infections, neck masses, thyroid cancer, and cervical lymph node metastasis. By offering a clear understanding of the science behind the evidence, the book fills a void for radiologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, pediatricians, primary care physicians, and other clinicians with an interest in neuroimaging and a desire to implement an evidence-based approach into their daily practice.
Evidence-Based Nursing: The Research-Practice Connection (Third Edition)
by Sarah Jo BrownEvidence-Based Nursing: The Research-Practice Connection, Third Edition introduces students to research methods and evidence-based practice (EBP). Written in an accessible style, the content moves readers through understanding how research is produced to appraisal at the critical thinking level. Timely information links evidence-based practice to recent work in the Safety and Quality programs that are underway in healthcare and nursing. Key Features:* Offers five common research designs, systematic reviews, and clinical practice guidelines by using a consistent, easy-to-read "Why-How-What" approach. * Exemplar research reports include "Profile and Commentary" that explain results of studies and help students better understand the methodological components of a study Accompanied by Instructor Resources:* Save time with a Test Bank and sample syllabus* Encourage critical thinking using additional learning activities, including discussion questions and small group assignments * Plan classroom lectures using PowerPoint Presentations created by the authorNavigate eFolio Now Available! Navigate eFolio: Evidence-Based Nursing , a fully supported and hosted online learning solution featuring an ebook and course management tools is also available for purchase. Navigate eFolio transforms how students learn and instructors teach by bringing together authoritative and interactive content aligned to course objectives, with student practice activities and assessments, an ebook, and reporting tools. For more information visit go. jblearning. com/nursingef
Evidence-Based Offender Profiling (Criminology in Focus)
by David P. Farrington Andreas Kapardis Bryanna Fox Olivia C. HamblyOffender profiling is an investigative tool used to narrow down the range of potential suspects for a crime by predicting the personality, behavioral, and demographic characteristics that an offender is likely to possess, based upon information collected at the crime scene. While offender profiling has been popularized by TV shows and movies such as Criminal Minds, Silence of the Lambs, and Mindhunter, the real-world impact of offender profiling is largely unknown. This book discusses the history of offender profiling, summarizes research on offender profiling methods, and reviews offender profiling evaluations of accuracy and applied impact. This book also describes a promising new offender profiling methodology called evidence-based offender profiling. This new method relies upon empirical data and scientific methods to develop, evaluate, and replicate offender profiles, thereby increasing offender profiling’s accuracy and utility for active police investigations. It uses prior information about statistical regularities between types of offenders and types of offenses to predict the characteristics of offenders in unsolved cases. A discussion of the future of offender profiling research and implications for law enforcement is also included. This book also explains how practitioners can benefit from the use of empirically tested and validated profiles in their unsolved investigations and how the use, continued research, and evaluation of evidence-based offender profiling can advance the quality, prestige, and utility of the field of offender profiling.
Evidence-Based Practices in Mental Health: Debate and Dialogue on the Fundamental Questions
by John C. Norcross Larry E. Beutler Ronald F. LevantAddresses fundamental questions in the debate on evidence-based practices (EBPs) such as What qualifies as evidence? What qualifies as research on which to judge effective practice? Are research patients and clinical trials representative of clinical practice? Are evidence-based treatments readily transportable to clinical practice? and others. Positions are argued with passion and intelligence. Each question-focused chapter concludes with a dialogue among the contributors in which they emphasize their points of agreement and disagreement. The debate, interchange, and dialogue format makes this an ideal tool for teaching and discussion. For mental health practitioners, trainers, and graduate students.
Evidence-Based Science Activities in Grades 3–5: Meeting the NGSS
by Patrick Brown James ConcannonThis new book shows elementary teachers how evidence-based science activities help students achieve deeper conceptual understanding. Drawing on a wealth of research, authors Patrick Brown and James Concannon demonstrate how direct, hands-on experience in the science classroom can enable your students to become more self-reliant learners. They also provide a plethora of model lessons aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and offer advice on how to create your lesson plans and activities to satisfy the demands of your curriculum. With the resources in this book, you and your students will be able to ditch the textbook and embark upon an exciting and rewarding journey to scientific discovery.
Evidence-based Functional Foods for Prevention of Age-related Diseases
by Asim K. Duttaroy Surajit Pathak Antara BanerjeeThis book illustrates the recent advancements in the role of functional foods in preventing age-related disorders. It correlates age-related diseases and the effect of dietary compounds from different functional foods, herbs, and nutraceuticals. Notably, the book describes unique nutrition problems in many chronic diseases such as bone disease, cardiovascular disorders, brain disorders, immune disorders, and cancers. The book also discusses the use of functional foods for controlling osteoporosis, improving bone strength, maintaining dental health, controlling obesity, gut health, and maintaining immune function using functional ingredients such as probiotics and prebiotics. Further, it presents the state of the art of aging and nutrigenomics research and the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of bioactive nutrients on major aging-related disorders. Finally, the book embodies the latest findings and the mechanisms of actions of functional foods in aging and degenerative diseases and their beneficial uses in the aged population.
Evidence-based Nutritional Guidance for Health Management
by Robert FriedThis book presents an anthology of nutrition articles containing advice, information, and tips for achieving optimal health. Examples of topics covered include the role of type 2 diabetes in heart disease; omega-3s and fish oil supplements; nutrition for the skin; how antioxidants in common foods protect against free radicals; testing for low thyroid; how atherosclerosis damages coronary arteries; and the benefits of various foods in diets.
Evidenzbasierter Fledermausschutz in Windkraftvorhaben
by Christian C. VoigtDie Energieproduktion aus Windkraft ist ein wesentlicher Bestandteil der Energiewende in Deutschland. Seit Jahren zeigen jedoch Untersuchungen, dass vor allem Fledermäuse und Großvögel vielfach durch Kollisionen an Windenergieanlagen sterben. Der richtige Umgang mit diesem Dilemma stellt eine politische, gesellschaftliche und wissenschaftliche Herausforderung dar. Um im Rahmen der Energiewende die Klimaschutzziele in Einvernehmen mit den Biodiversitätszielen zu erreichen, ist die Neu- und Weiterentwicklung der Methoden des Fledermausschutzes zentral. Dieses Open Access Buch beschäftigt sich mit den neuesten Erkenntnissen und Evidenzen über die Möglichkeiten, die Zahl der Fledermaus-Schlagopfer zu reduzieren. Führende Experten präsentieren den Kenntnisstand ihres jeweiligen Themen- und Tätigkeitsfeldes, präsentieren neue Daten und schlagen konzeptionelle Änderungen vor. Das Buch richtet sich damit sowohl an Wissenschaftler, Fachgutachter, Behördenvertreter, politische Vertreter sowie an Vertreter von Naturschutzorganisationen und des Ehrenamts.
Evidenzbasiertes Wildtiermanagement
by Christian C. VoigtDiese Open Access Publikation hat das Spannungsfeld zwischen Menschen und Wildtieren, die sich ihren Lebensraum teilen, zum Thema. Dies kann zu Konflikten führen, die wirksame Managementmaßnahmen erfordern. Einerseits müssen anthropogene Störfaktoren für bedrohte und geschützte Wildtiere reduziert und Ausgleichsmaßnahmen entwickelt werden, damit sich die Bestände erholen. Andererseits stellt sich die Frage, ob die Populationen einiger Wildtierarten reguliert werden müssen, um Schäden für Mensch und Natur abzuwenden. Welche konkreten Maßnahmen ergriffen werden, sollte aus deren Notwendigkeit und nachgewiesener Wirksamkeit abgeleitet werden. Hierfür sind Erkenntnisse aus Forschung und praktischem Wildtiermanagement erforderlich. Führende Wildtierexperten stellen den jeweiligen Wissensstand in ihrer Fachdisziplin dar oder schlagen neue konzeptionelle Wege vor, um innovative Managementmaßnahmen zu erproben. Das Buch richtet sich sowohl an Forschende als auch an Fachleute und Beschäftigte von Behörden und Naturschutzverbänden.
Evil Genes: Why Rome Fell, Hitler Rose, Enron Failed, and My Sister Stole My Mother's Boyfriend
by Barbara A. OakleyAdventurer, writer, business executive, academic, and so on, Oakley (engineering, Oakland U. , Michigan) draws on her studies in bioengineering to offer genetic explanations for why some people are naturally exploitative, and so often succeed at it from the global to the family scale.
Evil Genes: Why Rome Fell, Hitler Rose, Enron Failed, and My Sister Stole My Mother's Boyfriend
by Barbara OakleyA fascinating scientific and personal exploration of the roots of evil, filled with human insight and telling detail. -STEVEN PINKER, Johnstone Professor, Harvard UniversityAuthor of The Language Instinct, How the Mind Works and The Stuff of ThoughtHave you ever met a person who left you wondering, How could someone be so twisted? So evil? Prompted by clues in her sister's diary after her mysterious death, author Barbara Oakley takes the reader inside the head of the kinds of malevolent people you know, perhaps all too well, but could never understand. Starting with psychology as a frame of reference, Oakley uses cutting-edge images of the working brain to provide startling support for the idea that evil people act the way they do mainly as the result of a dysfunction. In fact, some deceitful, manipulative, and even sadistic behavior appears to be programmed genetically-suggesting that some people really are born to be bad. But there are unexpected fringe benefits to evil genes. We may not like them-but we literally can't live without them. Oakley deftly ties together the big picture implications of revolutionary neuroscientific and genetic discoveries, showing the eerily similar behavioral tics of Mao, Stalin, Hitler, and Slobodan Milosevic. The dramatic recent scientific findings presented in Evil Genes shed light not only on dictators far afield, but on politics at home, as well as business, religion, and everyday life. In fact, history itself has been shaped by the strange confluence of genes and environment that science is just now beginning to understand. Oakley links the latest findings of molecular research to a wide array of seemingly unrelated historical and current phenomena, from the harems of the Ottomans and the chummy jokes of Uncle Joe Stalin, to the remarkable memory of investor Warren Buffet. Throughout, she never loses sight of the personal cost of evil genes as she unravels the mystery surrounding her sister's enigmatic life-and death. Evil Genes is a tour de force of popular science writing that brilliantly melds scientific research with intriguing family history and puts both a human and a scientific face to evil. Barbara A. Oakley, PhD (Rochester, MI), has been dubbed a female Indiana Jones-her writing combines worldwide adventure with solid research expertise. Among other adventures, she has worked as a Russian translator on Soviet trawlers in the Bering Sea, served as radio operator at the South Pole Station in Antarctica, and risen from Private to Regular Army Captain in the US Army. Currently an associate professor of engineering at Oakland University in Michigan, Oakley is a recent vice president of the world's largest bioengineering society and holds a doctorate in the integrative discipline of systems engineering.
Evil: The Science Behind Humanity's Dark Side
by Julia ShawAn expert in criminology and psychology uses science to understand evil in today’s society.What is it about evil that we find so compelling? From our obsession with serial killers to violence in pop culture, we seem inescapably drawn to the stories of monstrous acts and the aberrant people who commit them. But evil, Dr. Julia Shaw argues, is largely subjective. What one may consider normal, like sex before marriage, eating meat, or working on Wall Street, others find abhorrent. And if evil is only in the eye of the beholder, can it be said to exist at all? In Evil, Shaw uses an engrossing mix of science, popular culture, and real-life examples to break down timely and provocative issues. How similar is your brain to a psychopath’s? How many people have murder fantasies? Can artificial intelligence be evil? Do your sexual proclivities make you a bad person? Who becomes a terrorist? If you could travel back in time, would you kill baby Hitler? In asking these questions, Shaw urges readers to discover empathy and to rethink and reshape what it means to be bad. Evil is a wide-ranging exploration into a fascinating, darkly compelling subject from wickedly smart and talented writer.Praise for Evil“A brilliant panorama that elucidates humanity’s dark side. . . . This science-based foundation for studying the minds of sadists, mass murderers, freaks and creeps, as well the new role of tech in promoting evil is presented in a totally engaging fashion.” —Philip Zimbardo, PhD; Professor Emeritus, Stanford University; author of The Lucifer Effect“This overview of various kinds of aberrant behavior grouped under the umbrella term evil is well backed up by the expertise of Shaw. . . . Shaw’s work will be particularly appropriate for college and high school libraries for its sober-minded, academically rigorous examination of an oft-sensationalized subject.” —Publishers Weekly“Capably written with a smooth mix of scientific insight and theoretical thought, the book will hopefully inspire empathy and understanding rather than hysteria and condemnation. A consistently fascinating journey into the darker sides of the human condition that will push on the boundaries of readers’ comfort zones.” —Kirkus Reviews
Evo-Devo of Child Growth
by Ze'Ev HochbergWorking with principles from the fields of evolutionary and developmental biology (evo-devo), this fascinating work offers a new approach to analyzing child growth and development, examining each stage and transition in detail, from fetal development to preadulthood. Based on the author's in-depth review of the current literature and his own observations as a pediatric endocrinologist, the book demonstrates how the transitions between human life history phases represent unique periods of evolutionary adaptive response to the environment. In addition, the author explains why an understanding of these transition periods enables us to better understand the sequence and mechanisms of child growth as well as to better diagnose child growth disorders. Logically organized and clearly written, Evo-Devo of Child Growth: Sets a solid foundation of principles such as evolutionary thinking in medicine and child growth, life history theory, and heterochrony and allometry Examines the relationship between child growth and the theory of life history Applies evo-devo theory to fetal growth, infancy, childhood, juvenility, adolescence, and preadulthood Explores the trade-offs and adaptive phenotypic plasticity during transition periods Explains the role of life history theory in understanding and diagnosing growth disorders such as Down syndrome, Noonan syndrome, and Silver-Russell syndrome In addition to the author's own analysis and observations, this book also features notes from leading clinicians and evolutionary biologists, offering additional perspectives on the relationship between evo-devo and child growth and development. Evo-Devo of Child Growth provides a new perspective for evolutionary biologists to understand the phases and transitions of child growth. Moreover, it offers a new approach to help clinicians to better understand and diagnose a broad range of child growth disorders.
Evo-Devo: Non-model Species in Cell and Developmental Biology (Results and Problems in Cell Differentiation #68)
by Waclaw Tworzydlo Szczepan M. BilinskiEvolutionary developmental biology or evo-devo is a field of biological research that compares the underlying mechanisms of developmental processes in different organisms to infer the ancestral condition of these processes and elucidate how they have evolved. It addresses questions about the developmental bases of evolutionary changes and evolution of developmental processes. The book’s content is divided into three parts, the first of which discusses the theoretical background of evo-devo. The second part highlights new and emerging model organisms in the evo-devo field, while the third and last part explores the evo-devo approach in a broad comparative context. To the best of our knowledge, no other book combines these three evo-devo aspects: theoretical considerations, a comprehensive list of emerging model species, and comparative analyses of developmental processes. Given its scope, the book will offer readers a new perspective on the natural diversity of processes at work in cells and during the development of various animal groups, and expand the horizons of seasoned and young researchers alike.
Evo-SETI: Life Evolution Statistics on Earth and Exoplanets
by Claudio MacconeThis book offers a vision of how evolutionary life processes can be modelled. It presents a mathematical description that can be used not only for the full evolution of life on Earth from RNA to modern human societies, but also the possible evolution of life on exoplanets, thus leading to SETI, the current Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence. The main premise underlying this mathematical theory is that the Geometric Brownian Motion (GBM) can be applied as a key stochastic process to model the evolution of life. In the resulting Evo-SETI Theory, the life of any living thing (a cell, an animal, a human, a civilization of humans, or even an ET civilization) is represented by a b-lognormal, i.e., a lognormal probability density function starting at a precise instant (b, birth) then increasing up to a peak time, then decreasing to senility time and then continuing as a straight line down to the time of death.Using this theory, Claudio Maccone arrives at remarkable hypotheses on the development of life and civilizations, the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and when computers will take over the reins from us humans (Singularity). The book develops the mathematical Evo-SETI Theory by integrating a set of articles that the author has published in various journals on Astrobiology and Astronautical Research.
Evolución
by Edward J. LarsonLa teoría de la evolución no nació solo de la imaginación de Charles Darwin. Desde sus orígenes, la humanidad ha buscado sin tregua respuestas religiosas, filosóficas y científicas a la pregunta clave: ¿de dónde venimos? Con la irrupción y el auge de la ciencia moderna, la controversia sobre la cuestión de la evolución de la especie se aceleró hasta alcanzar el grado de precisión científica actual. En esta brillante obra -que combina un maravilloso anecdotario con el rigor académico- el ganador del Pulitzer Edward J. Larson nos conduce a través de la idea de la evolución, desde sus antecedentes teóricos, pasando por los portentosos logros de Darwin y Wallace, hasta llegar al descubrimiento de la doble hélice del ADN llevada a cabo por los profesores Watson y Crick, la exitosa síntesis neodarwinista actual y la extensión de la sociobiología. Al tiempo que traza el camino de las ideas, Evolución describe una galería de personajes fascinantes, los científicos, exploradores y excéntricos cuyas colaboraciones y disputas impulsaron la teoría evolutiva. De Cuvier, Lamarck, Darwin y Wallace a Haeckel, Galton, Huxley y Mendel o Watson y Crick, Larson recorre este dramatis personae consiguiendo un libro que el reputado científico Ernst Mayr calificó de «delicia intelectual».
Evolución: La asombrosa historia de una teoría científica
by Edward J. LarsonUn recorrido por la idea de la evolución, desde sus antecedentes teóricos a la actualidad. La teoría de la evolución no nació solo de la imaginación de Charles Darwin. Desde sus orígenes, la humanidad ha buscado sin tregua respuestas religiosas, filosóficas y científicas a la pregunta clave: ¿de dónde venimos? Con la irrupción y el auge de la ciencia moderna, la controversia sobre la cuestión de la evolución de la especie se aceleró hasta alcanzar el grado de precisión científica actual. En esta brillante obra -que combina un maravilloso anecdotario con el rigor académico- el ganador del Pulitzer Edward J. Larson nos conduce a través de la idea de la evolución, desde sus antecedentes teóricos, pasando por los portentosos logros de Darwin y Wallace, hasta llegar al descubrimiento de la doble hélice del ADN llevada a cabo por los profesores Watson y Crick, la exitosa síntesis neodarwinista actual y la extensión de la sociobiología. Al tiempo que traza el camino de las ideas, Evolución describe una galería de personajes fascinantes, los científicos, exploradores y excéntricos cuyas colaboraciones y disputas impulsaron la teoría evolutiva. De Cuvier, Lamarck, Darwin y Wallace a Haeckel, Galton, Huxley y Mendel o Watson y Crick, Larson recorre este dramatis personae consiguiendo un libro que el reputado científico Ernst Mayr calificó de «delicia intelectual».
Evolution
by Mark Kirkpatrick Douglas FutuymaThe gold standard in undergraduate-level evolutionary biology textbooks. This new fifth edition presents the field of evolution as a living, breathing science. Extensively revised for clarity and currency, Evolution, Fifth Edition, includes updated coverage of evolutionary genetics and genomics to illustrate the rapidly moving science of evolution. It also emphasizes the interplay between theory and empirical test hypotheses, acquainting students with the process of science. Evolution is available in a dynamic interactive enhanced e-Book that helps students hone their problem-solving and data analysis skills while seeing evolution in the context of their life.
Evolution
by Irfan YilmazExamining the evolution debate from different aspects, this study points out the divergent uses of evolution and it posits a scientific argument against the theory of evolution, and includes rational explanations derived from the Islamic understanding of creation.
Evolution
by Linda Asher Patrick Gries Jean-Baptiste De PanafieuUnprecedented in its approach, the number and diversity of the species presented, and the quality of the photographs, Evolution is the book on how we came to be what we are. Spectacular, mysterious, elegant, or grotesque, the skeletons of the vertebrates that inhabit the earth today carry within them the imprint of an evolutionary process that has lasted several billion years. This book is the result of a dual approach, scientific as well as aesthetic, rigorous yet accessible. Each chapter is made up of a short text that illuminates one theme of the evolutionary process--repetition, adaptation, polymorphism, sexual selection, and more--and a series of exquisitely composed photographs of skeletons against a black background. Approximately three hundred photographs of whole skeletons or their details have been made possible by the French National Museum of Natural History. The reader learns, by experiencing each text and photograph together, how the structure of every creature has been shaped by its environmental and genetic inheritance.
Evolution "On Purpose": Teleonomy in Living Systems (Vienna Series in Theoretical Biology)
by Peter A. Corning, et al.A unique exploration of teleonomy—also known as &“evolved purposiveness&”—as a major influence in evolution by a broad range of specialists in biology and the philosophy of science.The evolved purposiveness of living systems, termed &“teleonomy&” by chronobiologist Colin Pittendrigh, has been both a major outcome and causal factor in the history of life on Earth. Many theorists have appreciated this over the years, going back to Lamarck and even Darwin in the nineteenth century. In the mid-twentieth century, however, the complex, dynamic process of evolution was simplified into the one-way, bottom-up, single gene-centered paradigm widely known as the modern synthesis. In Evolution &“On Purpose,&” edited by Peter A. Corning, Stuart A. Kauffman, Denis Noble, James A. Shapiro, Richard I. Vane-Wright, and Addy Pross, some twenty theorists attempt to modify this reductive approach by exploring in depth the different ways in which living systems have themselves shaped the course of evolution.Evolution &“On Purpose&” puts forward a more inclusive theoretical synthesis that goes far beyond the underlying principles and assumptions of the modern synthesis to accommodate work since the 1950s in molecular genetics, developmental biology, epigenetic inheritance, genomics, multilevel selection, niche construction, physiology, behavior, biosemiotics, chemical reaction theory, and other fields. In the view of the authors, active biological processes are responsible for the direction and the rate of evolution. Essays in this collection grapple with topics from the two-way &“read-write&” genome to cognition and decision-making in plants to the niche-construction activities of many organisms to the self-making evolution of humankind. As this collection compellingly shows, and as bacterial geneticist James Shapiro emphasizes, &“The capacity of living organisms to alter their own heredity is undeniable.&”