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Books > Science & Mathematics > Biology, life sciences > Life sciences: general issues > Evolution

Textbook of Evolutionary Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine - The Origins of Psychopathology (Paperback, 2nd Revised... Textbook of Evolutionary Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine - The Origins of Psychopathology (Paperback, 2nd Revised edition)
Martin Brune
R2,509 Discovery Miles 25 090 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine are concerned with medical conditions affecting brain, mind and behaviour in manifold ways. Traditional approaches have focused on a restricted array of potential causes of psychiatric and psychosomatic conditions - including adverse experiences such as trauma, neglect or abuse, genetic vulnerability and epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Whilst essential for the understanding of mental disorders, these approaches have disregarded important questions such as why the human mind is vulnerable to dysfunction at all. The Textbook of Evolutionary Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine updates and expands the previous edition to provide answers to these questions by emphasising an evolutionary perspective on psychiatric and psychosomatic conditions. It explains how the human brain/mind has been shaped by natural and sexual selection; why adaptations to environmental conditions in our evolutionary past may nowadays work in suboptimal ways; and how human cognition, emotions, and behaviour can be scientifically framed to improve our understanding of how people try to attain important biosocial goals pertaining to one's status in society, mating, eliciting and providing care, and maintaining rewarding relationships. The evolutionary topics relevant to the understanding of psychiatric and psychosomatic conditions include the concepts of genetic plasticity, life history theory, stress regulation and immunological aspects. In addition, it is argued that an evolutionary framework is also necessary to understand how psychotherapy and psychopharmacology work to improve the lives of patients with psychiatric and psychosomatic disorders. The Textbook of Evolutionary Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine is a valuable text for all students of Psychology, Medicine, and Psychotherapy who seek an understanding of the evolutionary issues surrounding health and disease.

Adaptation and Evolution in Marine Environments, Volume 2 - The Impacts of Global Change on Biodiversity (Paperback): Cinzia... Adaptation and Evolution in Marine Environments, Volume 2 - The Impacts of Global Change on Biodiversity (Paperback)
Cinzia Verde, Guido Di Prisco
R3,314 Discovery Miles 33 140 Ships in 18 - 22 working days

The second volume of "Adaptation and Evolution in Marine Environments - The Impacts of Global Change on Biodiversity" from the series "From Pole to Pole" integrates the marine biology contribution of the first tome to the IPY 2007-2009, presenting overviews of organisms (from bacteria and ciliates to higher vertebrates) thriving on polar continental shelves, slopes and deep sea. The speed and extent of warming in the Arctic and in regions of Antarctica (the Peninsula, at the present ) are greater than elsewhere. Changes impact several parameters, in particular the extent of sea ice; organisms, ecosystems and communities that became finely adapted to increasing cold in the course of millions of years are now becoming vulnerable, and biodiversity is threatened. Investigating evolutionary adaptations helps to foresee the impact of changes in temperate areas, highlighting the invaluable contribution of polar marine research to present and future outcomes of the IPY in the Earth system scenario.

Materials for the Study of Variation - Treated with Especial Regard to Discontinuity in the Origin of Species (Paperback):... Materials for the Study of Variation - Treated with Especial Regard to Discontinuity in the Origin of Species (Paperback)
William Bateson
R1,597 Discovery Miles 15 970 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

Building on the work of Darwin and Mendel, the biologist William Bateson (1861-1926) was the first scientist to combine the study of variation, heredity and evolution, and to use the term 'genetics'. This book was first published in 1894 after many years of experimental and theoretical work - particularly in the embryology of the acorn worm genus Balanoglossus - which had been guided by the principle that embryonic developmental stages replay the evolutionary transitions of adult forms of an organism's ancestors. Bateson was the first to challenge this theory, which made him unpopular among the scientific establishment of the time, but he was proved right. Organising his material by anatomical sections, Bateson explores speciation, phylogeny and discontinuous and continuous variation among a wide range of species, including vertebrates, invertebrates and plants. This pioneering work offers great insight into how the study of genetics and inheritance itself evolved.

The Phylogenetic System of Ephemeroptera (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2004): Nikita Kluge The Phylogenetic System of Ephemeroptera (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2004)
Nikita Kluge
R5,278 Discovery Miles 52 780 Ships in 18 - 22 working days

The fIrst draft version of this book, written in systematics of Neoptera) had two different editions English and named "Draft revision of supraspecies in Russian - in 1999 and in 2000 (Kluge 2000). taxa of Ephemeroptera (without Atalophlebiinae)," English version of this fIrst volume is also prepared, was prepared as an Internet publication in 1998; but not published yet. thanks to Dr. Michael Hubbard (Florida A & M Uni versity), it has been available from the web site "Ephemeroptera Galactica" since 1998. The second NEW TERMS, TAXA NAMES AND version, written in Russian and named "Revision of SYNONYMS supra-species taxa of Ephemeroptera (except for Atalophlebialfgl)," was prepared as an Internet publication in 2000; from 2001 till now it has been New terms: plesiomorphon (instead of wrongly available from the web site of Biological Faculty of used "plesion," p. 16); basitornal margin, tornoapical S-Petersburg University, http: //www. bio. pu. ruJwinl margin, amphitornal margin of wing or wing bud entomollKLUGEIEPHEMER -"content_. htm. Both (p. 31); tergalius (instead of formerly used "tergalia" versions contain the systematics of all mayflies or "tergalium," p. 35); caudalius, tricaudale, basitri except for Atalophlebialfgl. The present Volume 1 caudale, cercotractor (p. 38). does not contain the systematics of Turbanoculata For some morphological terms type taxa are (i. e. Baetidae auct. ) nor of all Leptophlebialfg1 (i. e. designated. Till now this was not practised, but in Leptophlebiidae auct."

Evolving Pathways - Key Themes in Evolutionary Developmental Biology (Paperback): Alessandro Minelli Evolving Pathways - Key Themes in Evolutionary Developmental Biology (Paperback)
Alessandro Minelli; Giuseppe Fusco
R1,528 Discovery Miles 15 280 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

Evolutionary developmental biology, or 'evo-devo', is the study of the relationship between evolution and development. Dealing specifically with the generative mechanisms of organismal form, evo-devo goes straight to the core of the developmental origin of variation, the raw material on which natural selection (and random drift) can work. Evolving Pathways brings together contributions that represent a diversity of approaches. Topics range from developmental genetics to comparative morphology of animals and plants alike, and also include botany and palaeontology, two disciplines for which the potential to be examined from an evo-devo perspective has largely been ignored until now. Researchers and graduate students will find this book a valuable overview of current research as we begin to fill a major gap in our perception of evolutionary change.

Island Life - Or, The Phenomena and Causes of Insular Faunas and Floras, Including a Revision and Attempted Solution of the... Island Life - Or, The Phenomena and Causes of Insular Faunas and Floras, Including a Revision and Attempted Solution of the Problem of Geological Climates (Paperback)
Alfred Russel Wallace
R1,534 Discovery Miles 15 340 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

First published in 1880, this study of the biology and geography of islands investigates some of the most pressing questions of nineteenth-century natural science. Why do countries as far-flung as Britain and Japan share similar flora and fauna when those of neighbouring islands in Malaysia are utterly unalike? What is the origin of life in New Zealand? And why do the geological formations of Scotland and Wales appear to be the result of glaciers when those countries lie in the temperate zone? Dismissing popular theories of submerged continents and 'special creation', Alfred Russel Wallace (1823 1913) presents extensive evidence of the mass migration of species, and of drastic and repeated climatic changes across the globe. Drawing on a vast range of sources and the newest ocean soundings to support his theories, Wallace wrote the text for the intelligent general reader. It remains a fascinating introduction to the subject matter today.

Cosmochemical Evolution and the Origins of Life - Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on the Origin of Life and... Cosmochemical Evolution and the Origins of Life - Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on the Origin of Life and the First Meeting of the International Society for the Study of the Origin of Life, Barcelona, June 25-28, 1973, Volume I: Invited Papers and Volume II: Contributed Papers (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1974)
J. Oro, S.L. Miller, C. Ponnamperuma, R.S. Young
R2,838 Discovery Miles 28 380 Ships in 18 - 22 working days

This publication, in two volumes, includes most of the scientific papers presented at the first meeting of the International Society for the Study of the Origin of Life (lSSOL), held on June 25-28, 1973 in Barcelona, Spain. The first volume contains the invited articles and the second volume the contributed papers, which also appear in the 1974 and 1975 issues, respectively, of the new journal Origins of Life, published by D. Reidel. A relatively large number of meetings on the subject of the origin of life have been held in different places since 1957. In terms of its organization, scope, and number and nationality of participants, the Conference celebrated last year in Barcelona closely followed the three international conferences held earlier in Moscow, U.S.S.R., 1957, Wakulla Springs, U.S.A., 1963, and Pont-a-Mousson, France, 1970. For this reason the first ISSOL meeting was also named the 4th International Conference on the Origin of Life.

Plant Genome Diversity Volume 2 - Physical Structure, Behaviour and Evolution of Plant Genomes (Paperback, 2013 ed.): Ilia J.... Plant Genome Diversity Volume 2 - Physical Structure, Behaviour and Evolution of Plant Genomes (Paperback, 2013 ed.)
Ilia J. Leitch; Edited by Johann Greilhuber, Jaroslav Dolezel, Jonathan Wendel
R6,698 Discovery Miles 66 980 Ships in 18 - 22 working days

This second of two volumes on Plant Genome Diversity provides, in 20 chapters, insights into the structural evolution of plant genomes with all its variations. Starting with an outline of plant phylogeny and its reconstruction, the second part of the volume describes the architecture and dynamics of the plant cell nucleus, the third examines the evolution and diversity of the karyotype in various lineages, including angiosperms, gymnosperms and monilophytes. The fourth part presents the mechanisms of polyploidization and its biological consequences and significance for land plant evolution. The fifth part deals with genome size evolution and its biological significance. Together with Volume I, this comprehensive book on the plant genome is intended for students and professionals in all fields of plant science, offering as it does a convenient entry into a burgeoning literature in a fast-moving field.

Biodiversity Hotspots - Distribution and Protection of Conservation Priority Areas (Paperback, 2011 ed.): Frank E. Zachos, Jan... Biodiversity Hotspots - Distribution and Protection of Conservation Priority Areas (Paperback, 2011 ed.)
Frank E. Zachos, Jan Christian Habel
R7,027 Discovery Miles 70 270 Ships in 18 - 22 working days

Biodiversity and its conservation are among the main global topics in science and politics and perhaps the major challenge for the present and coming generations. This book written by international experts from different disciplines comprises general chapters on diversity and its measurement, human impacts on biodiversity hotspots on a global scale, human diversity itself and various geographic regions exhibiting high levels of diversity. The areas covered range from genetics and taxonomy to evolutionary biology, biogeography and the social sciences. In addition to the classic hotspots in the tropics, the book also highlights various other ecosystems harbouring unique species communities including coral reefs and the Southern Ocean. The approach taken considers, but is not limited to, the original hotspot definition sensu stricto and presents a chapter introducing the 35th hotspot, the forests of East Australia. While, due to a bias in data availability, the majority of contributions on particular taxa deal with vertebrates and plants, some also deal with the less-studied invertebrates. This book will be essential reading for anyone involved with biodiversity, particularly researchers and practitioners in the fields of conservation biology, ecology and evolution.

The Story of Evolution in 25 Discoveries - The Evidence and the People Who Found It (Paperback): Donald R. Prothero The Story of Evolution in 25 Discoveries - The Evidence and the People Who Found It (Paperback)
Donald R. Prothero
R586 Discovery Miles 5 860 Ships in 9 - 17 working days

The theory of evolution unites the past, present, and future of living things. It puts humanity's place in the universe into necessary perspective. Despite a history of controversy, the evidence for evolution continues to accumulate as a result of many separate strands of amazing scientific sleuthing. In The Story of Evolution in 25 Discoveries, Donald R. Prothero explores the most fascinating breakthroughs in piecing together the evidence for evolution. In twenty-five vignettes, he recounts the dramatic stories of the people who made crucial discoveries, placing each moment in the context of what it represented for the progress of science. He tackles topics like what it means to see evolution in action and what the many transitional fossils show us about evolution, following figures from Darwin to lesser-known researchers as they unlock the mysteries of the fossil record, the earth, and the universe. The book also features the stories of animal species strange and familiar, including humans-and our ties to some of our closest relatives and more distant cousins. Prothero's wide-ranging tales showcase awe-inspiring and bizarre aspects of nature and the powerful insights they give us into the way that life works. Brisk and entertaining while firmly grounded in fundamental science, The Story of Evolution in 25 Discoveries is a captivating read for anyone curious about the evidence for evolution and what it means for humanity.

The Evolution of Mammalian Characters (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1984): D. M. Kermack The Evolution of Mammalian Characters (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1984)
D. M. Kermack
R1,373 Discovery Miles 13 730 Ships in 18 - 22 working days

This book is not intended to give a full and comprehensive account of the Mesozoic mammals, and nor is it intended as a handbook for research workers studying pre-Tertiary mammals. Our intention is to give an account of the origin and evolution of certain of the characters of the Mammalia. We have tried to portray the fossils we describe as the living animals they once were, not as dead bones. Our account ends with the end of the Lower Cretaceous, since by that time the major characters of the mammals had become established. There exist a number of characters which, at the present day, are confined to the Mammalia. These include: (1) a jaw articulation formed by the squamosal and the dentary; (2) a chain of three bones, malleus, incus and stapes connecting the tympanic membrane to the inner ear; (3) the presence of hair or fur; (4) the presence of milk-glands in the female; (5) the left aortic arch is the systemic arch; (6) the phalangeal formula in both manus and pes is 2.3.3.3.3; (7) some of the teeth have more than one root. Of these characters (1) or (2) are sufficient by themselves to define a mammal; characters (6) and (7) are known to have been already in existence in some of the mammal-like reptiles - the ancestors of the mammals.

Relict Species - Phylogeography and Conservation Biology (Paperback, 2010 ed.): Jan Christian Habel, Thorsten Assmann Relict Species - Phylogeography and Conservation Biology (Paperback, 2010 ed.)
Jan Christian Habel, Thorsten Assmann
R5,190 Discovery Miles 51 900 Ships in 18 - 22 working days

Mankind has evolved both genetically and culturally to become a most successful and dominant species. But we are now so numerous and our technology is so p- erful that we are having major effects on the planet, its environment, and the b- sphere. For some years prophets have warned of the possible detrimental consequences of our activities, such as pollution, deforestation, and overfishing, and recently it has become clear that we are even changing the atmosphere (e. g. ozone, carbon dioxide). This is worrying since the planet's life systems are involved and dependent on its functioning. Current climate change - global w arming - is one recognised consequence of this larger problem. To face this major challenge, we will need the research and advice of many disciplines - Physics, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Biology, and Sociology - and particularly the commitment of wise politicians such as US Senator Al Gore. An important aspect of this global problem that has been researched for several decades is the loss of species and the impoverishment of our ecosystems, and hence their ability to sustain themselves, and more particularly us! Through evolutionary time new species have been generated and some have gone extinct. Such extinction and regeneration are moulded by changes in the earth's crust, atmosphere, and resultant climate. Some extinctions have been massive, particularly those asso- ated with catastrophic meteoric impacts like the end of the Cretaceous Period 65Mya.

On the Prowl - In Search of Big Cat Origins (Hardcover): Mark Hallett, John Harris On the Prowl - In Search of Big Cat Origins (Hardcover)
Mark Hallett, John Harris
R838 Discovery Miles 8 380 Ships in 9 - 17 working days

Big cats such as lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars fascinate us like few other creatures. They are enduring symbols of natural majesty and power. Yet despite the magnetic appeal of the big cats, their origins and evolutionary history remain poorly understood-and human activity threatens to put an end to the big cats' glory. On the Prowl is a fully illustrated and approachable guide to the evolution of the big cats and what it portends for their conservation today. Mark Hallett and John M. Harris trace the origins of these iconic carnivores, venturing down the evolutionary pathways that produced the diversity of big cat species that have walked the earth. They place the evolution and paleobiology of these species in the context of ancient ecosystems and climates, explaining what made big cats such efficient predators and analyzing their competition with other animals. Hallett and Harris pay close attention to human impact, from the evidence of cave paintings and analysis of ancient extinctions up to present-day crises. Their engaging and carefully documented account is brought to life through Hallett's detailed, vivid illustrations, based on the most recent research by leading paleontologists. Offering a fresh look at the rise of these majestic animals, On the Prowl also makes a powerful case for renewed efforts to protect big cats and their habitats before it is too late.

Species, Species Concepts and Primate Evolution (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1993): William H. Kimbel,... Species, Species Concepts and Primate Evolution (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1993)
William H. Kimbel, Lawrence B. Martin
R5,220 Discovery Miles 52 200 Ships in 18 - 22 working days

A world of categones devmd of spirit waits for life to return. Saul Bellow, Humboldt's Gift The stock-in-trade of communicating hypotheses about the historical path of evolution is a graphical representation called a phylogenetic tree. In most such graphics, pairs of branches diverge from other branches, successively marching across abstract time toward the present. To each branch is tied a tag with a name, a binominal symbol that functions as does the name given to an individual human being. On phylogenetic trees the names symbolize species. What exactly do these names signify? What kind of information is communicated when we claim to have knowledge of the following types? "Tetonius mathewzi was ancestral to Pseudotetonius ambiguus. " "The sample of fossils attributed to Homo habzlis is too variable to contain only one species. " "Interbreeding populations of savanna baboons all belong to Papio anubis. " "Hylobates lar and H. pileatus interbreed in zones of geographic overlap. " While there is nearly universal agreement that the notion of the speczes is fundamental to our understanding of how evolution works, there is a very wide range of opinion on the conceptual content and meaning of such particular statements regarding species. This is because, oddly enough, evolutionary biolo gists are quite far from agreement on what a species is, how it attains this status, and what role it plays in evolution over the long term."

Evolutionary History of Bats - Fossils, Molecules and Morphology (Paperback, New): Gregg F. Gunnell, Nancy B Simmons Evolutionary History of Bats - Fossils, Molecules and Morphology (Paperback, New)
Gregg F. Gunnell, Nancy B Simmons
R1,342 Discovery Miles 13 420 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

Advances in morphological and molecular methods continue to uncover new information on the origin and evolution of bats. Presenting some of the most remarkable discoveries and research involving living and fossil bats, this book explores their evolutionary history from a range of perspectives. Phylogenetic studies based on both molecular and morphological data have established a framework of evolutionary relationships that provides a context for understanding many aspects of bat biology and diversification. In addition to detailed studies of the relationships and diversification of bats, the topics covered include the mechanisms and evolution of powered flight, evolution and enhancement of echolocation, feeding ecology, population genetic structure, ontogeny and growth of facial form, functional morphology and evolution of body size. The book also examines the fossil history of bats from their beginnings over 50 million years ago to their diversification into one of the most globally wide-spread orders of mammals living today.

Evolutionary History of Bats - Fossils, Molecules and Morphology (Hardcover, New): Gregg F. Gunnell, Nancy B Simmons Evolutionary History of Bats - Fossils, Molecules and Morphology (Hardcover, New)
Gregg F. Gunnell, Nancy B Simmons
R4,076 R3,442 Discovery Miles 34 420 Save R634 (16%) Ships in 10 - 15 working days

Advances in morphological and molecular methods continue to uncover new information on the origin and evolution of bats. Presenting some of the most remarkable discoveries and research involving living and fossil bats, this book explores their evolutionary history from a range of perspectives. Phylogenetic studies based on both molecular and morphological data have established a framework of evolutionary relationships that provides a context for understanding many aspects of bat biology and diversification. In addition to detailed studies of the relationships and diversification of bats, the topics covered include the mechanisms and evolution of powered flight, evolution and enhancement of echolocation, feeding ecology, population genetic structure, ontogeny and growth of facial form, functional morphology and evolution of body size. The book also examines the fossil history of bats from their beginnings over 50 million years ago to their diversification into one of the most globally wide-spread orders of mammals living today.

Prehistoric Man (Paperback, 2nd Revised edition): W.L.H. Duckworth Prehistoric Man (Paperback, 2nd Revised edition)
W.L.H. Duckworth
R667 Discovery Miles 6 670 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

Originally published during the early part of the twentieth century, the Cambridge Manuals of Science and Literature were designed to provide concise introductions to a broad range of topics. They were written by experts for the general reader and combined a comprehensive approach to knowledge with an emphasis on accessibility. Prehistoric Man by W. L. H. Duckworth was first published in 1912, and reissued as this second edition during the same year. The volume contains an account of the earliest phases in the development of humanity, beginning with the precursors of Paleolithic man and ending at the time of the Aurignacian culture.

Evolution 2.0 - Implications of Darwinism in Philosophy and the Social and Natural Sciences (Paperback, 2012 ed.): Martin... Evolution 2.0 - Implications of Darwinism in Philosophy and the Social and Natural Sciences (Paperback, 2012 ed.)
Martin Brinkworth, Friedel Weinert
R1,408 Discovery Miles 14 080 Ships in 18 - 22 working days

These essays by leading philosophers and scientists focus on recent ideas at the forefront of modern Darwinism, showcasing and exploring the challenges they raise as well as open problems. This interdisciplinary volume is unique in that it addresses the key notions of evolutionary theory in approaches to the mind, in the philosophy of biology, in the social sciences and humanities; furthermore it considers recent challenges to, and extensions of, Neo-Darwinism. The essays demonstrate that Darwinism is an evolving paradigm, with a sphere of influence far greater than even Darwin is likely to have imagined when he published 'On the Origin of Species' in 1859.

Evolution of Extracellular Matrix (Paperback, 2013 ed.): Fred W. Keeley, Robert Mecham Evolution of Extracellular Matrix (Paperback, 2013 ed.)
Fred W. Keeley, Robert Mecham
R4,778 Discovery Miles 47 780 Ships in 18 - 22 working days

The evolution of single cells into multicellular organisms was mediated, in large part, by the extracellular matrix. The proteins and glycoconjugates that make up the extracellular matrix provide structural support to cellular complexes, facilitate cell adhesion and migration, and impart mechanical properties that are important for tissue function. Each class of ECM macromolecule has evolved to incorporate distinctive properties that are defined by conserved modules that are mixed together to achieve appropriate function. This volume provides a comprehensive analysis of how the major ECM components evolved over time in order to fill their specific roles found in modern organisms. The major focus is on the structural matrix proteins, matricellular proteins, and more complex ECM structures such as basement membranes. Adhesive proteins and their receptors are also discussed.

The Moral Brain - Essays on the Evolutionary and Neuroscientific Aspects of Morality (Paperback, 2009 ed.): Jan Verplaetse,... The Moral Brain - Essays on the Evolutionary and Neuroscientific Aspects of Morality (Paperback, 2009 ed.)
Jan Verplaetse, Jelle De Schrijver, Sven Vanneste, Johan Braeckman
R4,011 Discovery Miles 40 110 Ships in 18 - 22 working days

Scientists no longer accept the existence of a distinct moral organ as phrenologists once did. A generation of young neurologists is using advanced technological medical equipment to unravel specific brain processes enabling moral cognition. In addition, evolutionary psychologists have formulated hypotheses about the origins and nature of our moral architecture. Little by little, the concept of a 'moral brain' is reinstated. As the crossover between disciplines focusing on moral cognition was rather limited up to now, this book aims at filling the gap. Which evolutionary biological hypotheses provide a useful framework for starting new neurological research? How can brain imaging be used to corroborate hypotheses concerning the evolutionary background of our species? In this reader, a broad range of prominent scientists and philosophers shed their expert view on the current accomplishments and future challenges in the field of moral cognition and assess how cooperation between neurology and evolutionary psychology can boost research into the field of the moral brain.

Darwin's Biological Work - Some Aspects Reconsidered (Paperback): P.R. Bell Darwin's Biological Work - Some Aspects Reconsidered (Paperback)
P.R. Bell
R1,254 Discovery Miles 12 540 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

This collection of essays demonstrates the width of Darwin's interests and ability as a biologist. The theory of evolution by natural selection was, of course, his most important achievement and is covered in three of the essays: Wilkie presents Darwin's theory in its historical setting and relates it to the earlier work by Buffon and Lamarck; Haldane discusses the theory of evolution by natural selection, as postulated by Darwin, and assesses its validity in the light of subsequent research; and Challinor considers the apparent discrepancy between some of the fossil evidence and Darwin's theory, a problem which Darwin himself appreciated and discussed in The Origin of Species. The other essays deal with subjects about which Darwin wrote separate books. The essay by Bell is concerned with the movement of plants in response to light; that by Marler with communication between animals and that by Whitehouse with cross- and self-fertilization in plants.

Biodiversity in Aquatic Systems and Environments - Lake Biwa (Paperback, 2014 ed.): Noboru Okuda, Katsutoshi Watanabe, Kayoko... Biodiversity in Aquatic Systems and Environments - Lake Biwa (Paperback, 2014 ed.)
Noboru Okuda, Katsutoshi Watanabe, Kayoko Fukumori, Shin-Ichi Nakano, Takefumi Nakazawa
R1,669 Discovery Miles 16 690 Ships in 18 - 22 working days

This book presents the latest topics in ecological and evolutionary research on aquatic biodiversity from bacteria to fishes, with special reference to Lake Biwa, an ancient lake in western Japan. With a geological history of 4 million years, Lake Biwa is the third oldest lake in the world. It is considered a biodiversity hotspot, where 1,769 aquatic species including 61 endemics are recorded, providing a rare opportunity to study the evolutionary diversification of aquatic biota and its ecological consequences. The first chapter introduces the evolutionary history of biodiversity, especially of fish in this lake. In the second chapter, some examples of trophic polymorphism in fish are described. Fish are keystone predators in lake ecosystems, and they can be a major driver for altering biological communities through their top-down trophic cascading effects. An excellent laboratory experiment is presented, demonstrating that functional diversity of fish feeding morphology alters food web properties of plankton prey communities. The third chapter focuses on aquatic microbes, whose abundance and diversity may also be influenced by the diversity of fish through top-down trophic cascades. Aquatic microbes can have a strong impact on ecosystem functioning in lakes, and in this chapter, the latest molecular techniques used to examine genetic and functional diversity of microbial communities are introduced. The final chapter presents theoretical frameworks for predicting how biodiversity has the potential to control the incidence and intensity of human-induced regime shifts. While respecting the precious nature of biodiversity in lakes, it is essential to be aware that modern human activities have brought a crisis of biodiversity loss in lakes worldwide. Throughout this book, readers will learn why biodiversity must be conserved at all levels, from genes to ecosystems.

The Philosophy of Human Evolution (Hardcover, New): Michael Ruse The Philosophy of Human Evolution (Hardcover, New)
Michael Ruse
R2,159 Discovery Miles 21 590 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

This book provides a unique discussion of human evolution from a philosophical viewpoint, looking at the facts and interpretations since Charles Darwin's The Descent of Man. Michael Ruse explores such topics as the nature of scientific theories, the relationships between culture and biology, the problem of progress and the extent to which evolutionary issues pose problems for religious beliefs. He identifies these issues, highlighting the problems for morality in a world governed by natural selection. By taking a philosophical viewpoint, the full ethical and moral dimensions of human evolution are examined. This book engages the reader in a thorough discussion of the issues, appealing to students in philosophy, biology and anthropology.

Developments in Industrial Microbiology - Volume 1 Proceedings of the Sixteenth General Meeting of the Society for Industrial... Developments in Industrial Microbiology - Volume 1 Proceedings of the Sixteenth General Meeting of the Society for Industrial Microbiology Held at State College, Pennsylvania, August 30-September 3, 1959 (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1960)
Saul Rich
R1,423 Discovery Miles 14 230 Ships in 18 - 22 working days
Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals (Hardcover, 3rd edition): Bernd Wursig, J. G. M. "Hans" Thewissen, Kit M. Kovacs Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals (Hardcover, 3rd edition)
Bernd Wursig, J. G. M. "Hans" Thewissen, Kit M. Kovacs
R5,106 R4,185 Discovery Miles 41 850 Save R921 (18%) Ships in 10 - 15 working days

The Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals, Third Edition covers the ecology, behavior, conservation, evolution, form and function of whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, manatees, dugongs, otters and polar bears. This edition provides new content on anthropogenic concerns, latest information on emerging threats such as ocean noise, and impacts of climate change. With authors and editors who are world experts, this new edition is a critical resource for all who are interested in marine mammals, especially upper level undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, and managers, and is a top reference for those in related fields, from oceanographers to environmental scientists.

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