Macroevolution - Explanation, Interpretation and Evidence (Hardcover, 2015 ed.)

This book is divided in two parts, the first of which shows how, beyond paleontology and systematics, macroevolutionary theories apply key insights from ecology and biogeography, developmental biology, biophysics, molecular phylogenetics and even the sociocultural sciences to explain evolution in deep time. In the second part, the phenomenon of macroevolution is examined with the help of real life-history case studies on the evolution of eukaryotic sex, the formation of anatomical form and body-plans, extinction and speciation events of marine invertebrates, hominin evolution and species conservation ethics. The book brings together leading experts, who explain pivotal concepts such as Punctuated Equilibria, Stasis, Developmental Constraints, Adaptive Radiations, Habitat Tracking, Turnovers, (Mass) Extinctions, Species Sorting, Major Transitions, Trends and Hierarchies - key premises that allow macroevolutionary epistemic frameworks to transcend microevolutionary theories that focus on genetic variation, selection, migration and fitness. Along the way, the contributing authors review ongoing debates and current scientific challenges; detail new and fascinating scientific tools and techniques that allow us to cross the classic borders between disciplines; demonstrate how their theories make it possible to extend the Modern Synthesis; present guidelines on how the macroevolutionary field could be further developed; and provide a rich view of just how it was that life evolved across time and space. In short, this book is a must-read for active scholars and because the technical aspects are fully explained, it is also accessible for non-specialists. Understanding evolution requires a solid grasp of above-population phenomena. Species are real biological individuals and abiotic factors impact the future course of evolution. Beyond observation, when the explanation of macroevolution is the goal, we need both evidence and theory that enable us to explain and interpret how life evolves at the grand scale.

General

Imprint:	Springer International Publishing AG
Country of origin:	Switzerland
Series:	Interdisciplinary Evolution Research, 2
Release date:	March 2015
First published:	2015
Editors:	Emanuele Serrelli • Nathalie Gontier
Dimensions:	235 x 155 x 24mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Hardcover - Cloth over boards
Pages:	403
Edition:	2015 ed.
ISBN-13:	978-3-319-15044-4
Categories:	Books > Humanities > Philosophy > General Books > Science & Mathematics > Biology, life sciences > Life sciences: general issues > Evolution Books > Earth & environment > Earth sciences > Palaeontology > General Books > Earth & environment > The environment > Applied ecology > Biodiversity Books > Philosophy > General Promotions
LSN:	3-319-15044-8
Barcode:	9783319150444

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