
The Evolution of Sex
John Maynard Smith(Author)
Cambridge University Press
Published on 24. August 1978
Book
Paperback/Softback
236 pages
978-0-521-29302-0 (ISBN)
Description
The question of why organisms reproduce sexually is still a matter of controversy. In this account, Professor Maynard Smith considers the selective forces responsible for the origin and evolution of sexual reproduction and genetic recombination, using quantitative population genetics arguments to support his ideas. The relative importance of individual and group selection processes are also considered. the aim is to give a clear statement of the theoretical issues, and present enough of the evidence to show what kinds of facts are relevant. It is hoped that where crucial evidence is missing, experimentalists and field workers may be encouraged to collect the relevant data. The author does not claim to solve all the problems he raises, but this clear and well-argued account should provide stimulating reading for advanced undergraduate students and research workers in evolutionary theory.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
Worked examples or Exercises
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
339 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-521-29302-0 (9780521293020)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
John Maynard Smith
The Evolution of Sex
Book
08/1978
Cambridge University Press
€34.05
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Previous edition
John Maynard Smith
The Evolution of Sex
Book
08/1978
Cambridge University Press
€34.05
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Content
Preface; 1. The problem; 2. Some consequences of sex and recombination - I. The rate of evolution; 3. Some consequences of sex and recombination - II. Muller's ratchet; 4. Could sex be maintained by group selection? The comparative data; 5. Recombination - the problem; 6. Short-term advantages for sex and recombination - I. An unpredictable environment; 7. Short-term advantages for sex and recombination - II. Selection in a finite population; 8. Hermaphroditism, selfing and outcrossing; 9. Anisogamy and the sex ratio; 10. Sexual selection; 11. Mutation.