
The Major Transitions in Evolution
Oxford University Press
Published on 30. October 1997
Book
Paperback/Softback
360 pages
978-0-19-850294-4 (ISBN)
Description
During evolution, there have been several major changes in the way that genetic information is organized and transmitted from one generation to the next. These transitions include the origin of life itself, the first eukaryotic cells, reproduction by sexual means, the appearance of multicellular plants and animals, the emergence of cooperation and of animal societies, and the unique language ability of humans. This is the first book to discuss all of these major transitions. In discussing such a wide range of topics in one volume, the authors are able to highlight the similarities between different transitions - for example, between the union of replicating molecules to form chromosomes and of cells to form multicellular organisms. The authors also show how an understanding of one transition sheds light on others. A common theme in the book is that entities that could replicate independently before the transition can replicate afterwards only as part of a larger whole. Why, then, does selection between entities at the lower level not disrupt selection at the higher level? In answering this question, the authors offer an explanation for the evolution of cooperation at all levels of complexity. Written in a clear style, and illustrated with many original diagrams, this book can be read with enjoyment by anyone with an undergraduate training in the biological sciences. It will be ideal for advanced discussion groups on evolution. Although the content ranges widely from molecular biology to linguistics and from intragenomic conflict to insect societies, no detailed knowledge of any of these topics is required. Mathematical models are clearly explained, and equations and formulae are kept to a minimum.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
line figures, tables
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
550 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-850294-4 (9780198502944)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

John Maynard Smith | Eors Szathmary
Major Transitions in Evolution
E-Book
10/1997
1st Edition
OUP Oxford
€53.99
Available for download
Persons
John Maynard Smith (1920-2004) was Emeritus Professor of Biology in the University of Sussex. Eors Szathmary is at the Institute for Advanced Study, Budapest.
Author
Emeritus Professor, School of Biological SciencesEmeritus Professor, School of Biological Sciences, University of Sussex
, Institute for Advanced Study, Budapest
Content
List of Tables ; Preface ; 1. Introduction ; 2. What is Life? ; 3. Chemical evolution ; 4. The evolution of templates ; 5. The chicken and egg problem ; 6. The origin of translation and the genetic code ; 7. The origin of protocells ; 8. The origin of eukaryotes ; 9. The origin of sex and the nature of species ; 10. Intragenomic conflict ; 11. Symbiosis ; 12. Development in simple organisms ; 13. Gene regulation and cell heredity ; 14. The development of spatial patterns ; 15. Development and evolution ; 16. The origins of societies ; 17. The origins of language ; References ; Index