Evolution at the Molecular Level

This book is an up-to-date review and evaluation of recent theoretical and empirical advances in the study of evolution. In 13 chapters contributed by 26 scientists, the book focuses on the basic processes underlying evolutionary change at the molecular level. The fundamental problems concerning phylogenetic reconstruction, interaction between selective and nonselective evolutionary forces, and the nature of evolutionary and structural constraints on molecules are attacked with the techniques of molecular biology. The topics range from the evolution of transposable elements and organelle genomes to the maintenance of polymorphism and sequence divergence of multigene families, with examples drawn from retroviruses, bacteria, plants and animals. The book is intended for advanced students and professionals with interests in the major research areas of evolutionary genetics.