Cells, Embryos, and Evolution: Toward a Cellular and Developmental Understanding of Phenotypic Variation and Evolutionary Adaptability

Customer Reviews:

The road to a new understanding of multicellular life.......2002-11-10

John Gerhart and Marc Kirschner have boldly displayed a panorama of recent findings in biology which they methodically piece together into an entirely new understanding of the phylogenic and embryologic mechanisms of evolution. While aimed at the more sophisticated scientific reader (not an introductory text), their facility with modern experiments and exotic findings provide a thrilling ride from intracellular transduction mechanisms, through the differing phylogenetic strategies for embryogenesis (all phyla having been explosively formed in a brief "instant" after the first metazoans) and the secrets of evolvabilily making thier appearance in the embrogenetic regulatory mechanisms, not the structural proteins. For anyone who has ever found random mutation and selection an unsatisfying answer to evolution when all other biological processes are so exquisitely regulated (e.g. "Behavior and Evolution," Jean Piaget), Gerhart and Kirschner demonstrate that evolution is more of an extention of the generally "exploratory" property which is so central to life. This book is sure to spur a generation of new, productive thinking on the entire evolutionary paradigm. Perhaps when linked with work on structural stability in neural networks, a new macroscopic quantum formulation of biology may succeed a less informative and outdated stochastic formulation. [...]

Evolution of evolvability.......2002-03-10

Although somewhat technical this book is highly recommended as an introduction to the issues of both developmental genetics and evolution both, and these in relation to the mystery of the Cambrian explosion in the controversies that surround that question. Molecular phylogenies give us few clues to the molecular changes that underlie species divergence. Students of evolution tend to rely on on theories of selection and population genetics as explanations for evolutionary change. But there are pitfalls here. For selection only provides a filter on the possible forms, screening the forms presented by development. Thus the study of embryological development becomes essential to seeing what is really happening. From this key idea the book proceeds to explore conservation and the evolution of evolvability, to use a phrase of Dawkins. The result is really quite a new subject altogether. The book ends with a question, has evolvability evolved and is it the result of clade selection? At this point I think we are leaving the realm of standard Darwinism into some new unknown terrain. Excellent book,and despite technical issues really quite clear, well presented.

Evolution via development.......2000-11-27

The general reader who has already read some other references on development, will find this reference to be an easy to read yet detailed reference on evolutionary development which takes interesting conceptual viewpoints. The reference starts by pointing out the significant amount of cellular mechanisms conserved in all forms of life. The concept of 'contingency' is then developed, where it is considered to be the dependence of cellular activities on particular conditions, and its importance in metazoans. This leads to the concept of 'exploratory behavior', where it is considered to be responses of the organism to be more than can be explained by contingent mechanisms. For example, a version of the protozoan Stentor that is only .1% of the usual volume, yet its overall shape, the patterns of its cilia and gullet, are not changed. Plasticity observed in the nervous system is another such example. The concept of 'novelty' is then discussed, largely how new proteins have emerged. Multicellularity and differentiation are then considered, followed by the emergence of various body plans. The concept of developmental flexibility and robustness is considered as the development of the embryo is discussed. Limb buds and neural crest cells are then discussed as sources of evolutionary diversification of the vertebrate body plan. The final chapter of the reference considers the concept of 'evolvability', where it is considered to be the capability of organisms to produce nonlethal, phenotypic variations which natural selection can act upon, and thus allow evolution.

Destined to be a classic.......1999-08-08

This book does a great job of unifying the many disparate threads of modern biology. This is one of the few books on biology written in this decade that may actually cause readers to see life from a new point of view. Destined to be a classic, right up there with D'Arcy Thompson's "Growth and Form" or Ptashne's book on phage lambda. Also this book is fun to read because there are tons of illustrations and also lots of interesting factoids about all sorts of weird organisms. If you are going to buy a book about biology, buy this one!

Excellent - but is afraid to take the next step........1998-09-18

The authors of this book have taken a bold step toward a cellular view of evolution. But they shy from taking that final and necessary step of discarding the DNA based information model for a cellular one. Of course, doing this opens a pandora's box of Lamarkian thought. Still, considering the risks, the effort is more than commendable. Thank you for this book.

Evolutionary Algorithms in Molecular Design (Methods and Principles in Medicinal Chemistry)

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Evolutionary Algorithms in Molecular Design (Methods and Principles in Medicinal Chemistry)

Manufacturer: Wiley-VCH
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 3527301550

Book Description

When trying to find new methods and problem-solving strategies for their research, scientists often turn to nature for inspiration. An excellent example of this is the application of Darwin's Theory of Evolution, particularly the notion of the 'survival of the fittest', in computer programs designed to search for optimal solutions to many kinds of problems. These 'evolutionary algorithms' start from a population of possible solutions to a given problem and, by applying evolutionary principles, evolve successive generations with improved characteristics until an optimal, or near-optimal, solution is obtained.

This book highlights the versatility of evolutionary algorithms in areas of relevance to molecular design with a particular focus on drug design. The authors, all of whom are experts in their field, discuss the application of these computational methods to a wide range of research problems including conformational analysis, chemometrics and quantitative structure-activity relationships, de novo molecular design, chemical structure handling, combinatorial library design, and the study of protein folding. In addition, the use of evolutionary algorithms in the determination of structures by X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy is also covered.

These state-of-the-art reviews, together with a discussion of new techniques and future developments in the field, make this book a truly valuable and highly up-to-date resource for anyone engaged in the application or development of computer-assisted methods in scientific research.

Molecular Evolution: A Phylogenetic Approach

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would not recommend
Good overview of molecular evolution studies but a bit outdated
Nice figures
Trees and more trees
Handy read

Molecular Evolution: A Phylogenetic Approach
Roderic D. Page , and Edward C. Holmes
Manufacturer: Blackwell Publishing Limited
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ASIN: 0865428891

Customer Reviews:

would not recommend.......2007-03-26

We use this book in the class and most of us don't like it. The book just doesn't do a good job explaining many things. Unless you are an expert in the field or at least have prior experience I would not recommend you this book.

Good overview of molecular evolution studies but a bit outdated.......2006-03-16

If you're not familiar with DNA sequences analysis and inferring phylogenies, this book is a must read (as far as I know the only introduction book to the field). But it's a bit outdated (Bayesian analysis not covered).

Nice figures.......2004-01-08

I'm new to molecular evolution and have been confused with various terms and concepts (e.g., cladogram vs. phylogram vs. dendrogram, plesiomorphy vs. apomorphy vs. autapomorphy vs. synapomorphy vs. homoplasy, etc.). Reading other books that try to explain these concepts mostly in words only added more confusion.

Every page in this book contains highly illustrative figures that accompanies well written text. Of course, not all sections are not immediately clear to understand, and I would need to read other books as well.

If you are new to molecular evolution, start with this book along with any other books that may suit your particular need.

Trees and more trees.......2000-11-27

Although molecular phylogenetic analysis can be extremely complex, this reference provides an introduction to the subject that is straightforward to read. The reference begins with consideration of trees, which are structures used to model actual evolutionary relationships between genes or entire lifeforms. It then provides an introduction to molecular and population genetics. Coding as well as noncoding DNA (tandem repeats, transposable elements, retroviruses, spacer DNA) is considered. The reference then considers how genetic change can be measured, followed by how we can deduce molecular phylogenies. The validity of the molecular clock is then considered, along with a discussion of the neutralist-selectionist debate. The reference finally considers how different phylogenies can be combined to determine actual phylogeny, reconciled trees, and rates of diversification.

Handy read.......2000-03-25

This book is very well written and a handy tool for anyone who is new to molecular evolution. Nice diagrams and concise chapters. The authors know how to break up the sometimes demanding ideas into appropriate bites. Perfect for grad students and senior undergrads.

The Genetic Code and the Origin of Life (Molecular Biology Intelligence Unit (Unnumbered).)

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The Genetic Code and the Origin of Life (Molecular Biology Intelligence Unit (Unnumbered).)

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0306478439

Book Description

The Genetic Code and the Origin of Life celebrates the 50 ^th anniversary of the discovery of the double helix. This book combines two complementary approaches to address the question of the development of the Genetic Code. The first chapters provide general perspectives into the most important features of the evolution of life and the code. The rest of the chapters provide detailed analyses on the features and evolution of independent components of the code. Thus the book combines a general overview with detailed descriptions. This volume provides a general reference for the academic audience interested in evolution and, simultaneously, consolidates our most detailed knowledge on the biological characteristics of the components of the genetic code.

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A great introduction to the subject.
Evolutionary Genetics

Evolutionary Genetics
John Maynard Smith
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0198502311

Book Description

The first edition of Maynard Smith's Evolutionary Genetics (first published in 1989) was welcomed as the first comprehensive introduction to the molecular and population aspects of evolutionary genetics, and has now become one of the definitive textbooks in the field. Aimed at advanced undergraduates in the biological sciences, the book covers basic population and quantitative genetics, evolutionary game theory, behavioural evolution, sexual selection and mating systems, speciation, and macroevolution. Theory and mathematics are clearly explained, with the aid of problems at the ends of the chapters, and the author takes care to place these within the context of questions central to current research in evolutionary biology. This Second Edition has been revised and updated throughout to reflect new findings and research interests. In the chapter on phenotypic evolution, the author incorporates new research on game theory. The discussions of sex and host-parasite interactions have been extensively revised and the author has added a new chapter on molecular genetics and the reconstruction of evolutionary history. Evolutionary Genetics remains the essential textbook for advanced undergraduates seeking a clear, comprehensive, and up-to-date account of the theory of evolutionary biology.

Customer Reviews:

A great introduction to the subject........2006-02-25

The writing is clear and the derivations, for the most part, straightforward. (The derivations of mutational heritability and Fisher's Fundamental Theorem are still somewhat obscure to me.) The problems are also excellent; the computations and manipulations are not overly laborious, but you do have to think and exercise a sound conceptual grasp of the material. Make sure you know first-year calculus before tackling this book.

Evolutionary Genetics.......2000-10-27

I am a Physicist trying to learn a bit about Genetics. I take the book seriously and I solve the problems and the computer proyects that the author poses. The book is highly readable and interesting (just some few type mistakes). This I warranty since I have had not the need of much consulting outside the book and this is not my field of research!!. The author goes from the basics up to some remarks of unsolved problems and controversy.

The Rna World (Cold Spring Harbor Monograph Series) (Cold Spring Harbor Monograph Series)

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An excellent primer
Twenty Five Papers Sumarizing Current Research
Excellent read.

The Rna World (Cold Spring Harbor Monograph Series) (Cold Spring Harbor Monograph Series)
Thomas R. Cech , and John F. Atkins
Manufacturer: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0879697393

Product Description

Recent studies on the activities of RNA in the cell have revolutionized our understanding of the many roles played by this molecule. The first two editions of The RNA World (1993, 1999) shed light on the prebiotic era dominated by this versatile molecule, and provided an overview of the state of RNA research at the time. The new third edition of The RNA World updates this perspective, describing the vast array of newly discovered roles for RNA in the modern world. The updated original chapters are supplemented with new chapters on RNAprotein complexes, snRNPs and snoRNPs, telomerase RNA, RNAi, microRNAs, noncoding RNA, and many other subjects. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the biology of nucleic acids and gene regulation and a valuable resource for teaching these concepts.

Customer Reviews:

An excellent primer.......2006-04-29

The title refers to the hypothesis that before there was DNA there was RNA, inhabiting a world in which not only basic synthesis but also the storing of genetic information was the prerogative of RNA. But the book is much more than this: it is a primer on the world of RNA in its many forms. Each chapter is an authoritative essay on a particular aspect of RNA, from riboswitches to the dynamics of RNA folding. Anyone who wants to access current knowledge about how cells function at a biochemical level should read this book; because of the breadth of subject-matter and the caliber of the contributors, even a specialist is likely to find something new and stimulating.

Too often books of this type are badly written and crammed with unexplained jargon; here the text is a masterpiece of clarity and technical terms are carefully introduced and elucidated. A non-specialist can easily pick up this book and, several hours later, emerge with a good conceptual framework in mind.

The only caveat is that today the field of RNA research is moving so quickly that any hardcopy text will quickly fall out of date. The new work on siRNA, for example, is progressing with such speed that the reader will want to supplement this text with some online research of their own in order to come right up-to-date.

Twenty Five Papers Sumarizing Current Research.......2006-01-22

Although it has been a lot of years since RNA was discovered, and even many years since the breakthrough discoveries by Altman and Cech of RNA Catalytic activity, the new discoveries keep coming, and indeed at a faster and increasing rate. I don't know if it has been the intent of this book to be a sort of master journal of the most significant happening in the area, but it seems to have turned out so.

This is the third edition of 'The RNA World' and it has a series of 25 papers produced by what might be called a 'Who's Who' and a 'What's What' of RNA research. The are broken down by categories with the following names:

The Origins of RNA and RNA at the Origin
Building a Functional RNA
Exiting the Ancient RNA World - Synthetases and Ribosomes
Richness of RNA Roles in a Modern RNA World
RNA Continues to Triumph Over DNA
Emerging Tools.

This is a book that any researcher, any laboratory, any organization doing RNA work simply has to have.

Excellent read........2000-04-27

As a second edition, this book is not just an updated version of the original. In fact, it should probably have been called volume 2, instead of second edition. If you have the original, you will want to put this on the shelf next to it. The book covers a great deal in a field that is rapidly moving forward. A must for people interested in what is going on in "the RNA world."

Disease Evolution: Models, Concepts, and Data Analyses (Dimacs Series in Discrete Mathematics and Theoretical Computer Science)

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Disease Evolution: Models, Concepts, and Data Analyses (Dimacs Series in Discrete Mathematics and Theoretical Computer Science)

Manufacturer: American Mathematical Society
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Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0821837532

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Infectious diseases are continuing to threaten humankind. While some diseases have been controlled, new diseases are constantly appearing. Others are now reappearing in forms that are resistant to drug treatments. A capacity for continual re-adaptation furnishes pathogens with the power to escape our control efforts through evolution. This makes it imperative to understand the complex selection pressures that are shaping and reshaping diseases. Modern models of evolutionary epidemiology provide powerful tools for creating, expressing, and testing such understanding.

Bringing together international leaders in the field, this volume offers a panoramic tour of topical developments in understanding the mechanisms of disease evolution. The volume's first part elucidates the general concepts underlying models of disease evolution. Methodological challenges addressed include those posed by spatial structure, stochastic dynamics, disease phases and classes, single- and multi-drug resistance, the heterogeneity of host populations and tissues, and the intricate coupling of disease evolution with between-host and within-host dynamics. The book's second part shows how these methods are utilized for investigating the dynamics and evolution of specific diseases, including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, SARS, malaria, and human rhinovirus infections.

This volume is particularly suited for introducing young scientists and established researchers with backgrounds in mathematics, computer science, or biology to the current techniques and challenges of mathematical evolutionary epidemiology.

Book Description

"This is an absolutely superb book! I have been recommending it enthusiastically to professional colleagues, graduate students, and even the occasional highly motivated undergraduate student ever since it was published last year, and the response to the book has been overwhelmingly positive. Not only is the book unique in terms of topical coverage, but it is also extremely well executed. In fact, it is one of the best textbooks on any subject that I have read. It belongs on the shelves of everyone interested in the genetic aspects of human evolution. There is also much of value in it for paleoanthropologists, historical linguists, archaeologists, and human biologists (biological anthropologists), as well as for geneticists with various complementary specialties and interests.

… The text is clearly written, and the illustrations are excellent. The boxed supplementary text is especially informative, whether just explanatory information or an opinion piece by an outside expert. There is a real richness to the mtDNA and Y-chromosome data presented in a phyolgenetic/phylogeographic framework in the three chapters on prehistoric range expansion and global colonization. Students have found chapters 3-6 (about genome diversity) quite helpful and have deemed the text's brief excursions into the realm of mathematics to be effectively presented and not overly technical. Appropriate Web sites are mentioned throughout the book, to foster independent research. I must confess that I learned something new (and important) from every chapter in the book!

… This new compendium emphasizes the enormous explosion in knowledge derived from human haploid systems and molecular genetic markers, and, as such, it is a most worthy successor. It should quickly become the book to consult for genetic information pertinent to the evolution of our species. To the authors, I offer both a sincere thank you and a hearty congratulations for a job well done!"

American Journal of Human Genetics, 76:0, 2005

Customer Reviews:

A great book all around.......2006-07-28

I ordered this book when I first began my research using DNA markers. I found it very easy to read and highly informative, even beyond my own interests. It's a great reference to have around and a must read for anyone working in the field of human genetics, both from a clinical or academic perspective. Its organization lends it suitable for a good textbook in an advanced evolutionary genetics course as well.

A must have book for this field.......2004-08-07

Very up-to-date (msot references are from 2000 to 2003),
and well-written.

You will become an expert in this filed after studying this classic!

I bought a copy for myself, and another one for my advisor.

I have read it twice in a week!

Essential reading.......2004-02-06

Clearly laid out like one of the classic undergraduate textbooks (e.g. Genes VII, Albers et al.), this is the only up-to-date introduction in the field.

The authors make great efforts to link advances in genetics to other fields (e.g. linguistics, anthropology), as well as to organise chapters around key issues such as the spread of agriculture, offering space to key authors in these associated fields. Bibliographic/website sources are also well documented.

Book Description

During the last ten years, remarkable progress has occurred in the study of molecular evolution. Among the most important factors that are responsible for this progress are the development of new statistical methods and advances in computational technology. In particular, phylogenetic analysis of DNA or protein sequences has become a powerful tool for studying molecular evolution. Along with this developing technology, the application of the new statistical and computational methods has become more complicated and there is no comprehensive volume that treats these methods in depth. Molecular Evolution and Phylogenetics fills this gap and present various statistical methods that are easily accessible to general biologists as well as biochemists, bioinformatists and graduate students. The text covers measurement of sequence divergence, construction of phylogenetic trees, statistical tests for detection of positive Darwinian selection, inference of ancestral amino acid sequences, construction of linearized trees, and analysis of allele frequency data. Emphasis is given to practical methods of data analysis, and methods can be learned by working through numerical examples using the computer program MEGA2 that is provided.

Customer Reviews:

clear reading for beginners.......2007-10-05

this book is realy straightforward, very well-written and really explains the oncept in a very clear way. Excellent choice for non-specialists.

Molecular Evolution and Phylogenetics by Masatoshi Nei, Sudhir Kumar.......2007-03-09

Overall it is a good and complete book on Molecular Evolution, and basic DNA analysis techniques.

A valuable addition.......2003-11-26

I don't look for any one book to answer all my questions. This one carries its weight, though, and maybe a bit more.

The first section gives the clearest and most detailed description of nucleotide sequence comparisons I've seen. I'm no biologist, but it really got me thinking about some new ways to talk about substitution matrices.

The bulk of the book covers what I hoped for originally: phylogenetic trees. The authors choose an unusual approach - it doesn't quite meet the authors' initial promise of math-minimization, but doesn't climb too far up the ivory tower, either. I find it a very practical, usable level of presentation. I'd be nervous about going beyond their formulas, since the math for real understanding isn't all there. Still, the phylogeny discussion covers a lot of material, and covers it well enough for me to write programs about most of it.

The final section addresses population genetics. I have nothing against population genetics, it just never seemed to point where I'm headed. Nei and Kumar corrected my mis-impression. Population gentics is the background model, the null hypothesis, behind the functions that score population differences. It really shows what happens when the tree of life branches out.

The book has some minor weaknesses. It emphasizes nucleotide sequences at the expense of peptides; I can't fault an author for writing what they want as opposed to what I want. On page one, the authors decline an intensely mathematical approach. By page 25, they're up to Poisson and gamma distances. The typography make the section breaks into a "Where's Waldo" experience. Nei's favorite author, based on citations, is Nei. Well, false modesty is no virtue. This book seems authoritative and Nei seems to be an authority, maybe not just in Nei's opinion.

This book really has given me a lot more to work with than most. Education isn't cheap these days, and this book is very educational. I just hope no one asks me to lend it any time soon.

OK, until something better comes along.......2003-02-20

Nei and Kumar's "Molecular Evolution and Phylogenetics" is basically an updated version of Nei's 1987 "Molecular Evolutionary Genetics" book. Accordingly, attention is shifted to reviewing many recent advances in methods of phylogenetic inference with an obvious bias towards distance methods, particularly those which the senior author devised. In fairness, they give decent coverage to the more popular parsimony and likelihood methods as well. The great strength of the book is the number of real examples used to illustrate properties of the methods, and their focus on statistical methodology without miring the reader in detailed mathematics. The disappointment is that while breadth of coverage is tolerable, depth is lacking. Expanding their views on the shortcomings of likelihood in choosing tree topology and likelihood ratio-tests in choosing models of sequence evolution would have been most enlightening, particularly as these issues have been brushed lightly aside by phylo-likelihoodists. Other methods (Hadamard transformations, Bayesian phylogenetic inference) were absent altogether. Further the chapter on molecular clocks was disappointing--old 1980s controversies were rehashed, while there was nothing on methods that relax the assumption of rate constancy while still allowing divergences to be dated. Admittedly some of this is very new and research is ongoing, but there isn't even a hint of these developments in this chapter. Another plus though is the addition of a chapter on inferring ancestral states of molecular sequences.

Unlike Molecular Evolutionary Genetics, far too little of the book is devoted to methods at the population level, and what is there again smacks of state-of-the-art 15-20 years ago. I was hoping for much more coverage of microsatellite and AFLP data. There was very little for either, while now rarely-used RFLPs were given extensive coverage.

In short, this book was too short, particularly for the price, and I almost gave it 3 stars rather than 4. However, if you are a phylogeneticist, you will probably want to have this book on your shelf. A lighter introduction for the uninitiated would be Rod Page's "Molecular Evolution" or Graur and Li's "Fundamentals of Molecular Evolution". However, my hopes for a good comprehensive text and reference on phylogenetic methods now rest on publication of Joseph Felsenstein's "Inferring Phylogenies".

Top in its Field.......2000-09-21

This book is an excellent text and reference for both graduate students and faculty. It covers several topics in molecular evolution and phylogenetic analysis, as the title suggests. It stands as a unique contribution because the authors explain the mathematical and conceptual framework of a given topic in molecular evolution or phylogenetic analysis and give subsequent examples to show how various analytical methods can be applied to the study of that topic. In that context, the explanation of concepts was exceptionally clear, which made it easy to understand potentially difficult subject matter. This book is highly recommended to those wishing to study the analysis of genes and proteins in an evolutionary framework.

From DNA to Diversity: Molecular Genetics and the Evolution of Animal Design

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user
Prelude to a Text
Evo-Devo For The Graduate Student
Which Evo-Devo Book for You?
Excellent Evo/Devo text

From DNA to Diversity: Molecular Genetics and the Evolution of Animal Design
Sean B. Carroll , Jennifer K. Grenier , and Scott D. Weatherbee
Manufacturer: Blackwell Publishing Limited
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ASIN: 1405119500

Book Description

Animals diverge from common ancestry through changes in their DNA, but what are the genes that control morphology? In this landmark work, the author team led by Dr. Sean Carroll presents the general principles of the genetic basis of morphological change through a synthesis of evolutionary biology with genetics and embryology. The text first addresses the history of animal evolution, model system developmental genetics, and genetic regulatory mechanisms, and then examines case studies of evolutionary change at different genetic and morphological levels.In this extensively revised second edition, the authors delve into the latest discoveries, incorporating new coverage of comparative genomics, molecular evolution of regulatory proteins and elements, and microevolution of animal development. This new edition also includes major insights from recent genome studies, incorporates new findings from evo-devo biology research, and adds a new chapter focusing on models of variation and divergence among closely related species.An engaging style, clear, four-color illustrations, and up-to-date content all combine to make this text a highly accessible and definitive synthesis of the field.

Customer Reviews:

user.......2007-09-04

this book is well orgnized and clear stated. It contains many concepts about evo-devo field. Also this version includes many updated information about development and evolution.
Start from very basic phenomena and go further to the molecular level. Easy to read for anyone who is interested in this field.

Prelude to a Text.......2007-06-02

In a sense, Carroll has written the same book three times. "The making of the Fittest" is a work for the general reader explaining how our knowledge of genetics and embryonic development impacts and expands our knowledge of evolutionary biology (and vice-versa). His most famous book, "Endless Forms Most Beautiful," is aimed at college upperclassmen, and deal in more detail with the science of "Evo-Devo," evolutionary development. "From DNA to Diversity" covers much the same ground, but does so in a more technical and sophisticated manner. It appears aimed at graduate students and upper-division zoology majors. Presumably Carroll's next step it to write a graduate-level textbook. Toward the ent, "From DNA" reads like one.

It is a marvellous book, and like a text, it requires and rewards re-reading. Unlike a text, however, it virtually demands to be read in order; not only do the latter chapters build on the earlier ones, but the degree of difficulty in the presentation increases dramatically as the pages turn. As befits a book which assumes a sophisticated readership, there are fewer "detours" into polemics supporting green politics or mocking creationist theory. The photograpsh and the charts are terrific -- full color, clear, and as easy to read and interpret as the difficult subject matter will allow.

Because of the nature of the book, the discussion is less "thesis-bound" than Carrroll's other writings. Rather, he begins with a history of animal life, brings in detail about how embryonic development and genetic control of that process produces the diversity upon which natural selection can act, and weaves the two themes together to demonstrate how the process of forming animal bodies interacts with the changing environment to produce the multiplicity of animal forms we see today. And, Carroll goes on to show, the process is endless and at once aleatory and highly constrained.

I recall an episode of the old "Twilight Zone" series where a British World War One fighter pilot flies through a time warp and lands on an American Air Force base, circa 1960. He talks to one of the airman, and says, "We had no idea how advanced you are." The reader of Carroll's book is likely to have the same thoughts about the field of evo-devo. In Thirty years, these people have gone from the discovery of the nature of the DNA molecule to the brink of an ability to create life a test-tube. I had no idea they had advanced so far so fast.

Evo-Devo For The Graduate Student.......2006-09-06

We have about 25,000 genes. Some of these are "tool kit" genes that we share with all other animals. They evolved well before the Cambrian explosion over 540 million years ago from a bilaterally symmetrical common ancestor. Almost exact counterparts are found in apes and mice, and close counterparts in arthropods and worms. Next to most genes is a stretch of so-called "junk DNA" that does not code for genes. These DNA segments contain from three to twenty (or more) switches that collectively turn that gene on or off. The switches are activated or repressed by the differing concentration gradients of the protein products of other genes produced by neighboring cells. By virtue of the servo-feedback loops creating unique combinations of the protein products of tool kit genes, cells of the early embryo create a geographical map of their future body.

An escalating orchestra of domino effects builds complexity, each new development affecting the others. The tool kit genes and the other core genes that control biochemical function from bacteria to man are resistant to mutation. Novelty and speciation comes from the infinite variety of changes that come from the readily mutable genetic switches - allowing for changes in a segment without mortally wounding the rest of the animal. Not a single biologist 40 years ago would have predicted these discoveries.

The exciting developments of evo-devo have sent jolts of electricity through the evolutionary community. Nothing basic has been overturned; much has been enhanced. For example: It used to be thought that eyes had evolved independently many, many times - after all, the lumps of light sensitivity in primitive wormlike creatures, the compound eyes of insects, and the eyes of mammals have more differences than commonalities. As it turns out, the making of each eye-like organ is directed by a PAX6 tool kit gene. Not only that, if the PAX6 gene from the mouse is artificially introduced into the genetic material destined for the leg of the fly, an eye will form on the fly leg...and it's not a mouse eye - it's a fly eye. The mouse PAX6 gene switches - influenced by chemical gradients from adjacent tissue in the fly embryo - cause the gene to produce a fly eye! Astounding!

Tool kit genes (and other genes) are frequently named after the anomaly that doesn't develop when that gene is absent. The TINMAN gene controls development of the heart and circulatory system from butterflies to badgers - named after the Wizard of Oz character who had no heart. The wealth of information presented in this book will surprise, educate, and entertain the reader - and evo-devo researchers have just scratched the surface. New graduates in biology are surging into this explosive and previously neglected science.

There are three other books that I know of that cover these captivating discoveries of the last 30 years:

"Coming to Life," by Christiane Nusslein-Volhard. This fine book, written by a Nobel Prize winner for her meticulous ground-breaking work on fruit flies emphasizes the concentration gradients, which are indeed central to the story.

"The Plausibility of Life," by Kirschner and Gerhart. These authors are so excited about the new findings, they think it deserves a name - facilitated variation - and of course, they thought of the name. It is an excellent book with more basic sciences than the book under review, emphasizing how evo-devo facilitates novelty through an enhanced Baldwin Effect.

"Endless Forms Most Beautiful," also by Sean B. Carroll, written more for the college graduate who has taken a little biology.

I have studied them all. For the general public, "Endless Forms Most Beautiful" is the best. For those more familiar with molecular biochemistry and genetics, "DNA to Diversity" contains much more specific information - although anyone who would like one book would like the other.

"From DNA to Diversity" is a superbly written book -essential reading for the advanced reader who wishes to keep up with the stunning advances that have occurred in evolutionary knowledge during the past thirty years.

Which Evo-Devo Book for You?.......2005-11-16

High School, College, Grad School? This book is at the grad school level. Carroll has also written Endless Forms Most Beautiful at the college level and The Making of the Fittest at the high school level. (You can check on "Read all my reviews" to read more about these.)

My own background is this: My formal education in biology consisted of an introductory course in college 40-odd years ago. Since then I've read a lot and in the last two years I've had a very strong interest in molecular and evolutionary biology. (For more info, click on my name, above. My Profile also has a link to my Listmania list of evolution books. Note that you don't have to be a grad student to read this book.)

I read From DNA to Diversity first and it was too much for me. I then read Endless Forms. That was pretty understandable, so I went back to Diversity and found it reasonable clear. I have since read it a third time and I am very fond of it.

Of the thousands of genes involved in the early development of animals, this book concentrates on a few, along with the proteins with which they interact and the various body parts they affect. Special attention is paid to the Hox genes and their insect homologues. Because these have large-scale effects in development, changes in them and in their regulation have profound effects on evolution. I especially enjoyed the section where Carroll combined many bits of information to show us the basic features that must have been present in the first bilaterally symmetric animal, that tiny but promising ancestor of us all. This is one of the bonuses we get for making the extra effort to read the grad-level book.

I find the text very clear and the overall organization - starting with the workings of the major toolkit genes, proceeding through descriptions of how those genes direct the overall shaping of the animal, and on to general considerations of evolution -- proceeds nicely.

[2 June 2007: This was one of the first reviews I wrote and I have added bits as my skills have improved. It got to be a bit patchy, so I have just finished a mafor revision.]

Excellent Evo/Devo text.......2002-10-09

I havn't read the book all the way through, but from what I've seen, its an excellent book, good illustrations, straightforward info. This particular area of biology - using developmental genetics to elucidate evolutionary processes and relationships, is in my opinion one of the most exciting areas of biology today. I've had some advanced level classes in developmental and evolutionary biology myself, and I would probably have to say that for the lay person, the book may be somewhat out of grasp.

In regards to the mouse/fly eye develompent experiment, it is simply showing that the genes that regulate the most fundamental levels of development in the eye (or any part of the organism) are the same for fly and mouse... over the years, the end results have evolved to be much different, but at the deepest levels, the the genes that regulate the most fundamental develpment are still the same. ie. eye gene in mouse = mouse eye, eye gene in fly = fly eye. eye gene does the same thing in fly our mouse.

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