Evolution: an introduction

The second edition of Evolution introduces the basic mechanisms of microevolution, natural selection, and macroevolutionary processes such as speciation and extinction. It also examines key events in evolution throughout the geological record and discusses coevolution and evolutionary medicine. In addition, the text discusses unsolved problems and looks ahead to future developments in this dynamic field.

The text is organized into five parts. Part One introduces the basic mechanisms of microevolution: selection, inheritance, and development. Part Two considers how natural selection has designed organisms for reproductive success. Part Three explores macroevolutionary processes such as speciation and extinction. Part Four examines key events in evolution throughout the geological record. Part Five discusses coevolution and evolutionary medicine, which integrate and contrast micro- and macroevolution. The book closes with a chapter that recapsulates major issues, discusses unsolved problems, and looks ahead to future developments in this dynamic field.

Evolution, Second Edition, is ideal for introductory undergraduate courses in evolutionary biology. A companion website contains downloadable images from the text, interactive simulations to help students explore the subject in a hands-on manner, and additional study questions with answers. Access it at http://www.oup.com/uk/booksites/content/0199255636/.

Stephen Stearns is Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Yale University.

Rolf Hoekstra is Professor of Genetics at Wageningen University in the Netherlands.