Why isn't life all simple - simple replicating molecules or simple single cells? Why are there multimillion-celled, long-lived monsters like us, built from tens of thousands of cooperating genes?
The existence of complex life is one of the great mysteries of evolution, for complexity is neither inevitable nor necessary. As Mark Ridley shows in this important and thought-provoking book, two major biological hurdles had to be overcome to allow living complexity to evolve. Complex life is constructed from more genes than simple life. But as gene numbers increase, so too do the number of copying errors - it is easier to make a mistake copying the Bible than copying an advertising slogan. Similarly, natural selection encourages gene selfishness, and genes could easily evolve to subvert complex life forms. In retracing the history of life on our planet - from the initial wobbly replicating molecules, through microbes, worms and flies and ultimately to humans - Ridley reveals how life has evolved as a series of steps to deal with error and coerce genes to cooperate within each body. It is a process he likens to the guiding hand of a benign demon enforcing Mendel's fundamental laws of inheritance.

About the Author

Mark Ridley is in the Department of Zoology at the University of Oxford. He was formerly assistant professor of anthropology and biology at Emory University, Georgia, USA. He has also been a research fellow at St Catherine's College, Cambridge, and at Linacre, Oriel and New Colleges, Oxford. He is the author of the acclaimed student textbook Evolution and is a regular contributor to The New York Times, The Sunday Times, Nature, New Scientist and The TLS, among other publications. Mendel's Demon is his long-awaited trade debut.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Bei antiquarischen B�chern ist die Zustandbeschreibung immer als "altersgem�ss" zu verstehen. Sie k�nnen nat�rlich auch Fotos der gew�nschten Position anf�rdern. Wir freuen uns �ber Ihr Vertrauen und auf Ihre gesch�tzte Bestellung. Fragen Sie uns einfach nach.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Biopuls GmbH
Amriswilerstrasse 10, Biopuls GmbH, Dozwil, 8582, Switzerland

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

Die B�cher werden in der Regel bis 48 Stunden nach
Bestelleingang verschickt. Die Versandkostenpauschalen basieren auf Durchschnittswerten f�r unter 1 kg schwere B�cher. Versand in einem
Luftpolster- oder Kartonumschlag. Die Versandkosten m�ssen evtl. l�nderspezifisch angepasst werden

Shipping Terms

Die Ware wird in der Regel innerhalb von 48 Stunden nach Bestelleingang verschickt. Bitte entnehmen Sie den voraussichtlichen Liefertermin Ihrer Bestellbest�tigung. Die Versandkostenpauschalen basieren auf Durchschnittswerten f�r 1 kg schwere B�cher. �ber abweichende Kosten (z.B. wegen eines sehr schweren Buches) werden Sie gegebenenfalls vom Verk�ufer informiert.

Shipping rates from Switzerland to U.S.A.

Shipping rates from Switzerland to U.S.A.
Order quantity	8 to 15 business days	7 to 14 business days
First item	US$ 41.61	US$ 41.61

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.