THE POPULATION ALTERNATIVE: A NEW LOOK AT COMPETITION AND THE SPECIES

Defines the biological concept of populations, explains how species evolve from diversified populations, and examines the history of social Darwinism

Ruffie deals first with polymorphism, especially at the genetic level. He discusses the discredited tenet of genetic homogeneity of wild populations, and the newer view that extensive heterogeneity is the rule in Nature. He then describes the general process of evolution in a fairly straightforward, conventional manner, although with a heavy bias toward vertebrates. Finally he considers Social Darwinism and the view that nations adopted this philosophy because it was "natural," thus precipitating much of 20th-century history. While there is some astute observation on socioeconomic inequalities worldwide, Ruffie is locked into a naive liberal academic tradition that believes only governments stand in the way of peace. Worth reading through the first two sections; alternately interesting and exasperating in the last. For informed laypeople and scholars. Walter P. Coombs, Jr., Biology Dept., Western New England Coll., Springfield, Mass.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.