Placeholder text

Improbable Destinies: Fate, Chance, and the Future of Evolution

Improbable Destinies: Fate, Chance, and the Future of Evolution Natural Sciences

Improbable Destinies: Fate, Chance, and the Future of Evolution

Only 2 items left in stock
Description
A major new book overturning our assumptions about how evolution works Earth's natural history is full of fascinating instances of convergence: phenomena like eyes and wings and tree-climbing lizards that have evolved independently, multiple times. But evolutionary biologists also point out many examples of contingency, cases where the tiniest change-a random mutation or an ancient butterfly sneeze-caused evolution to take a completely different course. What role does each force really play in the constantly changing natural world? Are the plants and animals that exist today, and we humans ourselves, inevitabilities or evolutionary flukes? And what does that say about life on other planets? Jonathan Losos reveals what the latest breakthroughs in evolutionary biology can tell us about one of the greatest ongoing debates in science. He takes us around the globe to meet the researchers who are solving the deepest mysteries of life on Earth through their work in experimental evolutionary science. Losos himself is one of the leaders in this exciting new field, and he illustrates how experiments with guppies, fruit flies, bacteria, foxes, and field mice, along with his own work with anole lizards on Caribbean islands, are rewinding the tape of life to reveal just how rapid and predictable evolution can be. Improbable Destinies will change the way we think and talk about evolution. Losos's insights into natural selection and evolutionary change have far-reaching applications for protecting ecosystems, securing our food supply, and fighting off harmful viruses and bacteria. This compelling narrative offers a new understanding of ourselves and our role in the natural world and the cosmos.
Product details
Number of Pages:
384
Release Date:
2017-08-08
Publication Date:
2017-08-08
Publisher:
RIVERHEAD
Languages:
Original: English
ISBN10:
0399184929
ISBN13:
9780399184925
Weight:
603 g
Height:
156 cm
Width:
236 cm
Thickness:
38 cm

Condition

Show more

Show less

Very good
Almost no signs of wear. Book pages have no markings, accessories are intact and all other media are in good condition.
Available immediately
€20,89

Incl. VAT, plus shipping costs

PayPal
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
Only 2 items left in stock

Verified second-hand article

Verified second-hand item

Free shipping from 19€

€20,89