Mutation, randomness, and evolution /

What does it mean to say that mutation is random? How does mutation influence evolution? Are mutations merely the raw material for selection to shape adaptations? The author draws on a detailed knowledge of mutational mechanisms to argue that the randomness doctrine is best understood, not as a fact...

Ausführliche Beschreibung

Gespeichert in:
1. Verfasser:
Stoltzfus, Arlin
Format:
Elektronisch E-Book
Sprache:
Englisch
Veröffentlicht:
Oxford, England ; New York, New York : Oxford University Press, [2021]
Ausgabe:
First edition.
Zusammenfassung:
What does it mean to say that mutation is random? How does mutation influence evolution? Are mutations merely the raw material for selection to shape adaptations? The author draws on a detailed knowledge of mutational mechanisms to argue that the randomness doctrine is best understood, not as a fact-based conclusion, but as the premise of a neo-Darwinian research program focused on selection. The successes of this research program created a blind spot - in mathematical models and verbal theories of causation - that has stymied efforts to re-think the role of variation. However, recent theoretical and empirical work shows that mutational biases can and do influence the course of evolution, including adaptive evolution, through a first come, first served mechanism.
Umfang:
1 online resource (288 pages) : illustrations (black and white, and colour).
Anmerkungen:
This edition also issued in print: 2021.
Zielpublikum:
Specialized.
Bibliografie:
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN:
0-19-188006-X
0-19-258296-8
Schlagworte:
Mutation (Biology)
Evolution (Biology)
Bezugswerke:
Links: