Freaks of Nature: And What They Tell Us About Evolution and Development - Couverture rigide

Blumberg, Mark S.

 
9780199213054: Freaks of Nature: And What They Tell Us About Evolution and Development
Couverture rigide
ISBN 10 : 0199213054 ISBN 13 : 9780199213054
Editeur : Oxford University Press, 2009

Synopsis

Two-legged goats, conjoined twins, 'Cyclops' infants with a single eye in the middle of their forehead, double-headed snakes, and Laloo, a man with a partially formed twin attached to his chest...In Freaks of Nature, Mark S. Blumberg turns a scientist's eye on these unusual examples of humans and other animals, showing how a subject once relegated to the sideshow can help explain some of the deepest complexities of biology. These examples of extreme bodily anomalies are in fact the natural products of development, and it is through such developmental mechanisms that evolution works. And Blumberg shows how 'freak' deformities can provide valuable windows on the intimate connections between genetics, development, the environment, and evolution. In taking seriously a subject that has often been shunned as discomfiting and embarrassing, Freaks of Nature takes the perspective of evolutionary developmental biology to shed new light on how individuals-and entire species-develop, survive, and evolve.

Les informations fournies dans la section « Synopsis » peuvent faire référence à une autre édition de ce titre.

Présentation de l'éditeur

Two-legged goats, conjoined twins, 'Cyclops' infants with a single eye in the middle of their forehead, double-headed snakes, and Laloo, a man with a partially formed twin attached to his chest... In Freaks of Nature, Mark S. Blumberg turns a scientist's eye on these unusual examples of humans and other animals, showing how a subject once relegated to the sideshow can help explain some of the deepest complexities of biology. These examples of extreme bodily anomalies are in fact the natural products of development, and it is through such developmental mechanisms that evolution works. And Blumberg shows how 'freak' deformities can provide valuable windows on the intimate connections between genetics, development, the environment, and evolution. In taking seriously a subject that has often been shunned as discomfiting and embarrassing, Freaks of Nature takes the perspective of evolutionary developmental biology to shed new light on how individuals--and entire species--develop, survive, and evolve.

Revue de presse

A highly readable, entertaining, and informative introduction to the science and culture connected with freaks and monsters. (Manfred D. Laubichler, Science)

A fascinating pop exegesis of evo devo. (Steven Poole, The Guardian)

Blumberg imparts lessons that, although familiar to biologists, will be valuable to non-specialists. (Jerry A. Coyne, Nature)

Blumberg illustrates his points with clear and intriguing examples. (Jerry A. Coyne, Nature)

Compelling enough not to suffocate the interest of non-scientific readers. A stimulating read. (Rob Hasting, Financial Times)

Les informations fournies dans la section « A propos du livre » peuvent faire référence à une autre édition de ce titre.

Éditeur
Oxford University Press
Date d'édition
2009
Langue
anglais
ISBN 10 
0199213054
ISBN 13 
9780199213054
Reliure
Relié
Nombre de pages
352
Coordonnées du fabricant
non disponible
Personne responsable
Ufficio Anagrafiche Messaggerie
ufficio.anagrafiche@meli.it

Via Verdi, 8
Assago Milano
20090
Italie

Autres éditions populaires du même titre

9780199213061: Freaks of Nature: And what they tell us about evolution and development

Edition présentée

ISBN 10 :  0199213062 ISBN 13 :  9780199213061
Editeur : Oxford University Press, 2010
Couverture souple