From DNA to Diversity represents the definitive synthesis of new material on developmental genetics and evolutionary biology. Written by a highly respected author team, this text will be the monumental work for shaping the field. Animals diverge from common ancestry through changes in their DNA, but what are the genes that control morphology? In this landmark work, the author team lead by Dr. Sean Carroll presents the general principles of the genetic basis of morphological change through a synthesis of evolutionary biology with genetics and embryology. The history of animal evolution, model system developmental genetics, and genetic regulatory mechanisms are first addressed, and then case studies of evolutionary change at different genetic and morphological levels are examined.
" I have frequently used Carroll′s reviews in my teaching and for my own enlightenment. They are among my favorites–clear, comprehensive, deep, and intriguing; I believe this is a generally shared view. I can′t imagine a book in this field by Carroll being anything other than superb. Yes, I would adopt it for my course."
Mariana Wolfner, Cornell University "The authors′ research will serve to recruit students interested in this new area." Professor Rob McClung, Dartmouth University
"What makes this book particularly attractive is the fact that there are so few books like this one– written by someone as knowledgeable." Professor Margaret Saha, College of William & Mary
"This useful book, combining a well–written review of the genetics behind morphological patterning with solid evolutionary analysis, is for a graduate audience, although upper–division undergraduates, faculty, and professionals would also profit from its clear and thorough presentation." S K Sommers–Smith, Choice Magazine, May 2002
"Well–edited and readable, this book is organised so that the reader has the background information in place to understand topics further into the text...The genetic basis of the evolution of morphology is a very interesting subject that many manage to make dreadfully boring. The authors of From DNA to Diversity have managed to keep this already fascinating subject intersting...The details are there for the experts, but the more novice reader can read the book for the general points and the accessible review of an important subject. The authors have succeeded in identifying the genetic principles that underlie animal morphology." L Sakaluk–Moody, The Journal of the Association of Genetic Technologists 28 (3), 2002
"It is very well and clearly written, and also splendidly illustrated, by appropriate colour drawings and experimental documents, some of which are original....I think that From DNA to Diversity can be, and should be, read by College and University students as well as scientists out of the field, who want to e informed of what is new and promising in biology." Jean S Deutsch, BioEssays 23:757–758, 2002
"...this is one book that everybody should read who wants to know why ′evo–devo′ is such a hot topic right now." Manfred Laubichler, Perspectives in Biology and Medicine, vol 46, no. 1, winter 2002