An Introduction to Molecular Evolution and Phylogenetics

About this book

DNA can be extracted and sequenced from a diverse range of biological samples, providing a vast amount of information about evolution and ecology. The analysis of DNA sequences contributes to evolutionary biology at all levels, from dating the origin of the biological kingdoms to untangling family relationships.

An Introduction to Molecular Evolution and Phylogenetics presents the fundamental concepts and intellectual tools you need to understand how the genome records information about evolutionary past and processes, how that information can be "read", and what kinds of questions we can use that information to answer. Starting with evolutionary principles, and illustrated throughout with biological examples, it is the perfect starting point on the journey to an understanding of the way molecular data is used in modern biology.

New to this edition:
- Covers the same ground as the first edition – which was published as Reading the Story in DNA – but considerably expanded, updated, and remodelled to make the book better fit a semester teaching structure
- Updated throughout with enhanced coverage of genome-level evolution and descriptions of the latest techniques in the field, such as high throughput sequencing
- Streamlined chapter structure, with TechBoxes and Case Studies collated at the end of each chapter to provide an unbroken narrative
- Case studies have been updated and enhanced by the addition of two sections – 'Check your understanding' and 'What do you think?' – to test students' understanding and to encourage critical appraisal
- Additional online teaching resources, including one-hour class plans to accompany each chapter in the book

Contents

1: Introduction - The story in DNA
2: DNA - The immortal germline
3: Mutation - We are all mutants
4: Replication - Endless copies
5: Genome - Accident and design
6: Gene - Making an organism
7: Selection - Descent with modification
8: Drift - Chance and necessity
9: Species - Origin of species
10: Alignment - Same but different
11: Phylogeny - Tree of life
12: Hypotheses - Seeing the wood for the trees
13: Rates - Tempo and mode
14: Dates - Telling the time

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