United States
£ GBP
Written primarily for 16-19-year-old students, this primer introduces the subject of developmental biology through a wide range of organisms, offering insights into the fundamental principles that shape life's diverse and extraordinary forms. It covers all the essential topics, including cell biology, cell signalling, cell specialization, genomic control of development, evidence for evolution, and cell ageing and death.
The author guides students carefully and gradually through the concise contents, providing a robust basis for understanding the molecular and morphological events that occur during embryo development, but that are also important in adult homeostasis, regeneration, and disease. Students will delve into the secrets of stem cells, the marvels of regeneration, and the paradox of how a broadly conserved genome can support the biodiversity we see throughout the natural world. Engaging case studies and 'scientific approach' boxes challenge the reader to think critically and practice scientific inquiry, while open-ended discussion questions draw on students' creativity and curiosity.
Animal Developmental Biology is the ideal companion for students transitioning from biology at school to university. It offers a first taste of biology beyond the classroom and illustrates the relevance of concepts encountered at school to current research.
1. Why aren't we all worms?
2. How and why do cells talk to each other?
3. The secret lives of stem cells
4. Embryo origami
5. Creating diverse and extreme body plans
6. The good, the bad, and the old: developmental principles in regeneration and ageing
Julia Paxson is an Associate Professor of Biology at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. She grew up in London, England, but moved to the United States to attend Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, where she graduated with undergraduate degrees in biochemistry and mathematics. She graduated from Yale University with a PhD in Developmental Biology, and from Tufts University with a DVM in veterinary medicine. She has taught developmental biology at the College of the Holy Cross for the last eight years. In addition, Julia runs a federally-funded research lab that explores conserved themes in stem cell ageing in diverse animal systems, including dogs and acoel worms. She is currently president of the Veterinary Comparative Respiratory Society and a member of the Society of Developmental Biology.
