Beyond DNA - How Epigenetics is Transforming our Understanding of Evolution

Oldroyd, Benjamin
Beyond DNA - How Epigenetics is Transforming our Understanding of Evolution

Beyond DNA - How Epigenetics is Transforming our Understanding of Evolution

Oldroyd, Benjamin

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Uncover how a new approach to epigenetics affects the basis for our understanding of evolutionary biology

Beyond DNA is a journey through uncharted territory, advancing new ways of thinking about evolution and adaptation. For nearly a hundred years evolutionary biologists have understood that evolution proceeds by substituting better genes for less good ones. But consensus is growing that this is not the whole story- geneticists are now revealing that spores, sperm, pollen and ova are packed with personalised genetic information that plays an important role in offspring development and has lifelong effects. This epigenetic - or 'extra-genetic '-inheritance therefore makes significant contributions to evolutionary processes.
In this highly accessible book, packed with instructive examples, Benjamin Oldroyd explains how a greater appreciation of the role of epigenetics is helping to solve a multitude of previously intractable problems in evolutionary biology - puzzles as varied as why invasive plants and animals can rapidly adapt to changes in their environment, how worker bees and queen bees can develop from the same egg, and why cancer becomes more common as we age.
Beyond DNA concisely explains the mechanisms that underlie epigenetics, shows how epigenetic processes can lead to adaptation, and speculates on meaty issues such as the role that epigenetics plays in human health and happiness.

Author:   Oldroyd, Benjamin
Publisher:   Melbourne University Press
ISBN:  

9780522878868


Pages:   336
Publication Date:   12 September 2023
Bind Format:   Paperback
Availability:  
This item is in stock and will be dispatched immediately.

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Uncover how a new approach to epigenetics affects the basis for our understanding of evolutionary biology

Beyond DNA is a journey through uncharted territory, advancing new ways of thinking about evolution and adaptation. For nearly a hundred years evolutionary biologists have understood that evolution proceeds by substituting better genes for less good ones. But consensus is growing that this is not the whole story- geneticists are now revealing that spores, sperm, pollen and ova are packed with personalised genetic information that plays an important role in offspring development and has lifelong effects. This epigenetic - or 'extra-genetic '-inheritance therefore makes significant contributions to evolutionary processes.
In this highly accessible book, packed with instructive examples, Benjamin Oldroyd explains how a greater appreciation of the role of epigenetics is helping to solve a multitude of previously intractable problems in evolutionary biology - puzzles as varied as why invasive plants and animals can rapidly adapt to changes in their environment, how worker bees and queen bees can develop from the same egg, and why cancer becomes more common as we age.
Beyond DNA concisely explains the mechanisms that underlie epigenetics, shows how epigenetic processes can lead to adaptation, and speculates on meaty issues such as the role that epigenetics plays in human health and happiness.

Product Details
Author:   Oldroyd, Benjamin
Publisher:   Melbourne University Press
ISBN:  

9780522878868


Pages:   336
Publication Date:   12 September 2023
Bind Format:   Paperback
Availability:  
This item is in stock and will be dispatched immediately.
Reviews

Reviews

Recent Reviews

No review item found!