Mutation, randomness, and evolution

by Stoltzfus, Arlin

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Title Statements

Full title :Mutation, randomness, and evolution / Arlin Stoltzfus.

Summary

"What does it mean to say that mutation is random? How does mutation influence evolution? Are mutations merely the raw material for selection to shape adaptations? Arlin Stoltzfus draws on a detailed knowledge of mutational mechanisms to argue that the randomness doctrine is best understood, not as a fact-based conclusion, but as the premise of a neo-Darwinian research program focused on selection. The successes of this research program created a blind spot - in mathematical models and verbal theories of causation - that has stymied efforts to re-think the role of variation. However, recent theoretical and empirical work shows that mutational biases can and do influence the course of evolution, including adaptive evolution, through a 'first come, first served' mechanism."--

Edition Statements

Publication Date:©2021
Edition:First edition

Publication Statements

Publisher(s):Oxford University Press
Place of Publication:Oxford, United Kingdom
Language:eng
Publication Date:©2021

The Physical Object

Description:xiii, 268 pages : : illustrations (some color) ; : 26 cm

Edition Identifiers

ISBN:9780198844457, 019884445X
oclc:on1193112210
LC Classification:QH460
Dewey Decimal:576.5/49

Introduction: a curious disconnect -- Ordinary randomness -- Practical randomness -- Evolutionary randomness -- Mutation mechanisms and evolvability -- Randomness as irrelevance -- The problem of variation -- Climbing mount probable -- The revolt of the day -- Moving on -- Appendix A: Mutation exemplars -- Appendix B: Counting the universe of mutations -- Appendix C: Tandomness quotations -- Appendix D: Irrelevance quotations.