The Major Transitions in Evolution

by JohnMaynardSmith (Author), EorsSzathmary (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  1995

  $11.39

  During evolution there have been major changes in the way genetic information is transmitted from one generation to the next. This book discusses these transitions. The authors highlight the similarities between different transitions - for example, between the union of replicating molecules to form chromosomes and of cells to form multicellular organisms. The authors also show how an understanding of one transition sheds light on others. A common theme in the book is that entities that could replicate independently before the transition can replicate afterwards only as part of a larger whole. Why, then, does selection between entities at the lower level not disrupt selection at the higher level? In answering this question, the authors offer an explanation for the evolution of co-operation at all levels of complexity.