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Mendel's Demon: Gene Justice and the Complexity of Life

Mendel's Demon: Gene Justice and the Complexity of Life

by Mark Ridley (Author)

  • Used

    Paperback 2001

    $3.77
Synopsis

The existence of complex life is one of the great mysteries of evolution, for complexity is neither inevitable nor necessary. Indeed, as Mark Ridley shows in this important and thought-provoking book, two major biological hurdles had to be overcome to allow living complexity to evolve. Complex life is constructed from more genes than simple life. But as gene numbers increase, so too do the number of copying errors - it is easier to make a mistake copying the Bible than copying an advertising slogan. Similarly, natural selection encourages gene selfishness, and genes could easily evolve to subvert complex life forms. In retracing the history of life on our planet - from the initial wobbly replicating molecules, through microbes, worms and flies and ultimately to humans - Ridley reveals how life has evolved as a series of steps to deal with error and coerce genes to co-operate within each body. Mendel's Demon offers startling novel perspectives on matters as disparate as the origins of sex and gender, potential cures for AIDS, corporate mergers and acquisitions, and the long-term perils of human cloning.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
 Pages: 432
 Edition: New edition
 Publisher: Phoenix
Published: 07 Jun 2001
ISBN 10: 0753814102
ISBN 13: 9780753814109
Book Overview: Written with rare verve, force and clarity, Mendel's Demon brings together many areas of frontier science 'Ridley is one of today's leading evolutionary thinkers' Richard Dawkins 'Ridley's book is well worth a read. He leads us through some of the most intriguing reaches of modern biology with literacy and wit' Colin Tudge, The Times 'His account of the epic journey from microbe to complex organism is a fascinating tale of evolution and genetics, beautifully written, and told with wit. His explanation for complexity in nature ranges across an enormous panorama of biological history and modern genetics' John Cornwell, Sunday Times 'The book's success is partly because the story is so intrinsically interesting; partly because Ridley knows it inside out; and partly because he tells this story so well...read the book yourself; you certainly won't regret it' John Gribbin, Independent

Author Bio
Mark Ridley is in the Department of Zoology at the University of Oxford. He was formerly assistant professor of anthropology and biology at Emory University, Georgia, USA. He has also been a research fellow at St Catherine's College, Cambridge, and at Linacre, Oriel and New Colleges, Oxford. He is the author of the acclaimed student textbook Evolution and is a regular contributor to The New York Times, The Sunday Times, Nature, New Scientist and The TLS, among other publications. Mendel's Demon is his long-awaited trade debut.