Lost Sex

The Evolutionary Biology of Parthenogenesis

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Biological Sciences, Ecology, Evolution
Cover of the book Lost Sex by , Springer Netherlands
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: ISBN: 9789048127702
Publisher: Springer Netherlands Publication: September 22, 2009
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author:
ISBN: 9789048127702
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Publication: September 22, 2009
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

Sex is the queen of problems in evolutionary biology. Generations of researchers have investigated one of the last remaining evolutionary paradoxes: why sex exists at all. Given that sexual reproduction is costly from an evolutionary point of view, one could wonder why not all animals and plants reproduce asexually. Dozens of contemporary hypotheses attempt to explain the prevalence of sex and its advantages and predict the early extinction of fully asexual lineages.

The major theme of this book is: what is the fate of animal and plant groups in which sex is lost? Initial chapters discuss theory behind asexual life: what major disadvantages do asexual groups have to face, what are the genetic and ecological consequences and what does this theory predict for more applied aspects of asexual life, for example in agricultural pests, diseases as well as in cultural crops such as grapes. Cases studies in many animals (focusing on both invertebrates and vertebrates) and plants reveal parallel, but also singularly novel adaptations to the absence of meiosis and syngamy. And last but not least, are asexuals really doomed to early extinction or do genuine ancient asexuals exist?

This book assembles contributions from the most important research groups dealing with asexual evolution in eukaryotes. It is a milestone in research on parthenogenesis and will be useful to undergraduate as well as graduate students and to senior researchers in all fields of evolutionary biology, as the paradox of sex remains its queen of problems.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Sex is the queen of problems in evolutionary biology. Generations of researchers have investigated one of the last remaining evolutionary paradoxes: why sex exists at all. Given that sexual reproduction is costly from an evolutionary point of view, one could wonder why not all animals and plants reproduce asexually. Dozens of contemporary hypotheses attempt to explain the prevalence of sex and its advantages and predict the early extinction of fully asexual lineages.

The major theme of this book is: what is the fate of animal and plant groups in which sex is lost? Initial chapters discuss theory behind asexual life: what major disadvantages do asexual groups have to face, what are the genetic and ecological consequences and what does this theory predict for more applied aspects of asexual life, for example in agricultural pests, diseases as well as in cultural crops such as grapes. Cases studies in many animals (focusing on both invertebrates and vertebrates) and plants reveal parallel, but also singularly novel adaptations to the absence of meiosis and syngamy. And last but not least, are asexuals really doomed to early extinction or do genuine ancient asexuals exist?

This book assembles contributions from the most important research groups dealing with asexual evolution in eukaryotes. It is a milestone in research on parthenogenesis and will be useful to undergraduate as well as graduate students and to senior researchers in all fields of evolutionary biology, as the paradox of sex remains its queen of problems.

More books from Springer Netherlands

Cover of the book African Legal Theory and Contemporary Problems by
Cover of the book Economic Analysis of Institutions and Systems by
Cover of the book Sea-Level Rise and Coastal Subsidence: Causes, Consequences, and Strategies by
Cover of the book Evaporation and Evapotranspiration by
Cover of the book Myths and Shibboleths in Nephrology by
Cover of the book Chinese Science Education in the 21st Century: Policy, Practice, and Research by
Cover of the book Principles of Law by
Cover of the book Practical Management of Hypertension by
Cover of the book Musculoskeletal Medicine by
Cover of the book Natural Kinds, Laws of Nature and Scientific Methodology by
Cover of the book Carbon Dioxide Removal from Coal-Fired Power Plants by
Cover of the book Gender, Lifespan and Quality of Life by
Cover of the book Ammonoid Paleobiology: From macroevolution to paleogeography by
Cover of the book Bridges Between Tradition and Innovation in Ethnomedicine by
Cover of the book The Purge of Dutch Quislings by
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy