The Origins of Evolutionary Innovations

A Theory of Transformative Change in Living Systems

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Biological Sciences, Biology, Technology
Cover of the book The Origins of Evolutionary Innovations by Andreas Wagner, OUP Oxford
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Andreas Wagner ISBN: 9780191621284
Publisher: OUP Oxford Publication: July 14, 2011
Imprint: OUP Oxford Language: English
Author: Andreas Wagner
ISBN: 9780191621284
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication: July 14, 2011
Imprint: OUP Oxford
Language: English

The history of life is a nearly four billion year old story of transformative change. This change ranges from dramatic macroscopic innovations such as the evolution of wings or eyes, to a myriad of molecular changes that form the basis of macroscopic innovations. We are familiar with many examples of innovations (qualitatively new phenotypes that provide a critical benefit) but have no systematic understanding of the principles that allow organisms to innovate. This book proposes several such principles as the basis of a theory of innovation, integrating recent knowledge about complex molecular phenotypes with more traditional Darwinian thinking. Central to the book are genotype networks: vast sets of connected genotypes that exist in metabolism and regulatory circuitry, as well as in protein and RNA molecules. The theory can successfully unify innovations that occur at different levels of organization. It captures known features of biological innovation, including the fact that many innovations occur multiple times independently, and that they combine existing parts of a system to new purposes. It also argues that environmental change is important to create biological systems that are both complex and robust, and shows how such robustness can facilitate innovation. Beyond that, the theory can reconcile neutralism and selectionism, as well as explain the role of phenotypic plasticity, gene duplication, recombination, and cryptic variation in innovation. Finally, its principles can be applied to technological innovation, and thus open to human engineering endeavours the powerful principles that have allowed life's spectacular success.

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

The history of life is a nearly four billion year old story of transformative change. This change ranges from dramatic macroscopic innovations such as the evolution of wings or eyes, to a myriad of molecular changes that form the basis of macroscopic innovations. We are familiar with many examples of innovations (qualitatively new phenotypes that provide a critical benefit) but have no systematic understanding of the principles that allow organisms to innovate. This book proposes several such principles as the basis of a theory of innovation, integrating recent knowledge about complex molecular phenotypes with more traditional Darwinian thinking. Central to the book are genotype networks: vast sets of connected genotypes that exist in metabolism and regulatory circuitry, as well as in protein and RNA molecules. The theory can successfully unify innovations that occur at different levels of organization. It captures known features of biological innovation, including the fact that many innovations occur multiple times independently, and that they combine existing parts of a system to new purposes. It also argues that environmental change is important to create biological systems that are both complex and robust, and shows how such robustness can facilitate innovation. Beyond that, the theory can reconcile neutralism and selectionism, as well as explain the role of phenotypic plasticity, gene duplication, recombination, and cryptic variation in innovation. Finally, its principles can be applied to technological innovation, and thus open to human engineering endeavours the powerful principles that have allowed life's spectacular success.

More books from OUP Oxford

Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of Synesthesia by Andreas Wagner
Cover of the book Deconstructing the OSCE by Andreas Wagner
Cover of the book Logic: A Very Short Introduction by Andreas Wagner
Cover of the book Brief Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy by Andreas Wagner
Cover of the book Rome's Italian Wars by Andreas Wagner
Cover of the book Personal Property Law by Andreas Wagner
Cover of the book The Dead Sea Scrolls: A Very Short Introduction by Andreas Wagner
Cover of the book Rheumatology and the Kidney by Andreas Wagner
Cover of the book Oxford Textbook of Creative Arts, Health, and Wellbeing by Andreas Wagner
Cover of the book Testosterone by Andreas Wagner
Cover of the book Climate Crisis and the Democratic Prospect by Andreas Wagner
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of Modern Irish Poetry by Andreas Wagner
Cover of the book The Phenomenal Self by Andreas Wagner
Cover of the book Does Foreign Aid Really Work? by Andreas Wagner
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of the History of International Law by Andreas Wagner
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