Principles of Evolution
From the Planck Epoch to Complex Multicellular Life
Editors: Meyer-Ortmanns, Hildegard, Thurner, Stefan (Eds.)
Free Preview- Displays the current view of science of evolution
- Presents a systematic interdisciplinary analysis of the development of life
- Discusses the evolution of social organizations
- Develops an interdisciplinary view of protein-and citation networks
- Gives examples for self-organized structures in the universe
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- About this book
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With contributions from a team of leading experts, this volume provides a comprehensive survey of recent achievements in our scientific understanding of evolution. The questions it asks concern the beginnings of the universe, the origin of life and the chances of its arising at all, the role of contingency, and the search for universal features in the plethora of evolutionary phenomena. Rather than oversimplified or premature answers, the chapters provide a clear picture of how these essential problems are being tackled, enabling the reader to understand current thinking and open questions. The tools employed stem from a range of disciplines including mathematics, physics, biochemistry and cell biology. Self-organization as an overarching concept is demonstrated in the most diverse areas: from galaxy formation in the universe to spindle and aster formation in the cell. Chemical master equations, population dynamics, and evolutionary game theory are presented as suitable frameworks for understanding the universal mechanisms and organizational principles observed in a wide range of living units, ranging from cells to societies. This book will provide engaging reading and food for thought for all those seeking a deeper understanding of the science of evolution.
- About the authors
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Hildegard Meyer-Ortmanns is full professor and head of the statistical physics group at Jacobs University in Bremen, Germany. Her area of expertise ranges from general relativity and theoretical particle physics to statistical physics and its applications to complex systems. Stefan Thurner is Professor of Science of Complex Systems at the Medical University of Vienna and external professor at the Santa Fe institute. His area of interest extends from theoretical physics and applied mathematics to complex systems theory and its applications in life science and economics.
- Table of contents (16 chapters)
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Introduction
Pages 1-41
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Physical Principles of Evolution
Pages 45-79
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The Interplay of Replication, Variation and Selection in the Dynamics of Evolving Populations
Pages 81-118
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A Simple General Model of Evolutionary Dynamics
Pages 119-144
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Can We Recognize an Innovation? Perspective from an Evolving Network Model
Pages 145-172
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Table of contents (16 chapters)
- Download Preface 1 PDF (1.3 MB)
- Download Sample pages 1 PDF (2.8 MB)
- Download Table of contents PDF (1.3 MB)
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Bibliographic Information
- Bibliographic Information
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- Book Title
- Principles of Evolution
- Book Subtitle
- From the Planck Epoch to Complex Multicellular Life
- Editors
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- Hildegard Meyer-Ortmanns
- Stefan Thurner
- Series Title
- The Frontiers Collection
- Copyright
- 2011
- Publisher
- Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
- Copyright Holder
- Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
- eBook ISBN
- 978-3-642-18137-5
- DOI
- 10.1007/978-3-642-18137-5
- Hardcover ISBN
- 978-3-642-18136-8
- Softcover ISBN
- 978-3-642-26802-1
- Series ISSN
- 1612-3018
- Edition Number
- 1
- Number of Pages
- XII, 388
- Topics
