Improbable Destinies: Fate, Chance, and the Future of

Improbable Destinies: Fate, Chance, and the Future of Evolution
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A major new book overturningÂ our assumptions about how evolution works
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Earthâ€™s natural history is full of fascinating instances of convergence: phenomena like eyes and wings and tree-climbing lizards that have evolved independently, multiple times. But evolutionary biologists also point out many examples of contingency, cases where the tiniest changeâ€”a random mutation or an ancient butterfly sneezeâ€”caused evolution to take a completely different course. What role does each force really play in the constantly changing natural world? Are the plants and animals that exist today, and we humans ourselves, inevitabilities or evolutionary flukes? And what does that say about life on other planets?
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Jonathan Losos reveals what the latest breakthroughs in evolutionary biology can tell us about one of the greatest ongoing debates in science. He takes us around the globe to meet the researchers who are solving the deepest mysteries of life on Earth through their work in experimental evolutionary science. Losos himself is one of the leaders in this exciting new field, and he illustrates how experiments with guppies, fruit flies, bacteria, foxes, and field mice, along with his own work with anole lizards on Caribbean islands, are rewinding the tape of life to reveal just how rapid and predictable evolution can be.Â
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Improbable DestiniesÂ will change the way we think and talk about evolution. Losos's insights into natural selection and evolutionary change have far-reaching applications for protecting ecosystems, securing our food supply, and fighting off harmful viruses and bacteria. This compelling narrative offers a new understanding of ourselves and our role in the natural world and the cosmos.
Country USA
Brand Riverhead Books
Manufacturer Riverhead Books
Binding Hardcover
ReleaseDate 2017-08-08
UnitCount 1
UPCs 781349187682
EANs 9780399184925

Country	USA
Brand	Riverhead Books
Manufacturer	Riverhead Books
Binding	Hardcover
ReleaseDate	2017-08-08
UnitCount	1
UPCs	781349187682
EANs	9780399184925

Improbable Destinies: Fate, Chance, and the Future of Evolution

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