From DNA to Diversity
Molecular Genetics and the Evolution of Animal Design
2. Edition November 2004
268 Pages, Softcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
In this landmark work, the author team led by Dr. Sean Carroll presents the general principles of the genetic basis of morphological change through a synthesis of evolutionary biology with genetics and embryology. In this extensively revised second edition, the authors delve into the latest discoveries, incorporating new coverage of comparative genomics, molecular evolution of regulatory proteins and elements, and microevolution of animal development.
* An accessible text, focusing on the most well-known genes, developmental processes and taxa.
* Builds logically from developmental genetics and regulatory mechanisms to evolution at different genetic morphological levels.
* Adds major insights from recent genome studies, new evo-devo biology research findings, and a new chapter on models of variation and divergence among closely related species.
* Provides in-depth focus on key concepts through well-developed case studies.
* Features clear, 4-color illustrations and photographs, chapter summaries, references and a glossary.
* Presents the research of Dr. Carroll, a pioneer in the field and the past president of the Society for Developmental Biology.
1. A Brief History of Animals.
2. The Genetic Toolkit for Development.
3. Building Animals.
4. Evolution of the Toolkit.
5. Diversification of Body Plans and Body Parts.
6. Evolution of Morphological Novelties.
7. Morphological Variation and Species Divergence.
8. From DNA to Diversity: The Primacy of Regulatory
Evolution.
Glossary.
Index
coauthor of another, has made important contributions to the
understanding of evolution and development. From DNA to
Diversity, written with two other scientists, is the second
edition of a book that has become a classic for students of
evolution."
The New York Review of Books, Volume LIII, Number 8
"With almost poetic ease, the authors tell a highly complex
story without distorting its scientific substance. The story line
goes through the levels of biological hierarchy all the way to the
details of gene regulation and emerges with a deeper understanding
of biological diversity. In Sean Carroll developmental evolution
has found its Darwin."
Gunter Wagner, Yale University
"This book will be an excellent introductory text, exciting
newcomers to the field, be they students in biology, or experts in
either evolutionary biology or embryology who want to gain an
appreciation for the insights developmental genetics is providing
into the evolution of animal diversity."
Cliff Tabin, Harvard University Medical School
"From DNA to Diversity is written for a general audience,
including undergraduates, with an interest in developmental and
evolutionary biology, and it is a joy to read. Using striking
examples, the authors summarize the current state of thinking on
the interconnectedness between developmental genetics and
evolutionary diversification."
Axel Meyer, University of Konstanz; Nature
"This book helps to fill a gap in the teaching of evolutionary
theory that arose because developmental biology was not a direct
participant in the evolutionary synthesis....This is an
outstanding account of the latest findings in molecular
developmental biology."
James W. Valentine, Professor Emeritus, University of
California, Berkeley
"The authors have done an excellent job of distilling the large
and complex literature on molecular genetics that is pertinent to
understanding how gene networks evolve... The writing is
consistently clear, concise, and engaging. "
Gregory A. Wray, Duke University; Science
"Carroll, Weatherbee, and Grenier have produced a wonderful and
exciting introduction to the field of evolutionary developmental
biology....Newcomers and aficionados will find this a compelling
read."
Martin J. Cohn, University of Florida; Evolution and
Development
"...this is one book that everybody should read who wants to
know why 'evo-devo' is such a hot topic right now."
Manfred Laubichler, Arizona State University
"From DNA to Diversity can be, and should be read by College and
University students as well as scientists out of the field, who
want to be informed of what is new and promising in biology."
Jean Deutsch, Universite Phillippe et Marie Curie, Paris;
BioEssays
"An engaging style, clear, four-colour illustrations, and
up-to-date content all combine to make this text a highly
accessible and definitive synthesis of the field."
Ethology, Ecology and Evolution
"This highly technical textbook facilitates learning by
its conversational tone, summarization of important points [and]
exciting case studies...Beautifully illustrated... this
book is a pleasure to read."
Southeastern Naturalist
Hughes Medical Institute and Professor of Molecular Biology and
Genetics at the University of Wisconsin. His research for the past
twenty years has focused on the genetics of animal development and
evolution, and yielded many original discoveries as to the
mechanisms underlying the making and evolution of animal
form.
Jennifer K. Grenier is currently a senior scientist in
the Microarray Group at Mirus Corporation in Madison, Wisconsin.
Her scientific interests include the evolution of development,
comparative genomics, and innovative technologies for functional
genomics research.
Scott D. Weatherbee is a research fellow at the Memorial
Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. He studies the
developmental genetics of limb formation and patterning.
