Table of Contents

Preface; Introduction; 1. From Lamarck to population genetics; 2. Overdevelopment of the synthetic theory and the proposal of the neutral theory; 3. The neutral mutation-random drift hypothesis as an evolutionary paradigm; 4. Molecular evolutionary rates contrasted with phenotypic evolutionary rates; 5. Some features of molecular evolution; 6. Definition, types and action of natural selection; 7. Molecular structure, selective constraint and the rate of evolution; 8. Population genetics at the molecular level; 9. Maintenance of genetic variability at the molecular level; 10. Summary and conclusion; References; Indexes.

Promotional Information

This book is the first comprehensive treatment of this subject.

Reviews

' ... a book which will rank with The Genetical Theory of Natural Selection and The Causes of Evolution as a milestone in evolutionary biology.' Nature 'I have enjoyed the book immensely. It is argumentatively written, but always with fair presentation of the other side.' Bid Essays '... a work of great significance, which should be read by everyone with a serious interest in evolution.' New Scientist '... this book is a major contribution to the field.' The Times Higher Education Supplement