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In the 150 years since Darwin, the field
of evolutionary biology has left a glaring gap in understanding
how animals developed their astounding variety and complexity.
The answer has been that small genetic mutations accumulate
over time to produce wondrous innovations such as eyes and
wings. Drawing on cutting-edge research across the spectrum
of modern biology, Marc Kirschner and John Gerhart demonstrate
how this stock answer is woefully inadequate. Rather they
offer an original solution to the long-standing puzzle of
how small random genetic change can be converted into complex,
useful innovations.
In a new theory they call "facilitated
variation," Kirschner and Gerhart elevate the individual
organism from a passive target of natural selection to a
central player in the three-billion-year history of evolution.
In clear, accessible language, the authors invite every
reader to contemplate daring new ideas about evolution.
By closing the major gap in Darwin's theory Kirschner and
Gerhart also provide a timely scientific rebuttal to critics
of evolution who champion "intelligent design."
Marc W. Kirschner is professor and chair,
Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School. John
C. Gerhart is professor in the Graduate School, University
of California, Berkeley. John Norton is a freelance illustrator
living in Annapolis, Maryland.
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