This book uses evolution as the unifying theme to trace the connections between levels of biological complexity from genes through nervous systems, animal societies, and human cultures. It examines the history of evolutionary theory from Darwin to the present, including: the impact of molecular biology and the emergence of evolutionary social theory.

InhaltsangabeFOUNDATIONS. Why Study Biology? Charles Darwin and the Origins of Evolutionary Theory. Cells and the Molecules of Life. Genetic Continuity and Change: Organisms, Environments, and Microevolution. After Darwin: Molecular Evolution, Selection, and Adaptation. Evolutionary Social Theory. EVOLUTION IN ACTION. The Success of Social Insects. Parasites, Hosts, and the Evolutionary Warfare of Infectious Disease. THE BIOLOGY OF BEHAVIOR. Nervous Systems Generate Behavior. Individual Organisms are the Product of Development. Behavior as Phenotype. OUR PLACE IN NATURE. The Physical Record of Human Origins. Exploring Our Behavioral Heritage. Viewing Human Cultures in an Evolutionary Context. Bibliography. Credits. Index.