From DNA to Diversity: Molecular Genetics and the Evolution of Animal Design

by Sean B. Carroll, Jennifer K. Grenier, Scott D. Weatherbee

From DNA to Diversity represents the definitive synthesis of the new material on developmental genetics and evolutionary biology. Written by the most respected, author team, this text will be the monumental work for shaping the field.

Genres: Science, Biology, Evolution, Nonfiction, Genetics

214 pages, Paperback

First published October 22, 2004

About the author

Sean B. Carroll (born September 17, 1960) is a professor of molecular biology, genetics, and medical genetics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He studies the evolution of cis-regulation in the context of biological development, using Drosophila as a model system. He is a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator. Since 2010, he has been vice-president for science education of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Reviews

[Arthur Sperry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really fascinating book, which is not the easiest to read, but has a wealth of information. I don't claim to understand all of what I read here, but I found a lot of the descriptions and illustrations to be very interesting. I love to read science texts. It keeps my brain working and makes me remember the basics. My undergrad Biology Professor had a background in Embryology, and I have always found that field to be captivating.

[Mark's wife Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The central focus of this book is to identify the genetic mechanisms underlying the evolution of animal design, particularly with regard to the patterning of animal body plans and body parts...
The recognition of the modular organization of these animals is an important conceptual link to understanding the genetic logic controlling their development and the mechanisms underlying the evolution of diversity...” from the beginning of chapter one.
(I liked the tip of the hat to Stephen Jay Gould by including a quote from Ontology And Phylogeny.)
This is not an easy book to read; the author doesn’t dumb it down for the general public. But, oh, what a book! The answers to so many questions about how evolution works. If you have an interest in evolution, dna, the structure of bodies; if you are a good reader; if you can read things you don’t understand and keep on going to the next paragraph, then read this. This is one of the most important books of the century. I was very excited to read this, one wow after another. Sample the preview, it will give you a taste of what you are in for. This is more textbook like than Carroll’s later books, all of which are very good.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this an enjoyable and enlightening read, a good selection for the textbook of evolutionary development. I didn't quite finish reading it, though; the end of the semester has come, I made an A, and as fascinating as the topic and text is, I've yet to muster up the energy and concentration necessary to complete it.

Of note is that I didn't come away from this class saying, "Evolution explains it all! Where is God in this?" Quite the contrary. As compelling as the presented evidence is, I simply disbelieve it adequately explains God's wonderful creation. It's neat to see some of the mechanisms God used/uses in in the development creatures.

From a genetics level, this is great stuff. Highly recommended.

[Dave H · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only pleasant part of preparing for my written exams, read as a primer for more hardcore fruit fly development.

[Allen]

A great book. I'd like to team-teach a course based on it.

[Chris Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

good intro textbook

good overview of development, gene expression and the genetic components of morphology. covers both basic topics and more advanced and recent Evo Devo topics.