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From DNA to Diversity: Molecular Genetics and the Evolution of Animal Design
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. An Instructor manual CD-ROM for this title is available. Please contact our Higher Education team at HigherEducation@wiley.com for more information.
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. An Instructor manual CD-ROM for this title is available. Please contact our Higher Education team at HigherEducation@wiley.com for more information.
270 pages, Paperback
First published October 22, 2004
12 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Sean B. Carroll
28 books302 followersSean 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.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 16, 2019
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.
January 23, 2019
“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.
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.
May 26, 2016
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.
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.
January 30, 2008
The only pleasant part of preparing for my written exams, read as a primer for more hardcore fruit fly development.
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May 2, 2009A great book. I'd like to team-teach a course based on it.
October 9, 2020
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.
good overview of development, gene expression and the genetic components of morphology. covers both basic topics and more advanced and recent Evo Devo topics.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews