Genes in Conflict: The Biology of Selfish Genetic Elements

by Austin Burt, Robert Trivers

In evolution, most genes survive and spread within populations because they increase the ability of their hosts (or their close relatives) to survive and reproduce. But some genes spread in spite of being harmful to the host organism--by distorting their own transmission to the next generation, or by changing how the host behaves toward relatives. As a consequence, different genes in a single organism can have diametrically opposed interests and adaptations.

Covering all species from yeast to humans, Genes in Conflict is the first book to tell the story of selfish genetic elements, those continually appearing stretches of DNA that act narrowly to advance their own replication at the expense of the larger organism. As Austin Burt and Robert Trivers show, these selfish genes are a universal feature of life with pervasive effects, including numerous counter-adaptations. Their spread has created a whole world of socio-genetic interactions within individuals, usually completely hidden from sight.

Genes in Conflict introduces the subject of selfish genetic elements in all its aspects, from molecular and genetic to behavioral and evolutionary. Burt and Trivers give us access for the first time to a crucial area of research--now developing at an explosive rate--that is cohering as a unitary whole, with its own logic and interconnected questions, a subject certain to be of enduring importance to our understanding of genetics and evolution.

Genres: Science, Biology, Genetics, Nonfiction, Evolution

632 pages, Hardcover

First published January 15, 2006

Reviews

[Tadas Talaikis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life is a war. Before ever reading The Selfish Gene, i had come to very abstracted practical philosophy of life, which defined life as dynamism (movement) vs. dead as statics. Example of application of this - everything that makes you (body, mind) move benefits you. There is plenty of research somewhat proving that - exercise prolongs healthy lifespan. That statement also comes much further, but here isn't the place for that.

So, life is a war comes into more in-depth and more scientific method based details, like:

1. Paternal genes increase competition (?) and make babies "eat mothers". Pregnancy is a biological war between mother and baby.
2. Maternal genes reduce competition and provides only what chooses.
3. War between sexes.
4. Parents programmed to provide even at their siblings' disadvantage.
5. Example effects: feminization, male-killing, male-sterility. The fragile male
6. Some spider species females try to eat males to find the best mate. Males adapt by accepting monogamy or male guarding.
7. Some spider species males eat older females.
8. Half of longevity suppressing genes give nothing in return.

Forty years of The Selfish Gene are not enough

[Michael Jon Palmquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

After ‘The Extended Phenotype’, this is my favorite evolutionary biology book. As explicitly stated early on, ‘Genes in Conflict’ does not cover selfish genetic elements of asexual organisms such as bacteria, but it still holds a wealth of information for anyone with a strong interest in evolution. Not a popular science book, perhaps, but avoids the monotonous voice of most writing aimed at students and professionals. Highly recommended.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE go-to resource for an overview of this vast field. Seriously, they cover everything. It's a great jumping off point for serious research into the topic of your choice.

[Atila Iamarino · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bem completo e com vários exemplos interessantes de conflito. Não fazia ideia do tanto de elemento genético egoísta que existe em eucarioto. Mas não é muito minha praia.