Life is a chancy proposition: from the movement of molecules to the age at which we die, chance plays a key role in the natural world. Traditionally, biologists have viewed the inevitable "noise" of life as an unfortunate complication. The authors of this book, however, treat random processes as a benefit. In this introduction to chance in biology, Mark Denny and Steven Gaines help readers apply the probability theory needed to make sense of chance events - using examples from ocean waves to spiderwebs, in fields ranging from melecular mechanics to evolution. By relating the theory of probability to the understanding of form and function in living things, the authors seek to pique the reader's curiousity about statistics and provide a new perspective on the role of chance in biology.
- ISBN13 9781400841400
- Publish Date 23 October 2011 (first published 12 November 2000)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Imprint Princeton University Press
- Format eBook
- Pages 312
- Language English
- URL http://degruyter.com/search?f_0=isbnissn&q_0=9781400841400&searchTitles=true