Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection was based on the observation that there is variation between individuals within the same species. This fundamental observation is a central concept in evolutionary biology. However, variation is only rarely treated directly. It has remained peripheral to the study of mechanisms of evolutionary change. The explosion of knowledge in genetics, developmental biology, and the ongoing synthesis of evolutionary and developmental biology has made it possible for us to study the factors that limit, enhance, or structure variation at the level of an animals' physical appearance and behavior. Knowledge of the significance of variability is crucial to this emerging synthesis. Variation situates the role of variability within this broad framework, bringing variation back to the center of the evolutionary stage.
- ISBN10 0080454461
- ISBN13 9780080454467
- Publish Date December 2005 (first published 1 August 2005)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Elsevier Science & Technology
- Imprint Academic Press Inc.(London) Ltd
- Edition New ed.
- Format eBook
- Pages 591
- Language English