Bücher der Reihe Understanding Life

A brief and accessible account of evolutionary developmental biology, 'evo-devo', for anyone intrigued by this exciting interdisciplinary field, including biological science students and general readers. It covers all key themes, including: developmental bias, toolkit genes, gene co-option, and the origins of evolutionary novelties and body plans.

This book provides non-experts with an accessible but rigorous introduction to genes. Drawing on contemporary research in genetics and genomics, as well as on ideas from history of science, philosophy of science, psychology and science education, it explains what genes are and what they can and cannot do.

Life is definitively purposive and creative. Organisms use genes in controlling their destiny. This book presents a new understanding of how living systems function, showing how organisms generate purposive behaviour. For general readers interested in evolutionary biology, systems biology, genetics, and history and philosophy of science.

Understanding Reproduction offers a broad perspective on the phenomena of sex and reproduction. Written in an accessible and easy to digest style and featuring an abundance of examples from animals, plants, fungi and microorganisms, this book will appeal to interested general readers, biologists, science educators, philosophers and medical doctors.

The legend of Charles Darwin has never been more alive or more potent, but by virtue of this, his legacy has become susceptible to myths and misunderstandings. Understanding Charles Darwin examines key questions such as what did Darwin's work change about the world? In what ways is 'Darwinism' reflective of Darwin's own views? What problems were left unsolved? In our elevation of Darwin to this iconic status, have we neglected to recognise the work of other scientists? The book also examines Darwin's struggle with his religious beliefs, considering his findings, and whether he was truly an atheist. In this engaging account, Peterson paints an intimate portrait of Darwin from his own words in private correspondence and journals. The result is the Darwin you never knew.