Where Do We Come From?: The Molecular Evidence for Human Descent

Rok: 2002
ISBN: 9783540425649
OKCZID: 110161199

Anotace

From the moment men first began to contemplate their world, three questions have occupied the human mind: Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going? Artists (notably Paul Gauguin), religious thinkers, philosophers and, most recently, scientists have all searched for answers. This book describes molecular evidence for human descent from the first single-celled organisms all the way to the emergence of Homo sapiens. After distinguishing myth from science, the authors introduce molecular evolution and the molecular approach to the study of human origins and draw conclusions about human identity. Unique features of this book include: * A concentration on information provided by molecules, first and foremost nucleic acids, unlike most books on evolution, which focus solely on testimony provided by archeology. * Clear explanations of difficult concepts, including mathematical formulas, thus allowing readers to understand without prior knowledge of the subject. * Over 120 detailed figures, illustrations and tables that enhance the text. * A glossary of terms that are highlighted in the text. * Sources for further reading and reference. The authors describe how scientists decipher human origin from the record encrypted in the DNA and protein molecules, and point out the limitations of ancient DNA analysis. They deal with the concept of race from the point of view of what is now known about human variability, and distinguish between views colored by "political correctness" and views based on objective evaluation of the data. Finally, the book warns the reader that knowledge of man's place on the Tree of Life can change our philosophical and ethical perspective, and considers what the future of the human race may entail

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