SCIENCES

Arrival of the Fittest: Solving Evolution's Greatest Puzzle

by Andreas Wagner
Current. Oct. 2014. 304p. notes. bibliog. ISBN 9781591846468. $27.95. SCI
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The author (evolutionary biology, Univ. of Zurich; Paradoxical Life: Meaning, Matter, and the Power of Human Choice) is a firm believer in Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection and with this book presents a synthesis of recent research on genetics, evolution, and molecular biology to explain where the innovation that fuels natural selection originates. Covering some of the same material in his earlier, more detailed textbook, The Origins of Evolutionary Innovations: A Theory of Transformative Change in Living Systems, Wagner starts with the history of evolutionary thought, the observations that were made prior to Darwin, and the post-Darwin research that led to the discovery of DNA. The author is especially interested in the mechanisms of metabolism and uses mathematics and computation to further analyze the way chemical reactions occur. Wagner concludes that the innovation needed in genes to fuel natural selection can be explained by these factors.
VERDICT This well-written, clear analysis of current research will be of interest to those who want a better understanding of the mechanisms of evolution.
Reviewed by Margaret Henderson, Midlothian, VA , Jul 01, 2014
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