Clonality: The Genetics, Ecology, and Evolution of Sexual Abstinence in Vertebrate Animals

by John Avise

Overview

Approximately 99.9% of vertebrate species reproduce sexually. The exceptional 0.1% reproduce via asexual or clonal means, which vary wildly and are fascinating in their own right. In this book, John C. Avise describes the genetics, ecology, natural history, and evolution of the world's approximately 100 species of vertebrate animal that routinely display one form or another of clonal or quasi-clonal reproduction. By considering the many facets of sexual abstinence and clonal reproduction in vertebrate animals, Avise sheds new light on the biological meaning and ramifications of standard sexuality.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780190451493
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	10/23/2008
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

John C. Avise is a Distinguished Professor at the University of California at Irvine, and an elected member of both the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. In twelve previous books and more than 280 scientific articles, he has helped to popularize as well as pioneer molecular genetic approaches in ecology, natural history, and evolution. He has received national and international awards for career-long contributions to ornithology, molecular ecology, biogeography, marine biology, and wildlife conservation. Books by the same author: Molecular Markers, Natural History, and Evolution Conservation Genetics: Case Histories from Nature, Coedited by J. L. Hamrick The Genetic Gods: Evolution and Belief in Human Affairs Phylogeography: The History and Formation of Species Captivating Life: A Naturalist in the Age of Genetics Genetics in the Wild The Hope, Hype, and Reality of Genetic Engineering Molecular Markers, Natural History, and Evolution Evolutionary Pathways in Nature: A Phylogenetic Approach A Field Guide to Little Known Genetically Engineered Organisms (Including Revisionary Interpretations About Their Impact on World History) On Evolution In the Light of Evolution, Volume I. Adaptation and Complex Design, Coedited with F. J. Ayala

Table of Contents

PrefacePART I. BACKGROUND: LIKE BEGETS LIKECHAPTER 1. CLONALITY WITHIN THE INDIVIDUALClonality at the Gene Level: DNA ReplicationClonality at the Genomic Level: MitosisClonality in the Cellular Cytoplasm: Mitochondrial DNAClonality in the Sex ChromosomesClonality Across the Somatic CellsCHAPTER 2. SEXUALITY: THE ANTITHESIS OF CLONALITYSex at the Inter-chromosomal Level: Meiosis, Syngamy, and Mendel's LawsSex at the Intra-chromosomal Level: DNA Recombination Via Crossing OverRecombination Versus Mutation as Sources of Genetic VariationThe Paradox of SexSex and DeathCellular Autonomy and ImmortalitySynopsisSummary of Part IPART II. UNISEXUAL CLONALITY IN NATURECHAPTER 3. REPRODUCTION BY THE CHASTE: PARTHENOGENESISThe Cast of PlayersCellular and Genetic MechanismsEvolution and PhylogenyComparative Ecology and Natural HistoryCHAPTER 4. RERODUCTION BY THE SEMI-CHASTE: GYNOGENESIS, HYBRIDOGENESIS, AND KLEPTOGENESISThe Cast of PlayersCellular and Genetic MechanismsEvolution and PhylogenyComparative Ecology and Natural HistorySummary of Part IIPART III. SEXUAL CLONALITY IN NATURECHAPTER 5. CLONALITY IN UTERO: POLYEMBRYONYThe Cast of PlayersGenetic and Embryological MechanismsEcology and EvolutionCHAPTER 6. CLONALITY BY INCEST: HERMAPHRODITIC SELF-FERTILIZATIONThe Cast of PlayersGenetic and Reproductive MechanismsEvolution and EcologySummary of Part IIIPART IV. CLONALITY IN THE LABORATORYCHAPTER 7. HUMAN-SPONSORED CLONALITYGene CloningWhole-individual Cloning by Quasi-natural MechanismsWhole-individual Cloning by Mechanisms Unknown in NatureSummary of Part IVEpilogueGLOSSARY

Editorial Reviews

"The concepts in Clonality are vividly and entertainingly conveyed. [A] highly entertaining and thought-provoking book from a master of the field of evolutionary genetics."—Trends in Ecology and Evolution

From the Publisher