Pragmatic Evolution: Applications of Evolutionary Theory

by Aldo Poiani (Editor)

Overview

Of what use is evolutionary science to society? Can evolutionary thinking provide us with the tools to better understand and even make positive changes to the world? Addressing key questions about the development of evolutionary thinking, this book explores the interaction between evolutionary theory and its practical applications. Featuring contributions from leading specialists, Pragmatic Evolution highlights the diverse and interdisciplinary applications of evolutionary thinking: their potential and limitations. The fields covered range from palaeontology, genetics, ecology, agriculture, fisheries, medicine, neurobiology, psychology and animal behavior; to information technology, education, anthropology and philosophy. Detailed examples of useful and current evolutionary applications are provided throughout. An ideal source of information to promote a better understanding of contemporary evolutionary science and its applications, this book also encourages the continued development of new opportunities for constructive evolutionary applications across a range of fields.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521760553
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	11/10/2011
Pages:	362
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Aldo Poiani is an evolutionary ecologist at the School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Australia. He has published widely in the fields of avian cooperative breeding and host-parasite interactions, including aspects related to behaviour, endocrinology and comparative biology. He is the author of Animal Homosexuality: A Biosocial Perspective (Cambridge University Press, 2010).

Table of Contents

List of contributors; Preface; Acknowledgments; Introduction Aldo Poiani; Part I. Evolution, Ecology and Conservation: 1. Evolution, missing links and climate change: recent advances in understanding transformational macroevolution John Long; 2. Evolutionary perspectives in conservation genetics Kamal Ibrahim and Roberta Torunsky; Part II. Evolution and Food Production: 3. Evolution in agriculture Steve Wratten, Mark Gillespie and Aldo Poiani; 4. The evolutionary ecology of pollination and the functional biology of agricultural plants Martin Burd, Angelica Martínez Bauer and Mani R. Shrestha; 5. The dawn of Darwinian fishery management Mikko Heino, Adriaan Rijnsdorp and Ulf Dieckmann; Part III. Evolution and Medicine: 6. Evolution: a basic science for medicine Randolph Nesse; 7. Evolutionary insights for immunological interventions Paul W. Ewald and Holly A. Swain Ewald; 8. Neuroevolution and neurodegeneration: two sides of the same coin? Jonathan Foster, Peter Boord and Michael Smith; 9. Evolution, music and neurotherapy Alan Harvey; Part IV. Evolution and Psychology: 10. Antecedents of teenage pregnancy: using an evolutionary perspective in the search for mechanisms David Coall, Tomas E. Dickins and Daniel Nettle; 11. Flourishing and fitness: an evolutionary perspective on health capability Jim Chisholm; Part V. Evolution and Computing: 12. Natural computation: evolving solutions to complex problems David Green; 13. Harnessing the swarm: technological applications of collective intelligence Suzanne Sadedin and Edgar A. Duéñez-Guzmán; Part VI. Evolution and Society: 14. Evolutionary arguments against the de facto re-pathologising of homosexuality Aldo Poiani; 15. Teaching evolution and the nature of science Douglas Futuyma; 16. Evolutionary ideologies Jonathan Marks; 17. Can Darwinism offer existential reassurance at times of personal or social crisis? Michael Ruse; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"Evolution theory is usually regarded as the study of how biological diversity arose. Here we see that it also has vital applications in many fields of human endeavour including medicine and food production. Aldo Poiani has done society a great service by producing this unique compilation."
Paul Harvey, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford

"Above all else, this book provides an inspiration to those wishing to explore new possibilities for constructive evolutionary applications. Recommended."
F. T. Kuserk Choice Magazine

"This diverse collection of papers is at the moment the best source of ideas about the also diverse, and rapidly increasing, array of areas in which a perspective inspired by evolutionary biology can find rewarding application."
Alessandro Minelli, University of Padova

"Poiani has presented us with a veritable treasure trove of examples to demonstrate the expanding relevance of evolutionary theory. This work will undoubtedly bolster the allegiance of those already committed to the ubiquity of evolutionary theory as well as convert those who have until now remained agnostic or skeptical."
Péter Takács, The Quarterly Review of Biology

"… this diverse collection of papers is at the moment the best source of ideas about the also diverse, and rapidly increasing, array of areas in which a perspective inspired by evolutionary biology can find rewarding application."
Science and Education

From the Publisher