Reticulate Evolution and Humans is the first book to describe the effect of
genetic exchange on the origin and evolution of our own species as well as
those species with which we have and continue to interact closely, both
evolutionarily and culturally. After demonstrating how genetic exchange has
affected H. Sapiens, the book goes on to describe how the same processes have
structured the evolution of organisms on which the human species depends for
shelter, sustenance and companionship. It also considers the "dark-side" of
gene transfer as it pertains to the evolution and adaptation of human disease
vectors and diseases.
The development of the central thesis of this book - that reticulate
evolution via introgressive hybridization and lateral gene transfer has been
a pervasive factor in the evolution and cultural development of H. sapiens,
its ancestors, sister taxa and associated organisms - reveals the extent of
these processes across the widest of taxonomic, temporal and spatial bounds.
We cannot escape the conclusion that we are constantly fed, entertained,
sheltered, attacked and killed by organisms that possess mosaic genomes
reflective of widespread genetic exchange during evolutionary diversification.

About the Author

Michael Arnold is an evolutionary biologist with over 100 scientific articles
to his credit. He is best known for the work produced by his group on the
evolutionary role of natural hybridization - particularly relating to the
plant group known as the Louisiana Irises. However, he has collaborated on
evolutionary biology research projects involving organisms as diverse as
primates, bats, Columbines, fruit flies and fungi. He has published two other
books - Natural Hybridization and Evolution (OUP, 1997) and Evolution Through
Genetic Exchange (OUP, 2006). Mike is also a published outdoor writer whose
stories and photographs have appeared in such places as Safari Magazine. Mike
and his wife Frances have two adult children, Brian and Jenny.


http://www.amazon.com/Reticulate-Evolution-Humans-Origins-Ecology/dp/0199539588

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