The Evolutionary Origins of Life and Death
Understanding the interplay of life and death in evolution
Format:Paperback
Publisher:The University of Chicago Press
Published:9th Dec '20
Should be back in stock very soon
In The Evolutionary Origins of Life and Death, Pierre M. Durand explores the evolutionary significance of life and death through cellular processes.
The question of why an individual would actively choose to end its own life has long puzzled scientists and philosophers alike. In The Evolutionary Origins of Life and Death, Pierre M. Durand delves into this intricate mystery by examining the life and death processes of the earliest cellular organisms. Through his detailed analysis, Durand presents cell death as a compelling lens to explore the interconnectedness of life and death from an evolutionary perspective. While it is often stated that one cannot exist without the other, the nuances of this relationship throughout evolutionary history remain complex and multifaceted.
Durand's work stands out as it integrates insights from various disciplines, including philosophy, theoretical frameworks, experimental research, and genomic studies. This synthesis is crucial, as previous studies have largely approached the topics of life and death in isolation. In The Evolutionary Origins of Life and Death, Durand articulates how these two processes are not merely oppositional but rather exhibit features of coevolution. The evolution of more complex cellular life is shown to depend on the coadaptation of traits that support both life and programmed cell death.
The unexpected conclusion of Durand's analysis is that programmed cell death is not only prevalent but also essential for the sustainability of life in many contexts. This realization challenges preconceived notions about the relationship between life and death, suggesting that they are intricately linked in the grand tapestry of evolutionary history.
"That life is connected to death, and to evolution, is incontrovertible. But what might be the connection between death and evolution? That is, might death be an adaptation? That’s the startling conclusion reached by Durand in this brief volume, which combines philosophy, biological theory, and empirical science in often thrilling ways... Durand thinks big thoughts but is careful, in his prose, to involve readers whose interest in theoretical biology exceeds their grasp. A very important book. Highly recommended." * Choice Connect *
"[The Evolutionary Origins of Life and Death] constitutes an impressive effort to integrate into a unified and coherent framework different and dispersed pieces of empirical work about how life and death emerged on Earth, and about how these two phenomena coevolved to become deeply entangled." * History and Philosophy of Life Sciences *
"Given the amount of ground it covers, The Evolutionary Origins of Life and Death is a surprisingly slim volume (177 pages for its narrative and notes). Durand has an admirably compact and economical style of writing, his sixteen chapters frequently brief and to the point, yet accessibly and clearly presented, with additional subheadings helping to keep you on track. A well-stocked bibliography (a personal sticking point for him) will help the reader locate relevant older literature. The material here is thought-provoking, to some perhaps even controversial given its invocation of group selection, but Durand is never less than informative, convincing, and humble enough to highlight the limits of his arguments." * Inquisitive Biologist *
“An eye opener for many readers, biologists, and others interested in visiting the frontiers of today’s conceptual thinking on evolution. This book, compact and simple but densely packed with information and ideas, presents the new edifice of evolutionary biology, a vibrant, progressing field that goes far beyond the confines of neo-Darwinism.” -- Eugene V. Koonin, National Center for Biotechnology Information, from the foreword
“There is no question that Durand is deeply learned. The way that he lays out his argument linking life and death is certainly innovative and I am sure will attract attention. Insightful and stimulating, The Evolutionary Origins of Life and Death will forward discussion on important issues.” -- Michael Ruse, Florida State University
ISBN: 9780226747767
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
232 pages