Ancestors in Evolutionary Biology: Linear Thinking about Branching Trees

Phylogenetics is a speculative storytelling discipline that provides narrative explanations for the evolution of taxa and their traits, drawing on lineage thinking and the precursor traits of hypothetical ancestors. This book explores the history of narrative phylogenetics and lineage thinking, and how the power of phylogenetic hypotheses to explain evolution resides in the precursor traits of hypothetical ancestors, making it of interest to graduate students, researchers, and academics in evolutionary biology, palaeontology, philosophy of science, and the history of science.

Format: Hardback
Length: 398 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Phylogenetics, a captivating branch of biology that emerged in the latter half of the 19th century, took shape as a speculative storytelling discipline, driven by the quest to offer narrative explanations for the intricate evolution of taxa and their remarkable traits. This intriguing field coalesced with lineage thinking, a mental process that intricately traces the evolution of characters along hypothetical ancestral lineages, envisioning the interconnectedness of species over time. In Ancestors in Evolutionary Biology, we embark on a historical journey, delving into the origins of narrative phylogenetics and lineage thinking, tracing their evolution to the present day. Drawing upon perspectives from the realms of science history, philosophy of science, and contemporary scientific debates, this book unveils the profound power of phylogenetic hypotheses to unravel the mysteries of evolution. It reveals that the key to understanding the intricacies of evolutionary processes lies in the precursor traits of these hypothetical ancestors, shaping the trajectory of biological diversity and shaping our understanding of the natural world. This comprehensive exploration of the concept of ancestors, a central theme in modern biology, holds immense interest for graduate students, researchers, and scholars alike. It serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to delve deeper into the complexities of evolutionary biology, paleontology, philosophy of science, and the rich history of scientific inquiry.

Weight: 1084g
Dimension: 210 x 261 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781107105935