First Signals The Evolution of Multicellular Development

"Bonner offers a route to understanding the evolution of development in multicellular organisms. The route is really an old one, based on comparative methods, but Bonner shows how it is still relevant to solving some of the most fundamental and difficult problems in biology, in particular the origin of multicellularity. His proposal comes at a time when the field of evolutionary developmental biology is really taking off, and many young researchers are just beginning to formulate their conceptual and experimental approaches. Thus, the timing of the book couldn't be better."--Daniel M. McShea, Duke University "Bonner does an amazing job demonstrating how nonmolecular approaches can still provide fresh insights into an important set of questions in modern biology. The message that a holistic approach to understanding complex biological problems has real value is in danger of being lost in today's molecular-centric world, and Bonner does his readers a genuine service by pointing out alternatives to the reductionist approach that dominates biology today. Further, Bonner has a delightful and engaging style of exposition. Readers acquainted with his previous books will look forward to hearing more about odd organisms that illustrate important biological principles."--Gregory Wray, Duke UniversityBonner, John Tyler is the author of 'First Signals The Evolution of Multicellular Development' with ISBN 9780691070384 and ISBN 0691070385.