Evolution As Entropy: Toward a Unified Theory of Biology (Science and Its Conceptual Foundations series)

By combining recent advances in the physical sciences with some of the novel ideas, techniques, and data of modern biology, this book attempts to achieve a new and different kind of evolutionary synthesis. I found it to be challenging, fascinating, infuriating, and provocative, but certainly not dull.—James H, Brown, University of New Mexico

This book is unquestionably mandatory reading not only for every living biologist but for generations of biologists to come.—Jack P. Hailman, Animal Behaviour, review of the first edition

An important contribution to modern evolutionary thinking. It fortifies the place of Evolutionary Theory among the other well-established natural laws.—R.Gessink,TAXON

Booknews

This second edition--in just two years--offers a considerably revised second chapter, in which information behavior replaces analogies to purely physical systems, as well as practical applications of the authors' theory. Attention is also given to a hierarchical theory of ecosystem behavior, taking note of constraints on local ecosystem members resulting from their own histories. Copious references, frequent diagrams, charts, tables, and formulas. Paper edition, $19.95. **** BCL3 cites the 1986 first edition. It sparked a lively debate in journals of biology, physical sciences, philosophy, anthropology, and even creationism over whether the book pointed the way toward a unification of basic biology with basic physics. Here the authors (zoology, U. of B.C. and systematics/ecology, U. of Kansas) refine their model for a unified theory of biology, answer their critics, incorporate new ideas, and provide additional illustrations and almost one hundred new references. Cloth edition not seen. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)