Title: Reading the story in DNA : a beginner's guide to molecular evolution /
Authors: Bromham, Lindell.
Publisher: Oxford University Press,
Year: 2008
Subjects: DNA; Molecular evolution.; Evolutionary genetics.; DNA; Evolution, Molecular
Abstract: "The world is full of DNA. The salad in your sandwich, the pollen in the air, even the dirt on your shoes contains DNA from which a vast amount of information can be gained, including the identification of individuals and species, the structure and distribution of populations, the origins of lineages and the pace and mechanisms of evolutionary change." "Reading the story in DNA is a beginner's guide to molecular evolution, and is the perfect starting point on the journey to an understanding of the way molecular data is used in modern biology." "The use of 'bioinformatic' analyses has revolutionized biology, and there are now few areas of evolution and ecology that remain untouched by molecular data. Today's biology students and researchers need to be familiar with the application of molecular data to answer evolutionary questions. But the most pressing question is usually: "Where do I start?!" This book is the answer."--BOOK JACKET.
Contents: The story in DNA, or, What kind of information can I get from DNA? -- The immortal germline, or, How do I get DNA samples? -- We are all mutants, or, How do I identify individuals? -- Endless copies, or, How do I amplify DNA? -- Descent with modification, or, How do I detect natural selection? -- Origin of species, or, How do I align DNA sequences? -- Tree of life, or, How do I construct a phylogeny? -- Tempo and mode, or, How do I estimate molecular dates? -- You are a scientist, or, What do I do now?