Biological Emergences : Evolution by Natural Experiment

by Reid, Robert G. B.

• ISBN13: 9780262182577
• ISBN10: 0262182572
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2007-03-01
• Publisher: Mit Pr

Summary

Natural selection is commonly interpreted as the fundamental mechanism of evolution. Questions about how selection theory can claim to be the all-sufficient explanation of evolution often go unanswered by today's neo-Darwinists, perhaps for fear that any criticism of the evolutionary paradigm will encourage creationists and proponents of intelligent design. In Biological Emergences,Robert Reid argues that natural selection is not the cause of evolution. He writes that the causes of variations, which he refers to as natural experiments, are independent of natural selection; indeed, he suggests, natural selection may get in the way of evolution. Reid proposes an alternative theory to explain how emergent novelties are generated and under what conditions they can overcome the resistance of natural selection. He suggests that what causes innovative variation causes evolution, and that these phenomena are environmental as well as organismal. After an extended critique of selectionism, Reid constructs an emergence theory of evolution, first examining the evidence in three causal arenas of emergent evolution: symbiosis/association, evolutionary physiology/behavior, and developmental evolution. Based on this evidence of causation, he proposes some working hypotheses, examining mechanisms and processes common to all three arenas, and arrives at a theoretical framework that accounts for generative mechanisms and emergent qualities. Without selectionism, Reid argues, evolutionary innovation can more easily be integrated into a general thesis. Finally, Reid proposes a biological synthesis of rapid emergent evolutionary phases and the prolonged, dynamically stable, non-evolutionary phases imposed by natural selection. Vienna Series in Theoretical Biology series

Table of Contents

List of Tables, Figures, and Boxes	p. xi
Foreword	p. xiii
Acknowledgments	p. xvii
A Time for Action	p. 1
Our Imperiled Planet	p. 1
The College and University Climate Change Imperative	p. 3
How Colleges and Universities Can Make a Difference	p. 3
How You Can Use This Book to Plan and to Act	p. 10
Summary	p. 12
Climate Change Basics and the University	p. 13
Climate Change Basics for Decision Makers and Advocates	p. 13
Subnational Initiatives for Climate Change	p. 21
The Role of Wealth	p. 22
Sources of Heat-Trapping Gases	p. 28
Summary	p. 31
The Campus Inventory and Climate Goals	p. 33
Emission Sources and the Emissions Inventory	p. 33
Goals for Action	p. 42
Monitoring Progress toward Goals	p. 48
Summary	p. 49
Climate Actors and Climate Advocacy	p. 51
Understanding the Actors	p. 51
Organizing and Advocating for Climate Action	p. 64
University Decision Making and Climate Action	p. 71
Summary	p. 74
Strategy and Tactics for Climate Action	p. 75
Types of Climate Action	p. 75
Tactics for Climate Action Advocates	p. 77
Determining Strategy	p. 85
Determining Priorities	p. 93
Funding Climate Action	p. 95
The Challenges	p. 101
Developing a Climate Action Mindset	p. 103
Summary	p. 108
Buildings and Climate Change Action	p. 109
Why Buildings and Facilities?	p. 110
Applying Climate Change Action in University Facilities	p. 111
Decision Making for Climate Change	p. 119
New Buildings	p. 125
A Case for Action in Existing Buildings	p. 140
Summary	p. 142
Tackling Emissions at the Source	p. 145
Climate Actions in Buildings and Central Facilities
Finding Energy-Saving Opportunities	p. 146
Specific Opportunities for Reducing Emissions in Buildings	p. 147
Central Facilities	p. 163
Tools for Green Buildings and Climate Change Action	p. 167
The Role of Buildings That Teach	p. 174
Summary	p. 175
Action beyond Facilities	p. 177
University Purchasing	p. 177
University Transportation	p. 188
Solid Waste and Greenhouse Gas Emissions	p. 202
Climate Action in Dining Services	p. 205
Other Opportunities to Reduce Emissions	p. 206
Summary	p. 212
Planning and Policies for Climate Change	p. 213
Steps to Climate Action Planning	p. 213
University Master Planning and Climate Action	p. 219
Facilities Planning	p. 230
Financial Planning	p. 231
Educational Planning	p. 234
Policies to Reduce Emissions	p. 235
Summary	p. 241
Personal Action Initiatives	p. 243
Knowledge and Action	p. 243
The Nature of Personal Choices	p. 246
Take the Initiative	p. 262
Summary	p. 269
Climate Action in the Classroom	p. 271
Climate Change and Academics	p. 271
Climate Change as Interdisciplinary Study	p. 278
Preparing for Action in the Classroom	p. 281
Suggestions for Getting Started	p. 296
Summary	p. 300
Degrees That Matter	p. 301
Attributes of a Credible Effort	p. 305
What Really Matters: Acting Now	p. 315
Appendixes
Global Warming Potential	p. 317
Information Related to Climate Change and Climate Change Action	p. 319
Elements of an Emissions Inventory	p. 327
Emission Factors for Fuels	p. 331
Sample Projects for Tufts Students	p. 335
Article from the Tufts Daily	p. 341
Notes	p. 347
Bibliography	p. 359
Index	p. 363
Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.