The Evolution of Sex

by John Maynard Smith

• ISBN13: 9780521293020
• ISBN10: 0521293022
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1978-09-29
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

The question of why organisms reproduce sexually is still a matter of controversy. In this account, Professor Maynard Smith considers the selective forces responsible for the origin and evolution of sexual reproduction and genetic recombination, using quantitative population genetics arguments to support his ideas. The relative importance of individual and group selection processes are also considered. the aim is to give a clear statement of the theoretical issues, and present enough of the evidence to show what kinds of facts are relevant. It is hoped that where crucial evidence is missing, experimentalists and field workers may be encouraged to collect the relevant data. The author does not claim to solve all the problems he raises, but this clear and well-argued account should provide stimulating reading for advanced undergraduate students and research workers in evolutionary theory.

Table of Contents

Preface

The problem

Some consequences of sex and recombination

The rate of evolution

Some consequences of sex and recombination

Muller's ratchet

Could sex be maintained by group selection? The comparative data

Recombination - the problem

Short-term advantages for sex and recombination

An unpredictable environment

Short-term advantages for sex and recombination

Selection in a finite population

Hermaphroditism, selfing and outcrossing

Anisogamy and the sex ratio

Sexual selection

Mutation

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