Of what use is evolutionary science to society? Can evolutionary thinking provide us with the tools to better understand and even make positive changes to the world? Addressing key questions about the development of evolutionary thinking, this book explores the interaction between evolutionary theory and its practical applications. Featuring contributions from leading specialists, Pragmatic Evolution highlights the diverse and interdisciplinary applications of evolutionary thinking: their potential and limitations. The fields covered range from palaeontology, genetics, ecology, agriculture, fisheries, medicine, neurobiology, psychology and animal behaviour; to information technology, education, anthropology and philosophy. Detailed examples of useful and current evolutionary applications are provided throughout. An ideal source of information to promote a better understanding of contemporary evolutionary science and its applications, this book also encourages the continued development of new opportunities for constructive evolutionary applications across a range of fields.

Addresses key questions about the development of evolutionary thinking to explore the interaction between evolutionary theory and its practical applications.

About the Author
Aldo Poiani is an evolutionary ecologist at the School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Australia. He has published widely in the fields of avian cooperative breeding and host-parasite interactions, including aspects related to behaviour, endocrinology and comparative biology. He is the author of Animal Homosexuality: A Biosocial Perspective (Cambridge University Press, 2010).

Reviews
'Evolution theory is usually regarded as the study of how biological diversity arose. Here we see that it also has vital applications in many fields of human endeavour including medicine and food production. Aldo Poiani has done society a great service by producing this unique compilation.' Paul Harvey, University of Oxford
'Poiani has presented us with a veritable treasure trove of examples to demonstrate the expanding relevance of evolutionary theory. This work will undoubtedly bolster the allegiance of those already committed to the ubiquity of evolutionary theory as well as convert those who have until now remained agnostic or skeptical.' Peter Takacs, The Quarterly Review of Biology
'... this diverse collection of papers is at the moment the best source of ideas about the also diverse, and rapidly increasing, array of areas in which a perspective inspired by evolutionary biology can find rewarding application.' Science and Education



Book Information
ISBN 9780521760553
Author Aldo Poiani
Format Hardback
Page Count 362
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 710g
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 158mm * 21mm