How Long to Read Convergent Evolution

By George R. McGhee, Jr.

How Long Does it Take to Read Convergent Evolution?

It takes the average reader 5 hours and 41 minutes to read Convergent Evolution by George R. McGhee, Jr.

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

An analysis of convergent evolution from molecules to ecosystems, demonstrating the limited number of evolutionary pathways available to life. Charles Darwin famously concluded On the Origin of Species with a vision of “endless forms most beautiful” continually evolving. More than 150 years later many evolutionary biologists see not endless forms but the same, or very similar, forms evolving repeatedly in many independent species lineages. A porpoise's fishlike fins, for example, are not inherited from fish ancestors but are independently derived convergent traits. In this book, George McGhee describes the ubiquity of the phenomenon of convergent evolution and connects it directly to the concept of evolutionary constraint—the idea that the number of evolutionary pathways available to life are not endless, but quite limited. Convergent evolution occurs on all levels, from tiny organic molecules to entire ecosystems of species. McGhee demonstrates its ubiquity in animals, both herbivore and carnivore; in plants; in ecosystems; in molecules, including DNA, proteins, and enzymes; and even in minds, describing problem-solving behavior and group behavior as the products of convergence. For each species example, he provides an abbreviated list of the major nodes in its phylogenetic classification, allowing the reader to see the evolutionary relationship of a group of species that have independently evolved a similar trait by convergent evolution. McGhee analyzes the role of functional and developmental constraints in producing convergent evolution, and considers the scientific and philosophical implications of convergent evolution for the predictability of the evolutionary process.

How long is Convergent Evolution?

Convergent Evolution by George R. McGhee, Jr. is 335 pages long, and a total of 85,425 words.

This makes it 113% the length of the average book. It also has 104% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read Convergent Evolution Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 7 hours and 46 minutes to read Convergent Evolution aloud.

What Reading Level is Convergent Evolution?

Convergent Evolution is suitable for students ages 12 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy Convergent Evolution?

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