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CHOICE Review

This small volume is devoted to defense of the modern synthesis of Darwinian evolution. Of the two current and major scientific challenges to neo-Darwinism (punctuated equilibrium versus gradualism; neutralist versus selectionist), punctuated equilibrium receives the greater share of attention. Attempts are made to reconcile the role of saltation with Darwin's original statement (Natura non facit saltum) and the modern synthesis. Arthur adds the developmental component to the modern synthesis and draws upon shell coiling in snails and homoeotic mutations in arthropods (mainly Drosophila, where most homoeoism has been analyzed) for elucidation of D genes, genes of development. For complete comprehension of the building of the arguments, the reader needs a good understanding of population genetics, ecological theory and niche-space theory, and developmental biology (particularly pattern formation and the bithorax locus in Drosophila). Few undergraduates would be prepared to approach this volume independently. An extensive bibliography of 367 references is provided, but only three are dated as recently as 1983. This book should find a niche in graduate education, but it requires multiple readings for full impact on the fundamental question: do short-term microevolutionary processes provide an adequate explanation of long-term morphological evolution? This book is the author's way of saying ``no.''-T.A. Cole, Wabash College