Deep Homology?
Uncanny Similarities of Humans and Flies Uncovered by Evo-Devo

A comparison of the genetic circuits of Homo sapiens and Drosophila reveals the evidence for deep homology.

Lewis I. Held, Jr (Author)

9781107147188, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 16 February 2017

290 pages, 27 b/w illus. 45 tables
25.4 x 18 x 1.7 cm, 0.74 kg

'I am a major fan of Lewis I. Held's evo-devo books. In each I've encountered material that pushes me to, and sometimes over, the edge of my own understanding – but to me, that's what education is all about. Reading them and using them in my classes, I felt privileged to benefit from the insights of a scholar seriously devoted to his own teaching.' Mark Terry, American Biology Teacher

Humans and flies look nothing alike, yet their genetic circuits are remarkably similar. Here, Lewis I. Held, Jr compares the genetics and development of the two to review the evidence for deep homology, the biggest discovery from the emerging field of evolutionary developmental biology. Remnants of the operating system of our hypothetical common ancestor 600 million years ago are compared in chapters arranged by region of the body, from the nervous system, limbs and heart, to vision, hearing and smell. Concept maps provide a clear understanding of the complex subjects addressed, while encyclopaedic tables offer comprehensive inventories of genetic information. Written in an engaging style with a reference section listing thousands of relevant publications, this is a vital resource for scientific researchers, and graduate and undergraduate students.

1. Body axes
2. Nervous system
3. Vision
4. Touch and hearing
5. Smell and taste
6. Limbs
7. Heart.

Subject Areas: Human biology [PSX], Cellular biology [cytology PSF], Molecular biology [PSD], Developmental biology [PSC], Evolution [PSAJ], Biology, life sciences [PS], Human growth & development [MFKH]