Plausibility of Life: Resolving Darwin's Dilemma

Offering daring new ideas about evolution, two highly respected biologists here tackle the central, unresolved question in the field--how have living organisms on Earth developed with such astounding variety and complexity? Marc Kirschner and John Gerhart draw on cutting-edge biological and medical research to provide an original solution to this longstanding puzzle. "In this terrific new book, molecular systems meet evolution. The result is a wealth of stimulating ideas set among clear explanations drawn from a revelatory decade in biology."--Andrew H. Knoll, author of Life on a Young Planet "Thought-provoking and lucidly written. . . . The Plausibility of Life will help readers understand not just the plausibility of evolution, but its remarkable, inventive powers." --Sean Carroll, author of Endless Forms Most Beautiful: The New Science of Evo Devo "Remarkably lucid and comprehensive, this new theoretical synthesis will . . . shift the grounds for debate in the controversy surrounding organic evolution."--Booklist (starred review)