Richard Lewontin is undoubtedly one of the most distinguished evolutionary biologists of our time. He has contributed to science not only by his own work on evolutionary theory and molecular variation and by his influence on the many young scientists who have worked with him but also by asking us to think about the relationships between the science we do and that world we do it in. Sciences in general, and the life sciences in particular, need their own critic, and Lewontin has been an untiring critic of science and its relevance to society. This collection of essays is produced in honor of Lewontin's 65th birthday. The volume is unique as it has a comprehensive coverage of modern evolutionary genetics from molecules to morphology by a group of star authors, including his students and colleagues. The areas covered are: the mathematical and molecular foundations of population genetics, molecular variation and evolution, selection and genetic polymorphisms, linkage and breeding system evolution, quantitative genetics and phenotypic evolution, gene flow and population structure, speciation, behavior, and ecology.
The volume brings out the central role of evolutionary genetics in all aspects of its connection to evolutionary biology and is a must for all graduate students and researchers in evolutionary biology.