This text explores human biological variation in its broadest sense - from the molecular to the physiological and morphological - focusing on the micro-evolutionary analysis of genetic variation among recent human populations. Authoritative yet accessible, Human Biological Variation, SecondEdition, opens with an engaging introduction to basic genetics and the evolutionary forces that set the stage for understanding human diversity. It goes on to offer a clear and detailed discussion of molecular genetics, including its uses and its relationship to anthropological and evolutionarymodels. The text features up-to-date discussions of classic genetic markers (blood groups, enzymes, and proteins) along with extensive background on DNA analysis and coverage of satellite DNA, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and Alu inserts. Coverage includes current issues such as themeaning and significance of "race," quantitative genetics and the "nature versus nurture" debates, biocultural interactions, population structure, and cultural and historical influences on patterns of human variation. Integrating real-world examples on interesting topics - including dyslexia, IQ,and homosexuality - this second edition of Human Biological Variation provides the most thorough and contemporary view of our biological diversity.

Specifically for the health professional, this book contains an extensive compilation of research findings on biologic variation by race, age, and gender relating to health and illness. Completely rewritten, revised, and updated, the Second Edition includes an increased discussion of biologic variation and expanded coverage of each chapter topic. This book provides a theoretical framework for understanding the mechanisms that influence biologic variation. It presents a well-documented discussion of research data and indicates areas where knowledge is lacking. A theoretical explanation is followed by examination of surface and anatomical variations, developmental variation, biochemical and enzymatic variations, disease susceptibility differences, and influence of the external variation. Consideration of sexual variation reveals more differences between the sexes than among races. Misconceptions about racial uniformity and diversity are exposed throughout the book. Tables of specific biologic variations allow easy reference and access to the literature.

Pheromone Biochemistry covers chapters on Lepidoptera, ticks, flies, beetles, and even vertebrate olfactory biochemistry. The book discusses pheromone production and its regulation in female insects; as well as reception, perception, and degradation of pheromones by male insects. The text then describes the pheromone biosynthesis and its regulation and the reception and catabolism of pheromones. Researchers in the areas of chemistry, biochemistry, entomology, neurobiology, molecular biology, enzymology, morphology, behavior, and ecology will find the book useful.

Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection was based on the observation that there is variation between individuals within the same species. This fundamental observation is a central concept in evolutionary biology. However, variation is only rarely treated directly. It has remained peripheral to the study of mechanisms of evolutionary change. The explosion of knowledge in genetics, developmental biology, and the ongoing synthesis of evolutionary and developmental biology has made it possible for us to study the factors that limit, enhance, or structure variation at the level of an animals' physical appearance and behavior. Knowledge of the significance of variability is crucial to this emerging synthesis. Variation situates the role of variability within this broad framework, bringing variation back to the center of the evolutionary stage. Provides an overview of current thinking on variation in evolutionary biology, functional morphology, and evolutionary developmental biology Written by a team of leading scholars specializing on the study of variation Reviews of statistical analysis of variation by leading authorities Key chapters focus on the role of the study of phenotypic variation for evolutionary, developmental, and post-genomic biology

This text is intended for the sophomore level course in human variation/human biology taught in anthropology departments. It may also serve as a supplementary text in introductory physical anthropology courses. In addition to covering the standard topics for the course, it features contemporary topics in human biology such as the Human Genome Project, genetic engineering, the effects of stress, obesity and pollution.

The difference in DNA found among individuals is known as genetic variation. These genetic differences found in individuals and populations forms the basis of human biological variations. The field focuses on identifying the various biological causes that lead to these variations in humans. Some of these include the order of bases in nucleotides present in the genes, variation in enzymes and variation in discrete and quantitative traits. The technique of protein electrophoresis is used to examine the variations in enzymes. Mutation, genetic recombination and segregation are some of the causes of genetic variation studied within this discipline. This book is a valuable compilation of topics, ranging from the basic to the most complex advancements in the field of human biological variations. The various studies that are constantly contributing towards advancing technologies and evolution of this field are examined in detail herein. This book is a vital tool for all researching or studying this discipline as it gives incredible insights into emerging trends and concepts.