The Genetical Theory of Natural Selection: A Complete Variorum EditionR A Fisher's classic The Genetical Theory of Natural Selection was first published by the Oxford University Press in 1930. It was the first attempt to assess and explain Darwin's evolutionary theories in terms of the genetic processes underlying them, and was also original in being the first book to establish a firm theoretical basis for evolution. Since then, it has become a classic text in evolutionary biology, with Fisher hailed as one of the greatest evolutionary biologists of this century. This Variorum edition will be the definitive version - the only version of The Genetical Theory in print: it will include both Fisher's original 1930 text and that of a second edition of the book, published by Dover publications in 1958, which is now out of print. It also has a new Foreword, some unpublished material by Fisher that he wrote in his own copy, and letters between Fisher and Darwin's grandson, Leonard Darwin. Students, researchers, and general readers with an interest in the history of evolutionary biology will welcome this new edition. |
Contents
The Nature of Inheritance | 1 |
The Fundamental Theorem of Natural Selection | 22 |
The Evolution of Dominance | 48 |
Variation as determined by Mutation and Selection | 70 |
Variation c continued 45 | 97 |
Sexual Reproduction and Sexual Selection | 121 |
Mimicry | 146 |
Man and Society | 170 |
Reproduction in relation to Social Class | 210 |
Social Selection of Fertility | 228 |
Conditions of Permanent Civilization | 256 |
Works Cited | 266 |
Major amendments and additions in the 1958 edition | 273 |
Editorial notes | 301 |
Annotated list of papers published by R A Fisher | 311 |
The Inheritance of Human Fertility | 188 |
Common terms and phrases
¹ Replace adaptation alleles allelomorphs animals appears argument ascribed Batesian biological birth-rate breeding causes cent chance Chapter character civilized condition consequence consider Darwin determined differential direction disadvantage distribution dominance E.B. Ford effect environment equal equation equilibrium evidence evolution evolutionary change existence extinction fact factors families favourable females fertility feticide Fisher frequency gametes gene ratio genetic variance genotypes heritable heterozygote homozygotes homozygous human important increase infanticide influence inheritance insects larvae least less males Malthusian parameter marriage mating measurement Mendelian meristic mimicry modification Müllerian Müllerian mimicry mutant gene mutation rate Natural Selection number of children number of individuals observed occur offspring organisms parents population possible probability produce progress proportion qualities R. A. Fisher race recessive represented reproductive value resemblance respect selective advantage sexual preference sexual selection social class social promotion society species statistical sufficient suppose survival tend tendency theory tion variability variation wild