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American Zoologist 1984 24(2):451-464; doi:10.1093/icb/24.2.451
© 1984 by The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology
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Science as a Way of Knowing—Molecular Evolution1

BRUCE R. LEVIN
Department of Zoology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Massachusetts 01003

The teaching of evolution in introductory biology courses is critically discussed and those aspects of molecular evolution believed to be important for inclusion in these courses are briefly reviewed. Consideration is given to the use of biochemical and molecular biological procedures for studies of phylogenetic relationships and genetic variability, "classical molecular evolution and molecular population genetics," as well as the evolutionary basis of molecular biological phenomena, "neoclassical molecular evolution." The major results of classical molecular evolution and molecular population genetics studies are summarized and their implications discussed. Particular consideration is given to the neutralist—selectionist controversy and the processes accounting for differences in rates of organismal and molecular evolution. The scope of neoclassical molecular evolution is outlined and two subjects within this realm considered in some detail: i) experimental studies of the evolution of new genes and functions, and ii) the existence, maintenance and evolutionary roles of parasitic ("selfish") DNA and infectious inheritance.


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