Genes in Conflict

By Austin Burt, Robert Trivers,

Book cover of Genes in Conflict: The Biology of Selfish Genetic Elements

Book description

In evolution, most genes survive and spread within populations because they increase the ability of their hosts (or their close relatives) to survive and reproduce. But some genes spread in spite of being harmful to the host organism-by distorting their own transmission to the next generation, or by changing how…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Genes in Conflict as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

The biggest strength of the gene’s-eye view is that it helps us make sense of things that seem impossible to understand from the perspective of individual organisms. One example is selfish genetic elements. These are genes that in one way or another have hijacked the system by which genes are replicated and passed on to the next generation. This ability allow them to spread in a population, even if they are harmful to the organism that carries them. I was given Burt and Trivers's book as an undergraduate by the professor who would later become my PhD advisor. That was…

From J.'s list on selfish genes.

Want books like Genes in Conflict?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 88 books like Genes in Conflict.

Browse books like Genes in Conflict

Book cover of The Extended Phenotype: The Long Reach of the Gene
Book cover of The Ant and the Peacock: Altruism and Sexual Selection from Darwin to Today
Book cover of Defenders of the Truth: The Sociobiology Debate

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,187

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in genes, biology, and genetics?

Genes 27 books
Biology 223 books
Genetics 44 books