Book Details

Insights Series 25: The Selfish Gene (40th Anniversary Revised Edition)

Insights Series 25: The Selfish Gene (40th Anniversary Revised Edition)

[British] Richard Dawkins / CITIC Press /November 1, 2018

"The Selfish Gene (40th Anniversary Edition)" is a classic work by British scientist Richard Dawkins. Since its first publication in 1976, it has swept the world and become one of the top 100 classics of the 20th century. This book explains in a simple and easy-to-understand way how genes affect the behavior and evolution of organisms, reveals the selfish nature of genes, and challenges our traditional understanding of natural selection and inheritance. Dawkins combines genetics with social sciences from a unique perspective and puts forward many thought-provoking views. This book is not only of great value to the field of biology, but also has a profound impact on social sciences. Reading this book will lead us to explore the mystery of human origins, deepen our understanding of the evolution of life, and think about how genes shape our destiny. This is a thought-provoking masterpiece that transcends disciplinary boundaries.


Outline Notes

Insights Series 25: The Selfish Gene (40th Anniversary Revised Edition) AbstractChapter 1: Why do we write a book about genes? Key points: - Gene-centered view: Emphasizes the core role of genes in biological evolution. - Gene-based replicator: Genes are continued by replicating themselves and are the basic units of natural selection. - Origin of life and genes: From the replication of chemical molecules to the formation of primitive life, genes are the key to the evolution of life. Chapter 2: The Immortal Double HelixKey points: - Structure of DNA: Double helix structure and its stability. - Transmission of genetic information: How DNA acts as a carrier of genetic information. - Mutation and variation: The process of DNA replication errors and gene mutations and their biological significance. Chapter 3: Genes and chromosomesKey points: - Composition and function of chromosomes: Linear structures that carry genes. - Sex determination system: How sex is determined by genes in different species. - Gene linkage: How genes on chromosomes influence each other&39;s genetic behavior. Chapter 4: Evidence of Genetic DeterminismKey points: - Bacteria experiments: Prove that genes can directly control the characteristics of organisms. - Fruit fly experiments: Study genetics through gene mutations. - Molecular genetics evidence: Modern technology reveals the specific operating mechanism of genes. Chapter 5: Blueprint of the Genetic MachineKey points: - Embryonic development: How genes control cell differentiation and embryonic development. - Gene expression: How genes encode proteins. - Epigenetics: How environmental factors affect gene expression. Chapter 6: Aggressive Behavior: Stable and Changing StrategiesKey points: - Animal Behavior Inheritance: How animal aggressive behavior is genetically regulated. - Evolutionary Game Theory: How interactions between animals affect changes in gene frequencies. - Cooperation and selflessness: How seemingly selfless behavior can be explained by the selfish nature of genes. Chapter 7: Ecology of GenesKey points: - Population dynamics: How genes spread and change in a population. - Ecological adaptability: How genes help organisms adapt to the environment. - Symbiosis: How different species benefit each other through genes. Chapter 8: The Evolution of Social BehaviorKey points: - Genetic Basis of Animal Society: The heritability of animal social behavior. - Kin selection: The genetic mechanism of altruistic behavior. - Cultural inheritance: The impact of the spread of non-genetic information on genes. Chapter 9: The Transmission of Selfish Genes and CultureKey points: - Memetic Theory: How cultural information is copied and spread like genes. - Co-evolution of Genes and Culture: How culture and genes interact to influence human behavior. - Human Morality and Religion: How selfish genes explain some non-selfish behaviors of humans. Chapter 10: The Post-Gene EraKey points: - Genomics: A comprehensive understanding of the human genome. - Genetic Engineering and Technology: How technological advances affect the manipulation and application of genes. - Ethics and Future Prospects: Genetic technology and the future destiny of mankind.


Catchy Sentences

The following are some wonderful sentences or paragraphs selected from "Insights Series 25: The Selfish Gene (40th Anniversary Revised Edition)". They are either profound, unique in perspective, beautiful in language, full of wisdom, or creative. I will output them in groups of three in order: 1-3 1. "We and all other animals are machines created by our genes." —— This sentence reveals the fundamental impact of genes on organisms, with a unique perspective and makes people think deeply. 2. "Genes have no foresight and no long-term plans. Genes just work hard for their own survival tenaciously and single-mindedly." —— The rhythm of the language and the repetitive rhetoric make this sentence beautiful and powerful. 3. "The basic unit of natural selection is not species, not groups, but genes." —— This is a novel interpretation of the theory of natural selection, full of wisdom, challenging traditional concepts. 4-6 4. "Genes survive because they are good at making machines that are good at surviving - just like cars, which exist to facilitate our travel, but in the process, cars themselves are also replicated and spread." - By analogy with cars, the survival strategy of genes becomes intuitive and easy to understand. 5. "In this gene-dominated replication game, individual life is just a passerby." - The language is concise and profound, highlighting the relationship between genes and individual life. 6. "The complex behavior of organisms can ultimately be attributed to the manipulation of genes behind the scenes." - This sentence is full of scientific insight and creativity, guiding readers to look at biological behavior from a new perspective. 7-9 7. "Genes do not respond directly to the environment, but influence the environment by giving organisms certain abilities." - The indirect relationship between genes and the environment is clearly explained, and the language is accurate and profound. 8. "Behind the altruistic behavior of organisms is often the selfish motive of genes." - This view is unique and shocking, showing the profound influence of genes on biological behavior. 9. "The competition between genes in organisms is like a silent, endless war." —— Using war as a metaphor, it vividly depicts the state of competition between genes. 10-12 10. "The evolutionary history of organisms is actually the history of genes constantly replicating and mutating." —— It redefines the evolutionary history of organisms from the perspective of genes, with concise and powerful language. 11. "Cooperation and betrayal between genes constitute the basic law of the biological world." —— Using "cooperation and betrayal" to describe the relationship between genes is full of drama and creativity. 12. "Every organism is a temporary stage built by genes, performing the eternal script of genes." —— This metaphor is very poetic, comparing organisms to a stage, showing the directorial role of genes. 13-15 13. "In the eyes of genes, the life and death of organisms are just a link in the replication game." —— This sentence deeply reveals the views of genes on life and death, with a unique perspective. 14. "The information exchange between genes is far more complex and subtle than we imagined." - This sentence is both an affirmation of the complexity of genetic information exchange and awe of the unknown areas of scientific research. 15. "The adaptability of organisms is actually gradually accumulated by genes in the process of continuous trial and error and learning." - Trial and error and learning are used to describe the adaptive process of genes, and the language is vivid and vivid. 16-18 16. "Genes are like programmers inside organisms, writing the growth, development and aging programs of organisms." - Comparing genes to programmers, this metaphor is novel and creative. 17. "Under the control of genes, organisms show amazing diversity and complexity." - This sentence highlights the fundamental role of genes in biodiversity, and the language is beautiful and profound. 18. "No matter how complex and changeable the behavior of organisms is, the roots of genes can be found in the end." - This view emphasizes the decisive influence of genes on biological behavior, and the language is concise and powerful. 19-20 19. "Competition and cooperation between genes jointly shape the rich diversity of the biological world." —— Examining the relationship between genes and biodiversity from the perspective of competition and cooperation, the perspective is unique and full of wisdom. 20. "Each of us is a carrier of genes, and at the same time a witness and participant in the long history of gene evolution." —— This sentence not only expresses awe for genes, but also highlights the status and role of humans in the history of gene evolution, which is of far-reaching significance.


Author Introduction

Richard Dawkins: A scientific writer who explores the mysteries of life Richard Dawkins is a famous British biologist, evolutionist, writer and science communicator.< He is known for his profound understanding of biological evolution and his promotion of gene-centrism.

This article will give you a detailed introduction to this outstanding scientist and writer from the aspects of personal basic information, education and career background, writing career, work style and theme, personal life, social influence, citations and evaluations, and latest developments.< 1.

Personal basic information Richard Dawkins was born on March 26, 1941 in Nairobi, Kenya.< He grew up in the UK and later became a fellow of the Royal Society of the United Kingdom.

2.< Education and career background Dawkins studied zoology at Oxford University and received a bachelor's degree in 1962.

After that, he continued his studies at the University of California, Berkeley and Oxford University, obtaining a master's degree and a doctorate respectively.< He spent most of his career at Oxford University and served as a professor of biology at Balliol College, Oxford University.

3.< Writing career Dawkins' writing career began in 1976.

After the publication of his first book, The Selfish Gene, it quickly became a bestseller and had a wide impact around the world.< Since then, he has published many books, including The Blind Watchmaker and The God Delusion.

4.< Work style and theme Dawkins' works are known for their easy-to-understand explanations, rigorous logic and humorous language.

The themes of his works mainly focus on biology, evolution, genetics, philosophy of science and religious criticism.< 5.

Personal life Dawkins is an atheist who openly opposes religious beliefs and believes that there is an irreconcilable contradiction between science and religion.< He has caused controversy for his public views on religion and science.

6.< Social influence Dawkins' works have had a profound impact on the scientific community and the public.

His views and theories have aroused widespread discussion in the academic community and also stimulated the public's interest in scientific and philosophical issues.< 7.

Quotes and comments The Selfish Gene was praised by The New York Times as "one of the most important scientific works of the 20th century".< The famous biologist Stephen Jay Gould commented that Dawkins was "one of the most outstanding biologists of our time".

8.< Latest developments In recent years, Dawkins has continued to be active in the field of science communication.

He has shared scientific knowledge and views with the public through speeches, TV programs and social media.< In addition, he has also participated in some public discussions on bioethics and environmental protection.

In short, Richard Dawkins is a prolific and influential scientist and writer.< His works have not only enriched the dissemination of scientific knowledge, but also triggered in-depth thinking about science, philosophy and religion.


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