Heredity: A Very Short Introduction
- ISBN-10
- 0198790457
- ISBN-13
- 9780198790457
- Series
- Heredity
- Category
- Electronic books
- Pages
- 144
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2017-08-24
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press
- Author
- John Waller
Description
The concept of heredity is fundamental to how we see ourselves and others. It goes far beyond the obvious continuity of physical traits across generations. We routinely ascribe similarities in personality, intellect, outlook, and aptitude between family members to what's passed down in sperm and eggs. The simple idea that children take after their ancestors has long been central to science and medicine and to the breeding of plants and animals. It has also been used for ideological purposes to impute innate differences in character and rationality between males and females and among different ethnicities and social classes. Slavery, colonialism, and genocide, the unequal treatment of women, and the concentration of power and wealth in the hands of the few have been consistently rationalized in the language of heredity and 'natural' hierarchy. In this Very Short Introduction John Waller traces the diverse ideas about biological inheritance expressed by Europeans and their colonial descendants during two millennia of human history. He charts the changing ways in which scholars and laypersons have believed heredity to work, the development of spurious and self-serving beliefs about heredity by dominant groups, the recent revolution in our ability to understand the mechanics of heredity, and the difficult dilemmas our species is likely to face as we gain increasing mastery over the contents of our own genomes. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
Get the book
Other editions
Similar books
-
Police Street Powers and Criminal Justice: Regulation and Discretion in a Time of Change
By Geoffrey Pearson, Michael RoweWhen we started the fieldwork, Radio Control Room staff were dedicated to working with one geographical area. They knew the patch and they also knew the ...
-
Wolf Mountains: A History of Wolves Along the Great Divide
By Karen R. JonesSee letter from J. Smart to R. Gibson, 11 February 1948, RG109, vol. 409, file WLU.266-1, PAC. 168 Letter from Gibson to Callison, 25 March 1949, RG109, vol. 409, file VVLU.266-1, PAC.
-
Nursing Ethics
By Janie B. Butts, Karen L. RichThe last ethical issue, the fifth group, is inheritable genetic modification (IGM), which is a procedure used to modify genes along the germ lines that are transmitted to offspring (Frankel, 2003). Stem-cell research could help prevent ...
-
The Facts on File Companion to the French Novel
By Karen L. TaylorHe is principally remembered today for his plays. FURTHER READING Becker, Lucille Frackman. Henry de Montherlant: A Critical Biography. Carbondale: Southern Illinois University Press, 1970. Gerrard, Charlotte Frankel.
-
National Security and Preparedness: Issues, Developments, and Analyses
By Thomas A. DonahueThis book examines the national security and preparedness issues, developments and analyses facing the U.S. today.
-
A Physiological Limits Database for Arctic and Subarctic Aquatic Species
The primary objective in this study is to collate knowledge of species responses to single and multiple stressors into an Aquatic Species Physiological Limits (ASPL) database, which will be updated over time.
-
Islam: Questions and Answers: Islamic History and Biography
By Muhammad Saed Abdul-Rahman... the month of Ramadaan was enjoined in Sha'baan 2 AH, and that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) fasted nine Ramadaans, because he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) died in Rabee' al-Awwal 11 AH.
-
Kilmeny of the Orchard
By Lucy Maud MontgomeryA schoolteacher on Prince Edward Island falls in love with a beautiful reclusive girl who plays the violin exquisitely, but is mysteriously unable to speak.
-
Clive Barker's Hellraiser: The Road Below
By Clive BarkerThis collected edition of the hit mini-series reveals Kirsty's first days in Hell, and how the road there is always paved with good intentions.
-
市场营销学
By 杨慧, 吴志军本书包括现代营销新观念,市场分析,市场营销环境,市场调查,市场预测,消费者行为研究,市场细分化战略,名牌战略等内容。