A new book on evolution theory has been released:
The Evolution of Aging, ISBN:0978870905, Goldsmith, 200pp
Here is a mystery that has puzzled scientists for nearly 150 years: If
evolution is driven by survival of the fittest, then how did aging and
other traits that reduce survival and fitness ever evolve?
Some theorists contended that aging is not a design feature of organisms
but rather a defect, fundamental limitation, or unavoidable adverse
side-effect of some beneficial function. These theories ignored the
other fitness-adverse traits, had many logical flaws, and were unable to
obtain experimental confirmation. Recent experimental results provide
additional support for aging as an evolved mechanism.
This book reviews the traditional theories of aging and the underlying
evolution theory issues as well as the observational evidence regarding
the nature of aging. The author shows how analysis of the information
transfer aspects of the inheritance process ("digital genetics") reveals
additional evolved traits that are incompatible with Darwinian evolution
theory as well as additional complexity in the evolution process.
Author's web site ( http://www.azinet.com/aging/ ) provides book
excerpts, additional articles, and links to cited sources.