BIBFRAME Work

Title

The network of life

Type

• Monograph
• Text

Contribution

• Mindell, David P. (aut)

Subject

• Genealogy (LCSH)
• Biodiversity (LCSH)
• Biodiversité (RVM)
• Evolution (Biology) (LCSH)

Language

• eng

Illustrative Content

• illustrations

Classification

• LCC: QH366.2 .M557 2024 (Assigner: dlc) (Status: used by assigner)
• DDC: 576.8/2

Content

• text

Supplementary content

• index
• bibliography

Summary

Ever since Darwin, evolution has largely been thought to work like a family tree, in which species are related through a series of branching events. But in the early twenty-first century, a growing knowledge of the ways species share genetic materials in a process known as horizontal evolution has revealed that evolution is actually a network of shared genealogy, in which species are more interconnected than previously thought. The author presents this new narrative of life's evolution and its profound implications for all life on Earth. This book describes the drivers of horizontal evolution -- interbreeding and genetic recombination, the merger of species, horizontal gene transfer, and coevolution. The network view of evolution that emerges supports a new symbiotic theory of health, which holds that the future health of humans, other species, and our shared environments depends on evolution and adaptation across life's network. Difficult times lie ahead for many of Earth's species as climates and habitats transform. At the same time, new and altered life-forms are arising and spreading in association with human activities. We are also learning to reshape and create life by mimicking the mechanisms of horizontal evolution, and we are coevolving with technology as we enhance our bodies, brains, and life spans. This book shows why and how increasing our knowledge of horizontal evolution can provide critical lessons as we navigate our looming challenges.

Table of Contents

Evolution's New Narrative. Evolution's New Narrative ; Decentralization and Innovation ; Seeds of Change ; Life's Edge -- Why It Matters. Biodiversity and Human Health ; Biodiversity and Environmental Health ; Life's Outlook ; Future Humans.

Authorized Access Point

Mindell, David P. The network of life

Admin Metadata

• Date: 2026-09-30T17:49:09.432073+00:00
• Agent: cbc
• Status: c
• Derived from: 23493145

Admin Metadata

• Date: 2026-09-30
• Cataloger id: Unknown
• Description level: http://id.loc.gov/ontologies/bibframe-2-6-0/
• Description language: eng
• Description authentication: pcc