Springer - Lateral Gene Transfer in Evolution - Science Book

Explore the profound impact of genetic exchange with Lateral Gene Transfer in Evolution by Springer. While the concept of lateral gene transfer has been recognized since the 1940s, the modern genomics era has finally revealed the true scale and many different facets of this evolutionary phenomenon. This book examines how the explosion of genomic data has changed our understanding of the tree of life. It provides deep insight into how microorganisms engage in genetic exchange between lineages that are often far apart. By looking at the data available from the early 2000s to the present, readers will understand why this process raises important questions about species concepts for prokaryotes. Ideal for students and professionals in biological sciences, this text addresses the shifts in evolutionary theory caused by the massive influx of genomic information. It offers a clear look at how genetic exchange shapes the biological world and challenges traditional views of lineage and descent.