Synthesized answer
A satisfactory explanation for the origin and maintenance of the enormous wealth of hereditary variation among individuals is still lacking [1]. It is also not clear whether adaptive evolution utilizes the common types of genetic diversity that are now known [1].
Furthermore, population genetic theory leads to conflicting conclusions regarding the forces operating on variation, suggesting that current theory is inadequate to address the available data [1]. There is a need for the development of theory that accounts for the evolution of the genome as a whole, rather than the independent evolution of individual genes [1, 2].
Synthesized from the book passages below. Chat with the book on Feynman for follow-up.
From the book
Title: The Genetic Basis of Evolutionary Change by Richard C. Lewontin Description: In this volume the author surveys the many experiments using new molecular techniques that have revealed the enormous wealth of hereditary variation among individuals and have quantified the genetic changes that take place in the origin of new species. Dr. Lewontin proposes new theories to attack the problems which still confront the scientist. While a tremendous amount of variation has been revealed, a satisfactory explanation of the origin and maintenance of such variation is still lacking. It is not at all…
kes into account the evolution of the genome as a whole rather than the independent evolution of each gene. A book which summarizes in an unusually felicitous way the findings of the rapidly growing science of molecular evolution and points out new directions for its future. Categories: Science Pages: 372 Snippet: In this volume the author surveys the many experiments using new molecular techniques that have revealed the enormous wealth of hereditary variation among individuals and have quantified the genetic changes that take place in the origin of ...