Mathematics Of Life: Unlocking the Secrets of Existence

(Paperback, Main)

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Description

A new partnership of biologists and mathematicians is picking apart the hidden complexity of animals and plants to throw fresh light on the behaviour of entire organisms, how they interact and how changes in biological diversity affect the planet's ecological balance. Mathematics offers new and sometimes startling perspectives on evolution and how patterns of inheritance and population work out over time-scales ranging from millions to hundreds of years - as well as what's going on to change us right now.

Ian Stewart, in characteristically clear and entertaining fashion, explores these and a whole range of pertinent issues, including how far genes control behaviour and the nature of life itself. He shows how far mathematicians and biologists are succeeding in tackling some of the most difficult scientific problems the human race has ever confronted and where their research is currently taking us.

Reviews

Stewart is Britain's most brilliant and prolific populariser of mathematics ... the book is a testament to the versatility of maths and how it is shaping our understanding of the world. -- Alex Bellos * Guardian *
As always, [Stewart] explains complicated mathematical ideas brilliantly * New Scientist *
A quirky look at the mathematics of biology for those who want to know about patterns on tigers, the taxonomy of lizards, alien life, and how much information in an egg is needed to make an elephant . Stewart has a lively humour and his book stretches the mind without pain. * The Times *
Will this book do for biomathematics what Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time did for relativity and cosmology Time will tell. Until then, the distinguished author's friendly, well-argued style should guarantee its popular success -- Chris Howls * Times Higher Education *

Author Bio

Ian Stewart is a Emeritus Professor of Mathematics at Warwick University. He has published more than eighty books including Mathematics of Life, Professor Stewart's Cabinet of Mathematical Curiosities, Professor Stewart's Hoard of Mathematical Treasures and The Science of Discworld trilogy with Terry Pratchett. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society, appears frequently on radio and television, and does research on pattern formation and network dynamics.