Genetics and the Origin of Species (ISBN 0-231-05475-0) is a 1937 book by the twentieth century Ukrainian-American evolutionary biologist Theodosius Dobzhansky and one of the important books of the modern evolutionary synthesis. The book describes the Modern Synthesis of Evolution Theory, also known as Synthetic Theory of Evolution. A third edition was published in 1951. Dobzhansky's book provides the world with an explanation of organic diversity. His work develops Charles Darwin's principle of natural selection and Gregor Mendel's theory of genetics. Charles Darwin developed the theory of natural selection. Natural selection is a key component for evolutionary biology. His idea of "survival of the fittest" and how only certain traits will be passed down to offspring in order to maintain the strongest components of survival relate to Gregor Mendel's idea of genetics. Darwin's findings support the idea that certain traits will be passed down while other traits will fade away. The "Father of Genetics," Gregor Mendel studied the concept of genetics and passing of traits from parents to their offspring. Mendel performed many experiments that helped him determine how traits were passed from the parent to the offspring. This is a key component to know when dealing with evolution and how adaptations affect the passing of certain traits. Theodosius Dobzhansky, as an evolutionary biologist wanted to determine what the differences between populations of species were through genetics. Through his work on the Drosophilia pseudoobscura, he was able to identify that some of the populations of this species did not have identical sets of genes. Dobzhansky, not only helped explain Darwin's natural selection more, he also showed how some species come about through mutations. Dobzhansky used experimental breeding in laboratories and gardens, and also surveys related to species in nature to help support the aspects of organic evolution. The data in his book shows the different genetic mutations and chromosomal changes that were observed. All of the results from his experiments support the theory of modern evolutionary synthesis. Overall, Genetics and the Origin of Species, shows the importance of our genes, gene mutations that can occur, and chromosomal changes that can occur. Dobzhansky, also shows the significance of natural selection as the main shifting process that occurs in the extermination and conservation of individuals. The idea of isolation is also described in his work and how it is important for the establishment and maintenance of species and races in nature. All of these topics that are discussed in Dobzhansky's book are explanations for the reality of species and their natural classification in organic evolution. Theodosius Dobzhansky's work is an example of how scientists work off of each other's work in order to develop theories more. All of Dobzhansky's data findings further explain both Darwin's theory of natural selection and Mendel's theory of genetics.
For Genetics and the Origin of Species Dobzhansky was awarded the Daniel Giraud Elliot Medal from the National Academy of Sciences in 1941.[1] Sixty years after its publication, the National Academy of Sciences commissioned a book entitled Genetics and the Origin of Species: From Darwin to Molecular Biology 60 Years After Dobzhansky.
It was also included in the 1990 edition of Great Books of the Western World, placing it with Charles Darwin's two great works The Origin of Species and the Descent of Man.
2. Genetics of Natural Populations. The continuing Importance of Theordosius Dobzhansky. Science. http://www.jstor.org/stable/2887717. Retrieved 22 November 2011. 3. Iris, Vol. 30, No. 3. The History of Science Society. http://www.jstor.org/stable/225545 Retrieved 22 November 2011. 4. Discovery of the Theory of Natural Selection. The History of Science. http://www.jstor.org/stable/224382 Retrieved 22 November 2011. 5. Papers and Originals. The British Medical Journal, Vol. 1 No. 5431. http://www.jstor.org/stable/25402037 Retrieved 22 November 2011.