Evolutionary Biology (With Practical) by Dr. Tripurari Mishra, published by Mahaveer Publications, is a comprehensive and updated textbook written in accordance with the FYUGP–NEP and CBCS syllabus for B.Sc. 6th Semester Zoology Honours students under Dibrugarh University, Gauhati University, and other Indian universities.

The book provides a detailed understanding of the processes, principles, and evidences of evolution, focusing on how life diversified through time. It explores the origin of life, organic evolution, natural selection, adaptation, speciation, evolutionary genetics, and human evolution, while connecting classical theories with modern molecular insights.

Special emphasis is placed on the synthetic theory of evolution, population genetics, and the role of mutation, selection, and genetic drift in shaping biodiversity. The inclusion of comparative anatomy, embryology, and fossil records helps students visualize evolutionary continuity among species.

The practical section complements the theory by guiding learners through hands-on activities such as study of fossils, comparative skull and limb structures, mimicry, and evolutionary charts, thereby enhancing their observational and analytical skills.

Authored by Dr. Tripurari Mishra, a distinguished zoologist and academician, this textbook blends clarity, conceptual depth, and examination-oriented presentation—making it an essential resource for undergraduate zoology students and aspirants of life science examinations.

Key Features:

• Based on FYUGP–NEP and CBCS curriculum for B.Sc. Zoology (Honours).

• Comprehensive explanation of evolutionary theories and evidences.

• Includes modern concepts like molecular evolution and population genetics.

• Well-illustrated with diagrams, examples, and comparative tables.

• Contains structured practical exercises for laboratory learning.

• Authored by Dr. Tripurari Mishra, an experienced academician.

• Published by Mahaveer Publications, a reputed academic publisher.

Chapter 1: Life’s Beginning

• Origin of the Earth and prebiotic environment

• Theories of origin of life (Abiogenesis, Biogenesis, Coacervate theory)

• Chemical evolution and formation of biomolecules

• Origin of first cells and prokaryotes

• Evolution of eukaryotic cells (Endosymbiotic theory)

Chapter 2: Concept of Evolution

• Historical background and definition of evolution

• Pre-Darwinian ideas: Lamarckism and its criticism

• Darwinism and Neo-Darwinism

• Natural selection and adaptive radiation

• Modern synthetic theory of evolution

• Evolutionary forces and their role in speciation

Chapter 3: Evidence of Evolution

• Morphological and anatomical evidences

• Embryological evidences

• Paleontological evidences (fossils and their significance)

• Geological time scale and transitional forms

• Comparative physiology and biochemical evidences

• Vestigial organs and atavism

Chapter 4: Source of Variation

• Genetic variation and mutation

• Chromosomal aberrations and recombination

• Role of environment in variation

• Isolation and its types

• Hybridization and gene flow in evolution

Chapter 5: Population Genetics

• Mendelian principles in population

• Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium

• Factors affecting genetic equilibrium: mutation, selection, migration, and drift

• Genetic polymorphism and balanced selection

• Gene pool and gene frequency changes

Chapter 6: Products of Evolution

• Adaptation and its types (structural, physiological, behavioural)

• Mimicry and camouflage

• Speciation: types and mechanisms

• Adaptive radiation and convergent evolution

• Evolution of horse and elephant (case studies)

Chapter 7: Extinctions of Evolution

• Causes of extinction: natural and anthropogenic

• Major mass extinction events in geological history

• Impact of extinction on biodiversity and evolution

• Concept of de-extinction and conservation genetics

Chapter 8: Origin and Evolution of Man

• Phylogenetic history of human evolution

• Fossil records of Australopithecus, Homo habilis, Homo erectus, and Homo sapiens

• Genetic and cultural evolution in humans

• Evolution of brain, speech, and bipedalism

Chapter 9: Molecular Phylogeny

• Concept of molecular evolution

• Protein and DNA sequence comparison in evolution

• Molecular clocks and phylogenetic trees

• DNA hybridization and genome evolution

• Molecular taxonomy and classification

Chapter 10: Practicals

• Study of fossils and their evolutionary significance

• Comparative study of homologous and analogous organs

• Study of adaptive features in aquatic, aerial, and terrestrial vertebrates

• Study of mimicry and protective colouration

• Comparative study of skulls of man and ape

• Comparative limb structure of vertebrates

• Study of evolutionary charts and phylogenetic trees

Selected References

(A list of important books, papers, and research references as per syllabus recommendations)