Evolution

Provides a concise and engaging summary of modern evolutionary theory, for students and general readers with little or no formal training in science. Explains variations within species, heredity, genetics and variation, and mutation, and discusses natural selection theory, the origin of species, and speciation in the Galapagos Islands. Examines the origin and early evolution of life and of humanity, and discusses the intersection of science and politics. Includes a "who's who" of key figures with b&w photos and portraits, plus a glossary. The first edition was published in 1978. This second edition contains new chapters on neural and gene evolution, and emphasis on molecular evolution. The author was retired from the paleontology department of The Natural History Museum in London. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

"A concise and engaging summary of modern evolutionary theory."―The Midwest Book Review

"Provides a concise and engaging summary of modern evolutionary theory, for students and general readers with little or no formal training in science."―SciTech Book News, December 1999

"The book is a concise, lucid introduction to evolutionary biology for the layperson. Among the valuable resources is a discussion of molecular biology that contains references to 1996 and so is fairly up to date. The drawings and charts make the text easier for a nonspecialist to follow."―Karen Bartelt, Reports of the National Center for Science Education. May/June 2000

"Under a single cover, a well-balanced and generally readable summary of modern evolutionary theory. . . Well-illustrated."―Northeastern Naturalist, Issue 8/1, 2001