Exploring Evolution

The topic of evolution is both fascinating and controversial. Aimed at an educated reader who may know little about the topic and written in a clear, straightforward way, this book explains the basic principles of evolutionary theory, the role it has played in the history of science and the reaction of society to the concept of evolution. In the public mind, human evolution and the controversies that surrounded it are seen as almost synonymous with the concept of evolutionary theory, but in fact the basic elements of evolution apply equally to humans, sponges and geraniums.

The author, an anthropologist with a specialty in evolutionary theory, discusses how evolution fits into the way we view the world and our fellow creatures. The book helps to answer questions such as "do all living things continue to evolve?" and "what does it mean when they say that we share 99% of our genes with chimpanzees?" Michael Park seeks to demystify this topic and to show how the thinking behind evolutionary theory has also been influential in a broader cultural context.

Illustrated with numerous photographs, line drawings and charts, this book will serve as a primer for anyone interested in knowing more about this important area of science.

Contents:
Introduction
The Scientific Method
Changing views of the Earth's Past
Natural Selection: A Darwin primer
The Unity and Kinship of Living Things
How Genes Work
Evolution within Species
The Origin of Species
The Grand Pattern of Evolution
Human Evolution (And the question of evolution's direction)
Evolution: Influences and Debates

Michael Park is a professor of anthropology at Central Connecticut State University. He lectures widely and has written numerous articles and books for both students and a popular readership including 'Anthropology: An Introduction' and 'Human Antiquity: An Introduction to Physical Anthropology'.