Inheritance and Evolution

Explains how genetic inheritance works, explores how this influenced natural selection and evolution, and describes the effect of humans upon natural selection due to environmental changes and selective breeding.

This entry in the six-volume Basic Biology series is well written and visually appealing enough to entice a few kids who aren't normally interested in science. There's plenty of information, supported by excellent, full-color photos, charts, and graphs, as well as numerous examples that clarify facts about such topics as genetics, DNA, natural selection and cloning (including mention of the controversies surrounding them), and the process of extinction. That's a lot of ground to cover, so don't expect in-depth discussions; but Walker's study definitely gives readers a solid introduction to the basics. Boxed insets with more facts, suggestions for testing oneself on the material presented, and ideas for further investigations are strategically placed so as not to interrupt the flow of the main text--a very nice design choice should readers wish to skip them. A glossary is appended. Stephanie Zvirin
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