Organic Evolution offers a comprehensive, scientist’s-eye view of life’s history and the forces that shape it.
Drawing on paleontology and the geologic record, this work connects fossil evidence with the mechanisms of evolution, helping readers see how species and ecosystems develop over time. It aims to illuminate both the big picture and the details that bring the story of life into focus.
Written by Richard Swann Lull, a Yale professor of vertebrate paleontology, the book blends field evidence with theoretical concepts. It foregrounds the past life of our globe and shows how evolutionary ideas have developed through careful observation, critique, and synthesis. The edition covers major topics from the history of evolution to the practical science of paleontology, making complex ideas accessible to a broad audience.
- Foundational ideas about evolution rooted in fossil evidence and the life record
- Discussion of mechanism, variation, heredity, and the distribution of organisms
- How ancient life informs our understanding of present biodiversity and adaptations
- A structured guide to paleontology as a science with social and human value
Ideal for readers of scientific history and anyone curious about how life has changed on Earth, this edition invites you to explore the science behind evolution with clarity and context.