Pattern of Evolution

Attempts to take the first steps towards a fuller understanding of the process of evolution. Complaining that simple reliance on the competition to reproduce fails to explain cross-genealogical patterns in the history of life, the author looks at the history of evolutionary thought and argues that geological and other events are intricately linked to how species developed over time. Finally, he contends that his insight shows how science itself needs to reintegrate for a full understanding of the universe around us. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

NILES ELDREDGE is a Curator in the Department of Invertebrate Paleontology at the American Museum of Natural History, where he has worked as an active research paleontologist since 1969. He is the author of 20 books and more than 200 research papers, including several with Stephen Jay Gould announcing the theory of punctuated equilibria. He speaks regularly on aspects of evolutionary theory and biodiversity issues.