Evolution For Dummies (For Dummies (Math and Science))

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 362 pages
• Published by: For Dummies March 24, 2008
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0470117737
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0470117736
• Book Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches
• Weighs: 1.2 pounds

Reader Reviews
EFD presents the basics of evolutionary biology. There are separate chapters covering general issues, such as: basic genetics and mutations, natural selection, the various types of speciation, phylogenetics (deducing family trees), group v. individual selection, kin selection and the evolution of cooperation, co-evolution of interacting species, evo-devo (embryology), and molecular evolution. The chapter on molecular evolution discusses genomes (their sizes and functions), non-coding DNA, lateral gene transfer, gene duplication, genetic drift, and the molecular clock hypothesis. Other chapters cover specific issues, including human evolution, the evolution of antibiotic resistance, the evolution of HIV, and the evolution of flu viruses. Finally, in the traditional "Part of Tens" section, EFD discusses ten fascinating fossil finds, ten amazing adaptations, and ten erroneous arguments against evolution. All in all, EFD is pretty good. It's not as detailed as an upper-level college textbook, but it is reasonably thorough and reasonably detailed. Just occasionally there is some technical language that beginners might struggle with, but it's not excessive and is mostly limited to the chapters on genetics and phylogenetics. The vast majority of the book should be readily accessible, even to complete beginners. I do think EFD could have included a more detailed description of one or two of the more dramatic evolutionary transitions revealed in the fossil record, such as from fish to land animal, reptile to mammal, land animal to whale, or primitive primates to modern humans. Although EFD did at least mention most of those transitions, it didn't present any of them in a way that would really convey how convincing the evidence is for primitive species gradually evolving into modern forms. And in the section on erroneous arguments against evolution, EFD mentioned Intelligent Design, biblical (young-earth) creationism, and the argument that those religious theories should be taught in public high school science classes; but it didn't cite the two federal court cases that bear most directly on those two theories. ID was shot down in Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School Board (2005), and Biblical creationism was shot down in Edwards v. Aguillard (1987). (And Edwards was foreshadowed by McLean v. Arkansas, 1981.) But those are minor quibbles. All in all, EFD would be a fine choice for anyone looking for a reasonably detailed overview of evolutionary biology. Comments (2) | | (Report this)