The story of evolution in 25 discoveries : the evidence and the people who found it / Donald R. Prothero.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Prothero, Donald R., author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Evolution--Research.

Evolution.

Evolution--History.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xii, 360 pages)

Place of Publication:

New York : Columbia University Press, [2020]

Summary:

The theory of evolution unites the past, present, and future of living things. It puts humanity’s place in the universe into necessary perspective. Despite a history of controversy, the evidence for evolution continues to accumulate as a result of many separate strands of incredible scientific sleuthing.In The Story of Evolution in 25 Discoveries, Donald R. Prothero explores the most fascinating breakthroughs in piecing together the evidence for evolution. In twenty-five vignettes, he recounts the dramatic stories of the people who made crucial discoveries, placing each moment in the context of what it represented for the progress of science. He tackles topics like what it means to see evolution in action and the distance between species in space and time, following figures from Darwin to lesser-known researchers as they unlock the mysteries of the fossil record, the earth, and the universe. The book also features the stories of animal species strange and familiar, including humans—and our ties to some of our closest relatives and more distant cousins. Prothero’s wide-ranging tales showcase awe-inspiring and bizarre aspects of nature and the powerful insights they give us into the way that life works. Brisk and entertaining while firmly grounded in fundamental science, The Story of Evolution in 25 Discoveries is a captivating read for anyone curious about the evidence for evolution and what it means for humanity.

Contents:

Frontmatter

CONTENTS

PREFACE

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

PART I IN THE BEGINNING EVERYTHING EVOLVES, AND EARTH IS VERY OLD

PART II DARWIN’S EVIDENCE FOR EVOLUTION

PART III GREAT TRANSITIONS IN THE HISTORY OF LIFE

PART IV EYES AND GENES

PART V HUMANS AND EVOLUTION

INDEX

Notes:

Includes index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9780231548854

0231548850