Available:*
Library | Item Barcode | Call Number | Material Type | Item Category 1 | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Searching... | -84735 | QH366.2.P37 1978 | Open Access Book | Book | Searching... |
On Order
Summary
Summary
Provides a concise and engaging summary of modern evolutionary theory, for students and general readers with little or no formal training in science. Explains variations within species, heredity, genetics and variation, and mutation, and discusses natural selection theory, the origin of species, and speciation in the Galapagos Islands. Examines the origin and early evolution of life and of humanity, and discusses the intersection of science and politics. Includes a "who's who" of key figures with bandw photos and portraits, plus a glossary. The first edition was published in 1978. This second edition contains new chapters on neural and gene evolution, and emphasis on molecular evolution. The author was retired from the paleontology department of The Natural History Museum in London. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
Reviews 1
Choice Review
The scientific study of evolution changed dramatically between the first (CH, Sep'79) and second editions of this book. Patterson managed to interweave the important new results from molecular genetic approaches nearly seamlessly to present the coherent fabric of biology's overriding conceptual scheme. His untimely death in March 1998, days before he would have completed the revision, left only a few minor rough spots. The text is quite short, with many graphs and line drawings printed larger than necessary, and the chapters are also short. The book could serve a short (one quarter), lower-division course in evolution that emphasized discussion, or a senior-level course if supplemented with readings from the primary literature. Explaining Mendelian, molecular, and population genetics, sex, and how natural selection works in theory and in nature is challenging, and Patterson's writing is generally clear; he is at his best describing case studies to illustrate single principles. He clearly states oversimplifications and justifies them in concise chapter summaries. The book ends with a five-page "who's who" with portraits of noted evolutionists, an up-to-date, two-page bibliography, and a five-page glossary. Aimed at a general audience, the book is suitable for undergraduates or college-bound high school students, as well as graduate students. A. J. Kohn University of Washington
