In
1859, Charles Darwin shocked the world with
a radical theory – evolution by natural
selection. One hundred and fifty years later,
his theory still challenges some of our most
precious beliefs.
Introducing
Evolution provides a step-by-step guide to
“Darwin’s dangerous idea” and
takes a fresh look at the often misunderstood
concepts of natural selection and the selfish
gene. Drawing on the latest findings from
genetics, ecology and animal behaviour –
as well as the work of best-selling science
writers such as Richard Dawkins and Steven
Pinker – a string of brilliant examples,
superbly illustrated by Howard Selina, reveals
how the evidence in favour of evolutionary
theory is stronger than ever.
With
wit and clarity, Dylan Evans addresses many
puzzling issues: Did life first evolve on
other planets? What’s the advantage of
having sex? Why do your parents look after
you? And what good to a bird is half a wing?
From
the death of the dinosaurs to the development
of digital organisms, Introducing Evolution
brings Darwin up to date with the latest scientific
discoveries. This is the ideal guide to the
most important idea ever to appear in the
history of science.
***
Dylan
Evans is Senior Lecturer in Intelligent Autonomous
Systems at the University of the West of England.
He is also the author of Placebo (HarperCollins,
2003) and Emotion (Oxford University Press,
2001).
Howard
Selina studied painting at St Martin’s
School of Art and the Royal Academy in London,
where he now lives and works. He has also
illustrated Introducing titles on Heidegger
and consciousness.
