Darwin's Ghost: The Origin of Species UpdatedCharles Darwin's The Origin of Species is probably the best-known, least-read book. One of the most important achievements of the past millennium, it did for biology what Galileo did for astronomy: made it into a single science rather than a collection of unrelated facts. Important though Origin remains, its examples and intricate Victorian prose are now a century and a half old. They are ripe for renewal and reaffirmation. Writing as "Darwin's ghost," eminent geneticist Steve Jones updates this seminal work--and restates evolution's case for the 21st century. Jones is a writer of engaging wit and dazzling erudition and has been called "the British Carl Sagan." Using modern examples--the AIDS virus, the puzzles of sexual selection, the physiology and psychology of pets, and the unparalleled genetic success of our own species--he shows the power and immediacy of Darwin's great argument and makes us appreciate how it makes life make sense. Eye-opening and entertaining, filled with astonishing facts, amusing anecdotes, and the very latest research, Darwin's Ghost is contemporary science writing at its very best. |
Contents
Page | 1 |
Variation Under Domestication | 21 |
Variation Under Nature | 40 |
Copyright | |
11 other sections not shown
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
adapted Africa America ancestor ancient aphids archaea Archaeopteryx bacteria become bees biology birds bones brain breed cells century chance characters chromosomes cichlids Cladistics coelacanth common conodonts contains creatures cross Darwin descendants descent with modification dinosaurs distant distinct diversity dogs domestic eggs evolution evolutionary evolved existence extinct fact female fish flies forms fossils genes genetic groups habits homeoboxes human hundred million hybrids identity inhabitants inherited insects instincts intermediate islands kinds Lake Tanganyika lakes lancelet land less live lungfish males mammals mate mice miles million years ago molecule mutation natural selection ocean once organic Origin Origin of Species parents past places plants and animals protein result reveal rocks seems sexual sexual selection shared single snails soon South America species sperm sterile structure struggle theory tion today's tree variation varieties virus whales whole wild wings young