Evolution by Colin Patterson [rare books]

Summarizing the latest ideas on how he originated and diversified on earth, this compact well-illustrated book provides an authoritative introduction to modern evolitionaty theory Although it is written for those who have little or no formal Trarming in science, it will also be useful to students and teachers of biology

Colin Patterson outlines simple Mendelian and molecular genetics so that the reader can grasp the meaning of populations. species, and heritable variation and its sources. He discusses natural selection in theory and practice, alternative modes of evolutionary change, and the ways in which new species arise, and he considers the evidence for evolution at higher levels, especially the evidence from modern molecular biology and brochemistry. In a chapter on the philosophy of science he gives different views of the growth of knowledge to illustrate the difference between evolution theory and proven fact and between evolution theory and alternative explanations of life, After speculating on the origin and early evolution of life, he treats human evolution and the relevance of evolution to our social and mental life.

Admirably clear and concise, this fast-paced book covers the essential topics in modern evolutionary thought