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Evolution: The Triumph of an Idea

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Evolution the Triumph of an Idea is a superbly written synthesis of the theory of evolution and its history. The author, Carl Zimmer, is a science journalist rather than a professional anthropologist, geologist or historian, which means that the book is eminently readable. It is also well researched with an extensive bibliography for each chapter. While it is clearly enough framed for the average reader without a background in the subject, it also presents enough new information to keep the serious student of the topic interested as well.

Although the volume was intended to accompany a PBS series on evolution, it would make an excellent source text for a high school or college survey course on the subject, as it covers the theory, the data supporting it, the newer thoughts on human evolution, the issues of ecology and conservation, and the character of science. It even touches upon the issue of God and science.

As an overview, Part 1 covers the autobiographical history of Darwin and the metamorphosis of his theory and the intellectual and emotional environment into which it was introduced. Part 2 introduces the actual theory and how the web of life has come to exist as it does. It also discusses the impact of human activity on the natural world and what the likely outcome will be if we persist in pursuing our present behavior with respect to the environment. Part 3 describes the coevolution of species and its impacts on relationships such as those in agriculture: natural plants, bioengineered plants, and insect and microbial pests. It also discusses the probable origin of some of the human diseases, the use and abuse of antibiotics, and the rise of antibiotic resistant superbugs and AIDES. Part 4 contains some of the most pertinent information in that it points out the risks of dropping the subject of evolution from the core curricula of the nation's high schools.

In his defense of evolution, Zimmer points out that it is not simply a theory of biology that is at stake, but the scientific method itself. Some of my favorite quotes from Part 4 are: 1) "The scientific method does not claim that events can have only natural causes but that the only causes that we can understand scientifically are natural ones. As powerful as the scientific method may be, it must be mute about things beyond its scope. Supernatural forces are, by definition, above the laws of nature, and thus beyond the scope of science (p. 332)." And 2) "When microbiologists study an outbreak of resistant tuberculosis, they do not research the possibility that it is an act of God. When astrophysicists try to figure out the sequence of events by which a primordial cloud condensed into our solar system, they do not simply draw a big box between the hazy cloud and the well-formed planets and write inside it, `Here a miracle happened.' When meteorologists fail to predict the path of a hurricane, they do not claim that God's will pushed it off course (p. 333)." And finally 3) "Science cannot simply cede the unknown in nature to the divine. If it did, there would be no science at all. As University of Chicago geneticist Jerry Coyne puts it, `If the history of science shows us anything, it is that we get nowhere by labeling our ignorance `God'`(p. 333)."

As we get closer and closer to bringing about a total collapse of the environment of which we are an integral part, it behooves us to come to a clearer understanding of how our biosphere came to exist, how the various parts of it interrelate, and how our tinkering with it can have disastrous consequences. The teaching and learning of evolutionary theory is an important part of that understanding. This book helps further that goal.

I really liked this book. It is written from a perspective that anyone with reasonable intelligence can make sense of (which leaves out the fundamentalists that have reviewed this book). With the possible exception of the detail given about molecular evolution (DNA, RNA, etc), this book is an easy read.

I appreciated the historical perspective regarding Darwin in the first couple chapters. The description of Darwin's own mental evolution was fascinating. As the fact of evolution became evident in the myriad of evidence he was facing, he became conflicted because of the implications involved, but only mildly. He overcame his reservations about the storm of protest he knew was coming and published anyway. Burying the truth is the province of Christian fundamentalists, and as a first-rate scientist, Darwin wanted no part of that.

The book proceeds at a good pace and is generously sprinkled with photographs and diagrams. The book also proceeds in a very logical order that is easy to follow. I found the discussion of bacterial and viral evolution very interesting but also very disturbing. I am confident the human race will survive bacterial/viral evolution. Unfortunately, I suspect Zimmer is correct in being concerned that the effects of this microbial nightmare is going to have a devastating effect on humanity before it is resolved.

The narrative addresses many of the Christian fundamentalist objections to evolution and natural selection throughout the book (whale evolution, Cambrian explosion, radiometric dating, etc.). But Zimmer does not speak to fundamentalist dogma specifically until the very last chapter. The fundamentalists that have reviewed this book and even the leading proponents of intelligent design proceed from a pre-school level understanding of what science is, let alone what evolution and natural selection are.

The reviewer that suggested hank hanegraff's book on evolution betrays her ignorance in suggesting that his book is worth reading at all. It is no more than the rantings of a blatant fundamentalist evangelist who knows nothing of evolution. The reviewer that quoted Gould as having said "Whales and many other large animals appeared suddenly during the Cambrian explosion" is displaying ignorance at best but more likely is deliberately lying. Gould never said such a thing.

I highly recommend reading this book.

There are more technical books out there but this one makes the workings of evolution accessible to everyone. It presents the overwhelming evidence for evolution in simple well written language and is well illustrated. I especially enjoyed the cover photo showing the variety of eyes found in nature, from the simplest to the most complex. The recent discovery of even more transitional whale fossils, adds to those presented in this book and shows how little by little the evidence has amassed over the century. It's tragic that so many people have no idea how well supported evolution is. I hope this book finds its way into every school and helps everyone see the beauty of it and of science.

Last May I was wandering through Down House, after 15 years, this time on the internet. There I found news about The Evolution Project and Zimmer's book. It was difficult to wait four months, but clearly worth it. Zimmer has done a masterful and original telling of the history, growth, and present applications of that most central and triumphant theory of biology. The writing is lucid with a rich selection of illustrations. The book is companion to the WGBH/NOVA seven-part television series broadcast on consecutive evenings from September 24 to 27. The book and series compliment each other well.
The book and series are only the beginning. Extensive resources for the Evolution Project are at: pbs.org/evolution. You will find information about the Evolution Teacher's Guide (free), Online Course for Teachers, Teaching Evolution Case Studies Video, Online Lessons for Students, Videos for Students, multimedia Evolution Library, and more.
The folks at WGBH/NOVA-Boston (1-800-949-8670) are very helpful with more information. It is an understatement to say that they and Zimmer have outdone themselves in creating these superb tools of science education. Enjoy the book and take advantage of the many associated resources.

This is the first book on evolution in a long time making the subject easy to understand for everyone. I'm sure young earth creationists like the one below will either close their eyes to the truth or spout their religious outbursts for all to see how ignorant they are. All I can say is BUY SEVERAL COPIES of this book and give some to your school and local libraries. Not only is it a great read but you and your kids can spend hours reading and looking at all the well done illustrations. The author has done a magnificent job puting it all together for thoes of us who are not scientifically inclined.

Evolution: The Triumph of an Idea written by Carl Zimmer is one of the best books that presents a rich and up-to-date view of evolution that explores the far-reaching implications of Darwin's theory and emphasizes the power, significance and relavance of evolution to our lives today.

Reading this book leaves no doubt that Darwin was right... evolution is fact, whether the creationists want to believe it or not. "Evolution" tells in riveting detail the story of a remarkable scientific journey, from the emergence to the triumph of an idea. This book is an easy read filled with a rich narrative, award-winning science writting, illustrated with more than 150 color illustrations making this book a dazzling companion to the PBS series of the same name.

"Evolution" is divided into four parts covering a wide scope, but bringing a clear focus to the reader as to the truth about evolution. Starting out in part one: Slow Victory: Darwin and the Rise of Darwinism. From Dawin's trip on the Beagle, to the writing of "The Origin of Species," to putting date to our History of Life, and a very clear "Witnessing Change: Genes, Natural Selection and Evolution in Action. Each of the sub-sections is well written and cogent, bring a foundation to the book bringing to reader upto speed.

Part Two: Creation and Destruction, where we read about "Rooting the Tree of Life;" From Life's Dawn to the Age of Microbes; next "The Accidental Tool Kit:" Chance and Constraints in Animal Evolution; to "Extinction:" How Life Ends and Begins Again. Here the reader sees life's will to survive. It is at work on all species everywhere on the planet, and it has been at work ever since life first emerged.

Part Three: "Evolution's Dance, featuring "Coevolution;" Weaving the Web of Life; "Doctor Darwin;" Disease in the Age of Evolutionary Medicine; to "Passion's Logic:" The evolution of Sex. This section brngs to light reasoning to save endangered species from extinction because we can find among them lessons about how evolution works. As man evolves, so does his enviornment, making all life part of the whole picture of survival.

Part Four: "Humanity's Place in Evolution and Evolution's Place in Humanity" where "The Gossiping Ape:" The Social Roots of Human Evolution; next, "Modern Life, 50,000B.C.: The Dawn of Us; to "What about God?" This whole section should ruffle the skirts of the creationists, as I found this section to be the most interesting. This section places man in the mix of evolution, just as everything else in nature, is a obvious survivor of evolution to this point in time.

Ever since the publication of "Origin of Species," people have been pondering the significance of evolution for the meaning of their lives, and of life in general. Are we just a biological accident or a cosmic imperative? Well, if this question is left to the facts alone, then man is part and parcel of Earth's evolutionary process. But, there are those who contemplate, where is God's place if everything does have a natural cause? Might I suggest that, maybe "God" is an evolution in our mind's thought as a succor to portray evolving to loftier heights.

I got this book (having seen some of the PBS series) to see whether it could be readily recommended to non-scientists with whom I've gotten into discussions about evolution (I'm a developmental biologist). Although much of this was not "new" information to me it still made gripping and delightful reading.

I think the greatest value of this book is its synthesis and connection of information from many different fields into a whole that should be highly entertaining reading even for those who don't generally enjoy such topics...Whales with feet, fish with antifreeze, why the descendants of black plaque survivors have greater HIV resistance today...the anecdotes are fascinating, the science should be required knowledge for everyone alive today. Now we have the ability to trigger a mass extinction on this planet, to wipe out much of the biodiversity generated over vast gulfs of time, to alter climate and habitat worldwide. We have the ability to do good as well, to uncover cures for once deadly diseases, to alleviate starvation through higher food production. Evolution lies at the center of literally all that we have been, are now doing, and will become as a species.

Given what was not known in Darwin's day, it is perhaps remarkable how well the theory of evolution has held up. Darwin drew his conclusions about evolution almost exclusively from the morphology of existing creatures. Radiographic techniques to define the age of the earth and calculate the age of fossilized remains did not exist, our understanding of chromosomes and genes as carriers of inherited information was not yet present, little of the fossil record we now have was existent.

Now a host of disciplines (biochemistry, developmental biology, molecular genetics, paleontology, geology, etc.) have and will continue to confirm Darwin's theory in spades and to use the information to manage many critical aspects of our modern lives. We can comb the genomes of bacteria, viruses, mice and men trying to understand the basis of human disease and the underpinnings of the remarkable diversity on our planet. We can look at the common genetic blueprint driving formation of many structures in mice, men, and fruit flies. We have genetic data to place ourselves on a family tree with all other living creatures. And we drive the evolution of many creatures each day, through both our intentional and unintentional behaviors.

Evolution is too important a concept to be left to scientists. Hopefully this book will help all wonder at and appreciate how evolution has and will continue to shape the diversity of life and the pattern of our own lives.

Carl Zimmer has done a masterful job of presenting the modern synthesis of Evolutionary Theory. The format is accessible and nonconfrontational. The examples are quite lucid and prolific. I especially appreciate the extensive historical context of the rise of Evolutionary Theory and the difficulties facing it.

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As a scientist I can say that both the presentation of the theory and its religious implications are fair and balanced. The author has no need for dishonest rhetoric, he strives for historical accuracy, and ultimately leaves the theistic interpretations for the reader.

If you are looking for a well-written introduction to evolution, look no further. This book will serve you well. I would also recommend this book to those looking to increase their understanding of Evolution.

You might notice that this book draws comments that appear to be completely polarized. Bottom line-- read it for yourself. Draw your own conclusions.

This is the companion volume to the seven part PBS series about evolution. It presents an excellent overview of the rise of evolutionary thought, and how evolution was at first attacked by early conservative scientists in Darwins' day, up to our own time when evolution is accepted by mainstream science, moving beyond a mere theory. Carl Zimmer along the way explains how evolution came to be and the mechanisms it uses, and he gives us many examples. Topics include the dawn of life, the age of microbes, mutation, genetics, disease, the evolution of sex, coevolution, extinctions, the Cambrian explosion of species, geology, fossils, evolution in action today, our own primate evolution, and more.

As a scientist myself I am already familiar with the tenants of evolution, still I found this volume fascinating with it's many examples and stories. The life of Charles Darwin is covered in detail, his voyage in the Beagle is sketched, and his personal life as well, as he struggled with his ideas of evolution in an oftentimes hostile social climate.

The final chapter of this book illuminates the battle the creationists today are waging against the 'fact' of evolution. As Zimmer points out their latest effort centers around an idea called Intelligent Design. The claim here is that there is an irreducible complexity to some of the molecular mechanisms of life. Carl Zimmer examines this idea over several pages and finds nothing of substance. The creationists will do nearly anything to discredit evolution, but as Zimmer points out several times, science proceeds by someone first forming a hypothesis and this hypothesis has to stand up against evidence, for and against, surviving or not on the basis of this evidence and always being subject to peer review. The theory of evolution has survived this for over 150 years in great shape, and as Zimmer says here it is accepted as fact by the vast majority of scientists, the evidence is indisputable.

Carl Sagan once said that we are made of "Star stuff", and Carl Zimmer here documents, with passion, how we have arisen from simple atoms and molecules over billions of years, a beautiful story indeed.

Learning about walking whales is just one reason to buy this book. As Carl Zimmer so concisely points out in Evolution: The Triumph of an Idea, no scientific theory can ever be directly proven. But a theory generates hypotheses that make predictions, and these can be tested. Zimmer, delivering the most up-to-date information on the scientific consensus, shows that evolution has amassed over a century's worth of such testable predictions. He explains evolution's global journey, extracting the most important points and illuminating with representative examples along the way.

In one chapter of the book, Zimmer delivers a brilliant knockout punch to Intelligent Design, exposing it as repackaging of the irreducible complexity argument. It used to be thought that the eye was far too complex to have developed in a step-by-step (i.e. evolutionary) process. Take away any part of the eye and, like taking a cog out of a clock, it becomes useless, therefore must have been created whole, right? As it turns out, there are many examples of "partial" eyes in nature. I love how the editors have boldly used this icon of creationism on the cover of the book. Contrary to what a reviewer below claims about the book (which makes me skeptical that the person actually read it), Zimmer does indeed give examples of how complex biochemical reactions evolved - like blood clots, which depend on a cascade of different interactions, any one step of which, if missing, will cause the process to fail. It seems proponents of irreducible complexity must keep reducing the area defined as "too complex."

All in all, this is an excellent book to get an overview of the most current research on evolution. It's a great starting point for further reading into the finer points of evolution theory. Oh, and fish antifreeze? You'll just have to read the book.