The Making of the Fittest: DNA and the Ultimate Forensic Record of Evolution

by Sean B. Carroll

Overview

DNA evidence not only solves crimes—in Sean Carroll's hands it will now end the Evolution Wars.

DNA, the genetic blueprint of all creatures, is a stunningly rich and detailed record of evolution. Every change or new trait, from the gaudy colors of tropical birds to our color vision with which we admire them, is due to changes in DNA that leave a record and can be traced. Just as importantly, the DNA evidence has revealed several profound surprises about how evolution actually works.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780393330519
Publisher:	Norton, W. W. & Company, Inc.
Publication date:	09/17/2007
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.20(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Sean B. Carroll is professor of genetics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. His first book, Endless Forms Most Beautiful, was a finalist for the 2005 Los Angeles Times Book Prize. Carroll’s seminal scientific work has been featured in Time and The New Yorker. He lives in Madison, Wisconsin.

Table of Contents

Preface: Beyond Any Reasonable Doubt     13
Introduction: The Bloodless Fish of Bouvet Island     19
The Everyday Math of Evolution: Chance, Selection, and Time     41
Immortal Genes: Running in Place for Eons     69
Making the New from the Old     91
Fossil Genes: Broken Pieces of Yesterday's Life     117
Deja Vu: How and Why Evolution Repeats Itself     139
Our Flesh and Blood: Arms Races, the Human Race, and Natural Selection     153
The Making and Evolution of Complexity     189
Seeing and Believing     215
The Palm Trees of Wyoming     249
Sources and Further Reading     269
Acknowledgments     285
Index     287

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Those who know Lawlor's other readings will again be amazed at his proficiency.... Challenging and rewarding." —-AudioFile

Editorial Reviews

"With fervor and clarity, Carroll amasses a glut of facts to refute the twisted logic of the anti-Darwinist camp."

Discover - Josie Glausiusz

"The rare scientist with an easygoing writing style."

USA Today - Dan Vergano

"The best refutation of intelligent design."

SEED

"I recommend [The Making of the Fittest] to everybody who wants to understand more [about evolution], because it is written in such simple yet detailed language.... Quite a pleasure to read."

NPR "Science Friday" - Ira Flatow

"An adept and wide-ranging writer."

Steve Olson

DNA, the genetic material that defines us all, is a microscopic history book waiting to be read. University of Wisconsin genetics professor Sean B. Carroll and many of his colleagues are confident that this vibrant chronicle can reveal the incremental unfolding of life on our planet over the past 3 billion years. His DNA and the Ultimate Forensic Record of Evolution leads readers on a worldwide tour of the genes that we have left behind. A compelling scientific narrative; a fascinating addition to the debates over evolution.

Those who know Lawlor's other readings will again be amazed at his proficiency.... Challenging and rewarding.

AudioFile

Dazzling work, passionate and magisterial. Nothing of more lasting importance than the core narrative of this book will be published this year.”

Guardian (London)

Sensing that many people misunderstand evolution or don’t believe it, geneticist Carroll here hopes to teach the interested and convince the doubters…Here is evolution clearly explained and stoutly defended.”

Booklist

"Those who know Lawlor's other readings will again be amazed at his proficiency.... Challenging and rewarding." ---AudioFile

From the Publisher

In a modern coda to Darwin's laws, Sean Carroll examines the evolutionary concept of the "fittest." Although not intended for casual readers, the audiobook discusses in satisfying scientific detail the current knowledge of evolution on a molecular basis and labels it “genomics.” Narrator Patrick Lawlor picks just the right pace for such a weighty tome, leaving enough time for listeners to absorb great detail but not be narcotized. He never misses with the complex vocabulary and finds an agreeable tone to keep listener interest high. Those who know Lawlor's other readings will again be amazed at his proficiency with the requirements of so many kinds of literature. An open mind will find the audiobook challenging and rewarding. J.A.H. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine

DEC 07/JAN 08 - AudioFile