Product Description
Throw out your fossils—the best evidence for evolution is now found in DNA.
DNA is the genetic blueprint of all creatures. Scientists have only recently discovered that it is also a living chronicle of evolution. In this book, leading biologist and writer Sean B. Carroll takes us on an exhilarating tour of the exquisite evolutionary record. The DNA record of evolution is filled with surprises. Immortal genes and evolution repeating itself are two of the stunners that await the lucky reader. The case for evolution can no longer be contested now that the DNA evidence is revealed. 50 b/w illustrations; 8 pages of color.
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 Fossils in DNA ( synaptic-mogul )
An exciting book that documents evolution with fossil evidence - but not the usual kinds of fossils. These left their trail of history in DNA molecules. Unlike archeological fossils, they didn't get eaten, destroyed by the elements, scattered by the winds, or destroyed by bulldozers. Nor do they still remain in sediment, unlikely to ever be found and preserved. They are readily available in the cells of every living thing on earth. The information they carry about how life evolved builds logarithmically every year. Unfortunately, there is a bit of a learning curve to grasp the terminology and concepts. Fortunately, there is Sean Carroll to make it as painless as possible.
These fossils left in DNA don't tell us whether a supernatural power was responsible or whether nobody was responsible. They don't tell us much about the origin of life. What they do tell us is that it was done over billions of years by the method of natural selection. We know this because the genes subjected to N/S - used, refined by mutations, and reused - are preserved and remain intact, varying only slightly amongst different species. The genes left unused, not subjected to N/S, have been crippled by trails of mutations but their records survive in DNA - relics of the past. Completely essential genes, genes rendered impotent by disuse and mutation, and other categories of genetic material are all available for our leisurely perusal.
With examples not yet in textbooks, Sean Carroll carefully documents these DNA trails of evidence. It's tedious and redundant at times, but the message comes through loud and clear. "Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution" - Theodosius Dobzhansky.
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 Designed intelligently ( librewurm )
I loved this book.
It was, for me, one of the best illustrations of "how evolution works" --and its strength largely lies in explaining not the "survival of the fittest" concept--which is easy--but in explaining the stuff that's not so readily understood, the stuff that confounds the general public. (The stuff that causes all the problems!)
Perhaps the popularization of science is made more difficult just by plain being hard to put into everyday language. Science vocabulary alone is a sticking point. However, I think Carroll has done a bang up job of putting the DNA/Evolution/Time cards out on the table in such a way that most of us can understand even the sticky bits.
One reviewer said some parts were technical & might need to be read twice over. He's right. But then, didn't we all read parts of our high school history or bio or math books over?
This text is well within the reach of any adult who slogged through algebra or biology...and should maybe be required reading for high school classes as well.
You'd never be sorry for putting this book on your shelf.
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Not easy reading, but very interesting ( pst-1 )
Unlike other books on evolution I read, this book actually tells the reader, what is going on on the "DNA" - level. At times it is a little tedious to read, but most times, it moves at a good pace.
For someone interested in the theory of evolution, it is probably not the first book he should read, some book from Richard Dawkins for example is a better start, I believe.
This book again confimed to me, that evolution is the correct discription, how life got started and evolved. How people feel, that creationism is a valid alternative is beyond be.
Prof. Carroll does not see "evolution vs. religion" as an either or, one excluding the other. He quotes speeches from religious leaders, e.g. the Pope.
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The Fittest Record ( nanon94 )
We do not know how much farther science will take us, but from "Making of the Fittest", Prof Carroll in tracing the record of evolution through genetic studies suggests that even though we have come a long way, the distance ahead may appear infinite, but has all the prospects of exhilaring scholarship. The genetic record of evolution is an impressive record that goes back 2 billion years. Carroll explains how the record of evolution (descent with modification and the related "survival of the fittest" principle)is embedded in our genes. If the idea of it all is breathtaking and seemingly incredible, it was set out and explained in very clearly and lucidly that non-scientists will have no difficulty understanding the text or its implications. If all living things have common amino acids, and genetic codes, as well as how and why they evolved and differentiated as they did, the idea of a personal god promising heaven and hell seem to belong to the category of fairy tales - naturally. The genetic tale of evolution is told through a series of stories, beginning with how and why the Antarctic ice fish evolved its red blood cells into oblivion save for the tell-tale record of its previous existence. He explains how genetic evolution is part of a constant battle among living things. If sickle cells are weaker and more fallible than normal cells, why did they continue to be manufactured? The link turned out to be that people with sickle cells are more resistant to malaria. The stories include the cloak-and-dagger account of the discovery and explication of the DNA. It wasn't too long ago when people were screaming, "DNA! DNA! Everyone talks about it but has anyone seen it?" Carroll not only shows us the DNA but explains to us what it does and how it works.
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Destined to be a classic.
I was reading "The Origin of Species" along with this book, and it truly was an amazing experience. To read Darwin questioning (150 years ago) how varieties arise (and to remarkably attribute it to "something" with the reproductive organs by watching animals in domestication), and then within the same day read examples about gene duplication and the effects of point mutations, about the effect of just ONE amino acid substitution, about fossil genes, etc etc..was incredibly beautiful.
I'm a 3rd year Biology/Chemistry undergrad, and this really cemented my love for science. Sean B. Carroll has a passion that just flows through the pages, and is just infectious. Highly recommended.
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