For all the discussion in the media about creationism and 'Intelligent Design', virtually nothing has been said about the evidence in question – the evidence for evolution by natural selection.
Yet, as this succinct and important book shows, that evidence is vast, varied, and magnificent, and drawn from many disparate fields of science. The very latest research is uncovering a stream of evidence revealing evolution in action – from the actual observation of a species splitting into two, to new fossil discoveries, to the deciphering of the evidence stored in our genome. Why Evolution is True weaves together the many threads of modern work in genetics, palaeontology, geology, molecular biology, anatomy, and development to demonstrate the 'indelible stamp' of the processes first proposed by Darwin. It is a crisp, lucid, and accessible statement that will leave no one with an open mind in any doubt about the truth of evolution.
Preface
Introduction
1. What is Evolution?
2. Written in The Rocks
3. Remnants: Vestiges, Embryos, and Bad Design
4. The Geography of Life
5. The Engine of Evolution
6. How Sex Drives Evolution
7. The Origin of Species
8. What about Us?
9. Evolution Redux
Glossary
Suggestions for Further Reading
References
Jerry A. Coyne, Professor of Ecology & Evolution, University of Chicago.
"Please read it."
– Richard Dawkins, TLS February 13, 2009
"There are many superb books on evolution, but this one is superb in a new way – it explains the latest evidence for evolution lucidly, thoroughly, and with devastating effectiveness."
– Steven Pinker
"For anyone who wishes a clear, well-written explanation of evolution by one of the foremost scientists working on the subject, Why Evolution is True should be your choice."
– E. O. Wilson
"I once wrote that anybody who didn't believe in evolution must be stupid, insane or ignorant, and I was then careful to add that ignorance is no crime. I should now update my statement: aybody who doesn't believe in evolution is stupid, insane, or hasn't read Jerry Coyne."
– Richard Dawkins
"An engaging and accessible account of one of the most important ideas ever conceived by mankind. The book is a stunning achievement, written by one of the world's leading evolutionary biologists. Coyne has produced a classic"
– Neil Shubin, author of Your Inner Fish