What Evolution Is by Ernst Mayr
Evolution is the most important idea in biology, with implications that go far beyond science. But despite more than a century's progress in understanding, there is still widespread confusion about what evolution is, how it works and why it is the only plausible mechanism that can account for the remarkable diversity of life on Earth. Now, for the first time in a book aimed at a general audience, one of the founding fathers of modern biology, tells us what we know - and what we do not know - about evolution. In showing how evolution has gone from theory to fact, he explores various controversial fads and fallacies such as punctuated equilibrium, the selfish-gene theory and evolutionary psychology. He ends by looking at what we know about human evolution and how, in turn, this knowledge has affected the way in which we view ourselves and the world. Up to date, thorough and no-nonsense, this is the ideal primer for anyone who wants to know about evolution but doesn't know where to start.
A review appeared in the Observer and further reviews are expected in New Sci
Ernst Mayr was born in Kempten, Germany, in 1904. He was one of the main architects of the modern synthesis of genetic and evolutionary theory whose career has spanned fields as diverse as ornithology, systematics, zoo-geography, evolutionary theory, and the philosophy and history of science. He has written 13 books, and published more than 700 scientific papers. Since 1953 he has been on the faculty of Harvard University, and, at the age of 96, continues to make the trip into work several days a week.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780297607410 |
| ISBN 10 | 0297607413 |
| Title | What Evolution Is |
| Author | Ernst Mayr |
| Series | Science Masters |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | Orion Publishing Co |
| Year published | 2002-03-14 |
| Number of pages | 192 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |