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The Making of the Fittest: DNA and the Ultimate Forensic Record of Evolution
DNA evidence not only solves crimes—in Sean Carroll's hands it will now end the Evolution Wars.
DNA is the genetic material that defines us as individuals. Over the last two decades, it has emerged as a powerful tool for solving crimes and determining guilt and innocence. But, very recently, an important new aspect of DNA has been revealed—it contains a detailed...more
DNA is the genetic material that defines us as individuals. Over the last two decades, it has emerged as a powerful tool for solving crimes and determining guilt and innocence. But, very recently, an important new aspect of DNA has been revealed—it contains a detailed...more
Paperback, 301 pages
Published
September 10th 2007
by W. W. Norton & Company
(first published January 1st 2006)
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In a country where the teaching of evolutionary biology is being suppressed in the schools, and where very few people actually UNDERSTAND what evolution is, this book could not have come at a better time. It is a very engaging introduction or review of the principle of evolution, meant for laypeople who care enough to be in the know. Many might be surprised to know that what we know about evolution is not only based on the fossil record but on the "DNA record". In the same way we can t...more
The Making of the Fittest by Sean B. Carroll
Fantastic! An accessible book on genetics that hits all the right notes. Music to my ears. Beyond any reasonable doubt this is one of the best books to get on evolution. DNA contains the information that decisively confirms evolution. This book contains the information that makes it clear that it is so.
Positives:
1. Evolution explained for the general masses with focus on genetics.
2. Dr. Carroll uses a great...more
Fantastic! An accessible book on genetics that hits all the right notes. Music to my ears. Beyond any reasonable doubt this is one of the best books to get on evolution. DNA contains the information that decisively confirms evolution. This book contains the information that makes it clear that it is so.
Positives:
1. Evolution explained for the general masses with focus on genetics.
2. Dr. Carroll uses a great...more
It's a very rare book review that causes me to immediately go and purchase a book. But that's exactly what I did when I stumbled across a glowing review while browsing SEED's science blogs. Clearly I was feeling a serious lack of science and critical thinking in my life that day.
While I have some criticisms of this book, most of them stem from the fact that it was written for a general audience (and I'm glad that it was) and so sometimes had less detailed descriptions of physiology t...more
While I have some criticisms of this book, most of them stem from the fact that it was written for a general audience (and I'm glad that it was) and so sometimes had less detailed descriptions of physiology t...more
This is another interesting work on recent developments in research on biological evolution, and how these discoveries remove any reasonable doubt from the fundamental correctness of evolution as the mechanism of creation -- the evidence is truly overwhelming.
This book focuses on the many recent discoveries of evolution's record in DNA. Carroll introduces the topic by mentioning a recent case in which a person imprisoned for 18 years was freed, based on analysis of DNA. If we are...more
This book focuses on the many recent discoveries of evolution's record in DNA. Carroll introduces the topic by mentioning a recent case in which a person imprisoned for 18 years was freed, based on analysis of DNA. If we are...more
Eh. 2.5 stars, but I'll round up to three because it was enjoyable enough that I made it through the whole thing without getting TOO bored or annoyed.
But first of all, dangit! How did I get stuck with another audiobook narrated by Patrick Lawlor? I meant to avoid him from now on after his reading of Buddy Levy's Conquistador; at least he didn't have any Spanish to butcher this time. I'm sure he's a very nice man, but I have a really hard time with his accent. I just do. However, I did ...more
But first of all, dangit! How did I get stuck with another audiobook narrated by Patrick Lawlor? I meant to avoid him from now on after his reading of Buddy Levy's Conquistador; at least he didn't have any Spanish to butcher this time. I'm sure he's a very nice man, but I have a really hard time with his accent. I just do. However, I did ...more
Although it tends at times to be too dry and formal for a pop-sci book, this is a well-built explanation of the genetics behind evolution, and has a lot of valuable things to say.
The book's best points are definitely the scientific and historical anecdotes at the beginning of each chapter. Carroll's voice at these points becomes much more lively and engaging. When he goes to explain the science behind, say, the "bloodless" icefish of the South Ocean, he immediately reverts ...more
The book's best points are definitely the scientific and historical anecdotes at the beginning of each chapter. Carroll's voice at these points becomes much more lively and engaging. When he goes to explain the science behind, say, the "bloodless" icefish of the South Ocean, he immediately reverts ...more
Carroll starts out by talking about forensic use of DNA evidence in criminal cases, where we rely on DNA evidence to determine guilt or innocence, often in cases where the death penalty or long imprisonment is at stake. He explains, in simple terms, how this works and why it matters.
And then he explains the contradiction between the wide popular acceptance of DNA evidence by the general public, and the widespread resistance to or rejection of evolution.
Organized in three ...more
And then he explains the contradiction between the wide popular acceptance of DNA evidence by the general public, and the widespread resistance to or rejection of evolution.
Organized in three ...more
For us scientists who spend our holidays explaining basic science concepts to our non-scientist relatives, this conversationally written book is chock full of some of the best examples that clearly illustrate and support the evolution by the forces of natural selection. Carroll simplifies DNA and molecular data and the mathematics of probability so that most people could have a better understanding of the principles that underpin evolution, and indeed, all of biology. As someone quite partial ...more
Every thinking Christian should sit down and objectively examine the evidence supporting or contradicting the theory of evolution, first of all understanding exactly what the term "theory" means in the scientific sense, and secondly by examining the wealth of knowledge that the study of DNA has brought to the so-called debate. None of this is particularly new, but too many of us insist on sticking our heads in the ground like ostriches (like I've done for so long) instead of allowin...more
The book begins with somewhat of a primer on basic genetics and evolution theory - a good review for those of us not expert in the field. Then the focus turns to explanations of genes, genetic mutation, and their role in evolution and natural selection. The theory is supplemented by many interesting examples based on recent genome analysis, describing how some sequences have lasted since the fossil record and others have changed quite recently. The end of the book turned more "political"...more
Still reading. But excellent so far.
Yes. It is excellent. Very readable, and very persuasive.
Granted, I never was an evolution denier, but all the same, more reasons why short shrift should be given to creationists and - worse - Intelligent Designers.
Read and marvel at the wondrous beauty of nature.
Yes. It is excellent. Very readable, and very persuasive.
Granted, I never was an evolution denier, but all the same, more reasons why short shrift should be given to creationists and - worse - Intelligent Designers.
Read and marvel at the wondrous beauty of nature.
A useful update for those of us who want to know what gene sequencing is unearthing about our relatives, including great great etc uncle slime mould and the astonishing bloodless ice fish. Hammering the points home is unfortunately not going to convert entrenched creationists, probably just annoy them.
- Opener was a bit slow (review of evolution, basic genetics)
- Heart of the book was good, with general-audience level detail describing the way DNA works in the evolutionary process. Any recent biology major would know about most of the concepts here...of course that's not me...so it was a mixture of review and a few new concepts for me.
- Interesting analysis paralleling Soviet biology from the 30's through 60's, chiropractic vaccine denial, and the denial of evolution. Though ess...more
- Heart of the book was good, with general-audience level detail describing the way DNA works in the evolutionary process. Any recent biology major would know about most of the concepts here...of course that's not me...so it was a mixture of review and a few new concepts for me.
- Interesting analysis paralleling Soviet biology from the 30's through 60's, chiropractic vaccine denial, and the denial of evolution. Though ess...more
This book was excellent, but if you're not familiar with evolutionary biology I would highly recommend that you read his other book first, "Endless Forms Most Beautiful," as it will give you a deep understanding of this issues discussed here. It is frustrating to me that most people (many science teachers included), when discussing/teaching evolutionary biology stop at Darwin & Mendel, as if we haven't made any NEW scientific progress in the last 150 years! We've gone from bean counter...more
This book explains and illustrates evolutionary science, relating good points through good stories. It's always illuminating to have a working scientist write popular nonfiction, and this book is a case in point. I liked it less well when Carroll veered into politics. He didn't make any case against creationism that's going to stick, and he soiled the book in attempting it.
I heard him lecture on the same topics, and both the best and worst features of this book were magnified by...more
I heard him lecture on the same topics, and both the best and worst features of this book were magnified by...more
Any book with a subsection called "The Second Coming of the Trichromatic Monkeys" is bound to be good. And this book was no disappointment. After reading a number of evolution books over a long period it was exciting to read a completely new set of ideas and evidence based on actual gene sequences. The focus on opsins and color vision was a useful antidote to some of the "just so" stories you occasionally read in evolution books.
I could have done without the chapter on why in...more
I could have done without the chapter on why in...more
While reading you can just feel the author holding back all he might say about evidence for evolution in order that he not loose you to his enthusiasm. Instead of short jabs, these are close examinations of particular tales of evolution. Most admirable, his illustration of the odds of evolution. Yes, perhaps most of all I loved his math chapter: completely accessible and the backbone of evolution. Odds. Odds that make chance + selection + time transform simple single-celled organisms into redwoo...more
The story of evolution updated with the application of modern DNA. I guess I keep reading within this crowded and highly specialized category, because I need to find a book that I fully understand, one that keeps my interest alive, feeds my nich passion and does not overwhelm. In the past, I gave each multiple stars because I was hungry for the topic and I set my expectations low. Carroll’s effort was close but not close enough. Patches were in turn; over my head, boring, micro managed, repetiti...more
What a great book! This book is complete with everything a good book needs, not just every science book, but every book. Period. A great storyline with an easy going style, powerful messages for the reader and well researched and factually accurate on all points. And for me as an evolutionary biology student, it's about one of my favorite topics: evolution and how we know it's a fact.
This book takes you from the icy waters of the south pole to the humid and warm forests of Africa, examines the ...more
This book takes you from the icy waters of the south pole to the humid and warm forests of Africa, examines the ...more
I liked the explanations of the various facets of evolution, of vision, especially. It was also interesting to hear what happened to plant genetics in post-World War II Russia. I didn't like the way that Carroll argued for evolution and the attacks he made on creationists. It seems to me that the facts stand on their own, and can be understood by anyone willing without being force-fed. I almost never do feel, however, that an appeal for environmentalism, as in the last chapter of this book, is m...more
I studied evolution for the first time at age 26 in a "first year biology for science majors" course at Utah State University. Amazingly (at least, it seems amazing to me now, knowing how foundational evolutionary principles are to every aspect of modern biology), evolution was never even mentioned in my high school biology class, nor was it seriously touched upon in any class I took at Brigham Young University, beyond professors referring us to official Church statements on evolution...more
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Awesome! Narrowly my favorite of my evolution reads (Reluctant Mr. Darwin, Greatest Show on Earth). A look at evolution from a genetics perspective. Very fresh and interesting. Author makes a good case for the importance of understanding (and accepting) evolution in the efforts to conserve wildlife.
Highly recommended to those with a profound interest in the natural sciences.
Highly recommended to those with a profound interest in the natural sciences.
Yet another book that provides perfectly convincing proof--the richest evidence one could desire--for evolution. I regret now not pursuing biology more seriously in high school. Or in college at all. This is probably an easy read for the biology-literate, but it was a challenge for me, though a challenge worthy of the effort.
Carroll is currently the best science writer and biologist being published in the world. He has utilized the data acquired in the last 30 years to do an even more impressive job than Richard Dawkins to bring the light of evolution to the masses. I'm sure it will fall on the deaf ears of many philistines, the same lot who are such smug moralists about crime and would hypocritically use DNA testing to send criminals away, but I suspect he will win many converts among the more open minded.
Tony duncan
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review of another edition
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review of another edition
Recommends it for:
interest in evolution genetics creationism
Shelves:
science
A well written and step by step using a specific approach to show how rock solid the proof of evolution isl i especially liked how he use the evidence of decay of unused genes tied to the development of parallel genetic evolution for specific traits. the idea that evolution sometimes uses the almost identical solution genetically and the other possibility that evolution uses completely different genetic routes for the same practical effect are very powerful.
My only complaint would be that ...more
My only complaint would be that ...more
It felt a little slow getting started but I really got into the second half of the book. I especially enjoyed the last few chapters which dealt with recent political issues and the future of evolution in our world. A completely infallible guide to the truth and power of evolution!
This is an excellent overview of evolution, and the traces our evolutionary history has left in our DNA. It also has concise and simple explanations of probabilities that show that seemingly highly unlikely events are actually quite common over hundreds of thousands or millions of years.
This book had great reviews and was required for one of my classes. Even though it raises good questions and has sound arguments, I found it hard to read after a while. Its one of those books that you read couple of chapters at a time and then come back to it later.
A great book about evolution. The strength of this book is its focus on evolution at the molecular/genomic level and the latest research in molecular evolution and evo-devo. The author is a leading evolutionary biologist.
Good...but parts of it were very similar to his amazing book "Endless forms most beautiful." NSo hearing it again wasn't teh worst thing in the world - but I was expecting a tad more from this book.
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