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Evolution: The Triumph of an Idea

Carl Zimmer (Goodreads Author)

4.10 · Rating details · 4,906 ratings · 97 reviews

This remarkable book presents a rich and up–to–date view of evolution that explores the far–reaching implications of Darwin's theory and emphasizes the power, significance, and relevance of evolution to our lives today. After all, we ourselves are the product of evolution, and we can tackle many of our gravest challenges –– from lethal resurgence of antiobiotic–resistant d ...more

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Paperback, 528 pages

Published September 5th 2006 by Harper Perennial (first published September 4th 2001)

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Jun 29, 2019 Petra-X Off having adventures rated it it was amazing

Shelves: reviewed, 2019-read, 2019-100-reviews, medicine-science, 10-star-books

I thought I knew about Evolution, about the random mutation of genes and the success of some mutations that convey an advantage to the host in the environment and could be the beginning of a new species or variety of plant or animal. That is the base. Saying that one and one makes two is at the base of mathematics but tells you very little of the depth and breadth of numbers. And so it is with this book.

I can't review it any better except to say it filled my head with ideas and conjectures for t ...more

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Jun 24, 2011 Book rated it really liked it

Shelves: evolution

Evolution: The Triumph of an Idea by Carl Zimmer

A thorough, well researched book that is broken out into four parts: Part One - Slow Victory: Darwin and the Rise of Darwinism, Part Two - Creation and Destruction, Part Three -Evolution's Dance, and Part Four - Humanity's Place in Evolution and: Evolution's Place In Humanity.

Positives:
1. Accessible, well written book with an extensive bibliography.
2. Provides a lot more historical references than any other book I have read on the topic. It inc Evolution: The Triumph of an Idea by Carl Zimmer

A thorough, well researched book that is broken out into four parts: Part One - Slow Victory: Darwin and the Rise of Darwinism, Part Two - Creation and Destruction, Part Three -Evolution's Dance, and Part Four - Humanity's Place in Evolution and: Evolution's Place In Humanity.

Positives:
1. Accessible, well written book with an extensive bibliography.
2. Provides a lot more historical references than any other book I have read on the topic. It includes an excellent biography on the life of Darwin and how he came about the theory of evolution and his personal struggles to disclose his findings to the public.
3. Interesting history on the physics of how we determined the antiquity of Earth. Not to mention the order in which new life-forms appeared on Earth, and their actual dates in history.
4. A lot of interesting information regarding evolution: "A population of birds can evolve into its own species if it gets cut off from its neighbors". You will find out why.
5. The historical impact of germs...Napoleon found out the hard way.
6. Nothing like mutations to get evolution going. The genetic tool kit is explained in detail.
7. The origin of whales is one of the most interesting examples of evolution. And BTW a whale is no more a fish than a bat is a bird.
8. Everything you wanted to know about extinction and then some.
9. Interesting topics of the arms race between man versus bug, disease (great stuff on AIDS) and the evolution of sex.
10. My favorite chapters have to do with human evolution. Fascinating stuff and worth the price of the book (Kindle). Plenty of monkey business. It's the kind of stuff I go ape over.

Negatives:
1. Less technical than other books on this topic.
2. The advancements of science is such that it is outdated in certain parts: genetics, and major recent findings (Tiktaalik comes to mind). That's what I get for waiting for the Kindle version.
3. It's an investment of time, a lot is covered.
4. Too politically correct if you ask me. Let loose a little Mr. Zimmer.

In summary, a solid book on evolution that focuses on the history of the idea and how it succeeds to this day. I'm in awe of Darwin, science owes so much to his theory. Entire scientific fields are only possible with the understanding of evolution.

Recommendations: Why Evolution is True" by Jerry Coyne, "The Greatest Show On Earth" by Richard Dawkins, "Your Inner Fish" by Neil B. Shubin, "What Evolution Is" by Ernst Mayr and "The Making of the Fittest" by Sean B. Carroll. ...more

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Dec 16, 2020 Selkis rated it really liked it

Shelves: biology

Evolution: The triumph of an Idea by Carl Zimmer serves as a wonderful introduction to Darwins's Theory of Evolution. It's a well-written book that really shows the full impact of the idea.

What I liked:
- It's very accessible: Carl Zimmer manages to explain complex scientific concepts in a way that's easy to understand. His writing style is entertaining and never dry
- It contains a very readable biography of Darwin, how he came up with his theory of evolution and how the public reacted to his ide ...more

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Jan 14, 2012 John rated it it was amazing

Shelves: science, books-i-own

Carl Zimmer, one of our finest science writers, has written an elegant companion to the PBS NOVA miniseries which stands on its own as an excellent introduction to evolution, covering topics which should be of interest to all, ranging from the evolution of sex to fighting disease, and of course, the search for humanity's origins as the only extant member of a once-flourishing tribe of hominid species related to the great apes. Each of Zimmer's chapters corresponds with the NOVA episode related t Carl Zimmer, one of our finest science writers, has written an elegant companion to the PBS NOVA miniseries which stands on its own as an excellent introduction to evolution, covering topics which should be of interest to all, ranging from the evolution of sex to fighting disease, and of course, the search for humanity's origins as the only extant member of a once-flourishing tribe of hominid species related to the great apes. Each of Zimmer's chapters corresponds with the NOVA episode related to it. He gives us a mesmerizing, compelling portait of Charles Darwin and his intellectual struggles with his understanding of biology, geology and faith, as he recognized that his detailed observations of biotic diversity could only be accounted for by a theory of evolution via natural selection. Zimmer gives a riveting account on the history of life, highlighting such notable episodes as the evolution of multicellular organisms, the Cambrian explosion, the invasion of the land by plants, insects and tetrapods, the Permo-Triasic and Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary mass extinctions, to name but a few. He also notes the significance of chance and constraint in the evolution of animal life, pointing out the significance of tiny changes in certain genes in creating vast differences in the structures of animal skeletons and organs. He emphasizes the importance of co-evolution as a constant struggle between predators and prey. And he clearly shows the importance of natural selection in understanding the spread and control of such virulent diseases as tuberculosis. Zimmer's account of the role of God - if any - with respect to evolution and the widespread appeal of so-called creation science, most notably, "Intelligent Design", is replete with excellent arguments and examples demonstrating why Intelligent Design and other forms of creation science are not scientific. This well written, highly engrossing, popular account of evolution deserves to be read by all.

(Reposted from my 2004 Amazon review) ...more

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Mar 15, 2009 Nicole rated it really liked it

Shelves: natural-science-essay, non-fiction

This is an excellent introduction or review of the theory basics. This covers sufficient detail to supply a solid foundation of evidence of change in species without being boring.
Only towards the ends does Mr Zimmer seem to begin to present ideas with some bias. I did not read the 'Natural History of Rape" by Thornhill & Palmer but I did read the original paper on the scorpion fly rape behavior. This paper was given very short shrift by Zimmer despite being good research and well written. Since ...more

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Apr 12, 2013 Aurélien Thomas rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: biology, science-history

Drawing on the Beagle's journey, Carl Zimmer leads us through time and space to tell us how evolution through natural selection came to impose itself in the scientific realm.

In this superb book, easy to read yet abounding in details, very well documented, biology waltzes with suitors as diverse as paleontology to geology and prehistory, showing that evolution is more than a explanation for the diversity of life on Earth: its understanding is crucial to our survival, from medicine to environmenta ...more

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May 22, 2017 Xander rated it it was ok

A decent, well-written introduction to evolution.

I like the approach of Zimmer to start the book with two chapters on the origin and context of the ideas of evolution. It's a story of Darwin's travels on the HMS Beagle and his search for evidence to back up his theory. Even the controversial and personal context is treated by Zimmer.

Another thing I liked was the incorporation of the developments in geology (especially the importance for biology) and the origin and developments of genetics. Zim A decent, well-written introduction to evolution.

I like the approach of Zimmer to start the book with two chapters on the origin and context of the ideas of evolution. It's a story of Darwin's travels on the HMS Beagle and his search for evidence to back up his theory. Even the controversial and personal context is treated by Zimmer.

Another thing I liked was the incorporation of the developments in geology (especially the importance for biology) and the origin and developments of genetics. Zimmer could have explained some more about the modern synthesis (especially the discovery of DNA and molecular biology), but maybe this would make the story harder to follow for some readers.

In parts 2 and 3 Zimmer treats the building blocks of evolution (the tree of life, the building plan of organisms and the role of contingencies like mass extinctions) and the mechanisms of evolution (coevolution/arms races - and their impact on modern medicine! - and the role of sex) respectively.
These two parts are the main part of the book and include the basic ingredients of evolution - even though I find some topics unexplained (e.g. Zimmer could have explained Dawkins' revolutionary paradigm shift of the selfish gene/extended phenotype).

The last part deals specifically with humanity: the application of evolutionary biology to psychology, linguistics and sociology. This is the most sketchy part of the book, partly because the debate on evolutionary psychology is not clearly explained and might leave the general reader with the impression that it's just a fad. It's also this part that the Arrow of time shows itself: in the 17 years since its publication a lot of new insights on humanity's origins came to light and the amazing discoveries in neurosciences support (and build on) evolutionary psychology.

Zimmer finishes the book with a (long) chapter of the continuous battle of religion against evolution. From the Scopes trial in 1930's via creationism in the 1980's to 21st century's intelligent design and its battle to establish itself as a science and part of high school curriculum.

In general, this is a very accessible book on evolution, which shows the full scope and impact of the idea of evolution (a triumph indeed). But this scope also leads to the superficial treatment or absence of some very interesting topics, which is a minor let down, and because of the passing of time the book is a little out-of-date on some subjects. ...more

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Jul 23, 2013 Katja rated it it was amazing

Shelves: non-fiction, ru, kindle

Now I am wondering: are there boring books about evolution? I've already read a few (a standard set) and still found this one worth reading. It tells a bit about Darwin, and dinosaurs, and crazy creatures living next and inside us, and some philosophical implications. The least interesting part, especially for those living outside of US, is about the long-standing battle between scientists and evolution opponents who somehow manage to survive, no matter what. ...more

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Nov 04, 2017 Camille rated it it was amazing

A profound read. I encourage everyone to pick up this one. Easily digestible and beautifully written.

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Apr 11, 2015 Elliott Bignell rated it it was amazing

Zimmer has once again triumphed with a work of solid erudition and admirable clarity. By turns entertaining and informative, he writes with a clean style. Neither as technical as Dawkins or Dennett, nor as luxurious as Gould, this book nevertheless showers the reader with the gold of understanding, should it be lacking, and new perspectives. For a reader not already steeped in the technicalities of evolutionary writing or the politics of creationism, this is an excellent place to come for a firs Zimmer has once again triumphed with a work of solid erudition and admirable clarity. By turns entertaining and informative, he writes with a clean style. Neither as technical as Dawkins or Dennett, nor as luxurious as Gould, this book nevertheless showers the reader with the gold of understanding, should it be lacking, and new perspectives. For a reader not already steeped in the technicalities of evolutionary writing or the politics of creationism, this is an excellent place to come for a first, sweeping view of the depth and grandeur of this, one of modern science's defining ideas. And for those who sensibilities are sometimes blunted by too much of either, this is a lovely, light way to rekindle the flame of wonder at the fundamentals. (The fundamentalists probably getting on one's nerves by this point.)

The triumph of an idea must, of course, start with the inception of an idea, and Zimmer devotes a considerable proportion of the book to its seminal figure, Charles Darwin. In this year of Darwin frenzy one will have been hard-put to avoid reading about this poor man, upon whom I inadvertently trampled in Westminster Abbey last Summer. Don't let that put you off; Zimmer wrote these passages years before the deluge of publications cashing in on the bicentenary and they are part of his narrative.

Darwin's character cannot now cast light on the fact of evolution, as we would have known of it through Erasmus, Lamarck and Wallace had he never lived, and the positive flood of information garnered since his death makes this one of the surest bastions of modern science. Still, it is comforting to know what a genial and fair-minded cove he was, and what a thorough scientist. Zimmer's passages covering the tragedies and trials of his life are moving, and one hears with sympathy how this deeply religious man, trained as a pastor, had his faith shaken and mostly beaten away not by his work but by his losses. Darwin has made life easier for us atheists by eliminating the largest single Gap for Gods, but is was never his intention.

I have read dozens of books of science in general and evolution in particular, but there always seems to be something new and striking to report, especially with an author of Zimmer's accomplishment. The one that made me laugh out loud on a Swiss train, possibly pleasing the shade of Zwingli, is the nugget that the farmers of Berne in 1478 sued a plague of beetles in the ecclesiastical court, winning a Ban of Anathema and the beetles being bound over to keep the peace. Or that the African bottleneck of 60,000 to 170,000 years ago leaves humanity with less genetic diversity that he chimpanzees of a single forest. This casts perhaps less light on our evolution than that the trend towards 2.4 children is reducing selection pressure and therefore, presumably, both contributing to the accumulation of bad genes and reducing rates of progressive change.

One insight that I found both striking and delightful was the observation that documented rates of change in the fossil record, such as the rather well-covered evolution of whales, are several orders of magnitude lower than the rates of evolution that can be observed in the field, such as in guppy fish. Part of this can probably be explained in terms of changes of frequency in existing mutations, but it turns the creationist canard about "microevolution" and "macroevolution" right on its head. What we need to explain in the fossil record, based on "microevolution" is why so little change is seen over geological time!

Oh, dear. I said the "c"-word. Yes, Zimmer expends a penultimate section on the sadly and tediously necessary refutation of creationist nonsense and their antics in courts and classrooms in the USA. It doesn't spoil the book and is yet another litany of triumphs, but one cannot help but mourn that a triumph was ever necessary. He deals with these frustrating and infuriating episodes lightly and with less vitriol than I might have mustered. At the end of the Day-Age, evolution is necessary understanding in a range of fields, not least agriculture, medicine and petrochemicals extraction, and is becoming an engineering field in its own right as it is applied not only in selective breeding but in creating novel software and electronics. Software agents have for some time been able to defeat human fighter pilots in simulation, and it is evolution that got them there. Don't leave home without it!

Zimmer is a wonderful science writer and his triumph, like that of Darwin himself, is complete. ...more

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Apr 19, 2009 SJ Loria rated it really liked it

"Are we a biological accident or a cosmic imperative?" -383
A very interesting book on the history of evolution and the effects of evolution in our everyday lives. What I appreciated about this book is that it did not just cover the biological implications of evolution (it did do this by the way, and very well) but it also discussed social, cultural and psychological aspects of the human species that are deeply rooted in evolution. The bond of language, the role of sexuality, the origin of emotio "Are we a biological accident or a cosmic imperative?" -383
A very interesting book on the history of evolution and the effects of evolution in our everyday lives. What I appreciated about this book is that it did not just cover the biological implications of evolution (it did do this by the way, and very well) but it also discussed social, cultural and psychological aspects of the human species that are deeply rooted in evolution. The bond of language, the role of sexuality, the origin of emotions such as jealousy or behaviors such as altruism are all discussed.
The history of planet earth, cellular life, parasites and animals are all shown to be meshed together. Fascinating animal behaviors, grooming, infanticide, sexual activity of bonobos versus the violence of chimpanzees, ants versus virus and our pathetic use of parasites, and other mind blowing ideas are learned. The connection between ecology and evolution is demonstrated time and again.
Human evolution is one topic that is covered in depth, but the book also discusses many others. The history of Darwin and the conditions of England at the time of his life provide a more clear picture of the publication and public reaction to his theories. It is amazing to see how opposition came immediately but how it was not rooted in science, but rather a result of our fear in response to the idea that we too evolved. The reaction at the Oxford convention where the book was discussed publically for the first time is incredible. The story of the argument and shouting match that followed is worthy of a play. The struggle between religion and science persists, with the mystic attackers constantly tinkering their argument to try to drape their fear in something resembling a reasoned position. However, as the book points out “we never get anywhere by labeling our ignorance god,” and opposing theories say much more about those who develop them than they possibly could on factual issues.
After reading this story, I think you walk away with a deeper understanding of life, and a greater awe for our position in the web of life. We are perhaps the most coevoloved species ever, a part of a web of connections and unity with life in general. This book helps you understand this, presenting a very through and well written frame of reference for understanding our place in this thing we call life.
...more

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Feb 11, 2008 Karen rated it really liked it

Shelves: non-fiction

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Of all the books on evolution at the local library, I went with this one because I wanted a fairly objective, accurate YET thoroughly readable survey of the theory of evolution since Darwin's time. I was not disappointed. The preface even brought it bang up to date by summarising the main breakthroughs between 2001 (when the first edition was published) and 2006.

Let's start with "objective": I didn't want Richard Dawkins, whose rampant atheism sometimes betrays the quality of his science. Zimmer Of all the books on evolution at the local library, I went with this one because I wanted a fairly objective, accurate YET thoroughly readable survey of the theory of evolution since Darwin's time. I was not disappointed. The preface even brought it bang up to date by summarising the main breakthroughs between 2001 (when the first edition was published) and 2006.

Let's start with "objective": I didn't want Richard Dawkins, whose rampant atheism sometimes betrays the quality of his science. Zimmer is, in comparison, even-handed. The book puts the evolution theory forward as the best explanation we currently have that fits the known facts about life on Earth.

Accurate: the book dispelled plenty of misconceptions about evolution (most people are thinking about completely different things when they think "evolution") and is very careful to explain exactly where modern science is, with regard to forming hypotheses based on evolution theory and to testing these hypotheses. Packed with fascinating case studies (the virgin lizard that reproduces by cloning itself; Arctic fish that have evolved antifreeze properties; the "bad design" of the human eye), it shows evolution at work in bacteria, animals and humans. I did have occasional questions along the lines of "How did they know this was the controlling factor rather than that?" and "How did they rule out this other possibility?" that the book didn't answer -- this served somewhat to dilute my satisfaction with the book.

Thoroughly readable: I loved that the book began and ended with Charles Darwin and that it was almost as much about him as about his ideas and where modern science has taken them. Darwin comes across as a bookish, brilliant but slightly awkward scholar who had mixed feelings about his own ideas--he advanced them almost with embarrassment, so much was he a product of Victorian culture and education.

So, is there room for God in the theory of evolution? Zimmer gives both good science and good theology due definition and recognition. Since science is the study of natural phenomena and God is outside its domain, Zimmer points out that there doesn't have to be a conflict between science and religion. Religion that ignores the facts, however, does so at its own peril. Hear hear. ...more

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Oct 17, 2007 Stacey rated it really liked it

Recommends it for: nerds

It's heavy but definitely good. There's something kind of humbling about reading about the way life on earth unfolding to become what it was over the course of billions of years, only to be drastically altered in only of few generations by humans. Reading the chapter about mass extinctions occurring thanks to the human race made me want to vomit. Coming across the figure that 2/3 of all living species live in tropical forests, 1/2 of which were gone by the year 2000 made me want to punch myself ...more

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Aug 14, 2018 Smruthi rated it it was amazing

I can't recommend this book enough. This is possibly the first non-fiction book that's had me at the edge of my seat, furiously flipping page after page because it's so interesting. It's helped me piece together bits of scattered understanding into a cohesive overview. It has so many cool little pieces of information that you can actually remember and hang on to because it suddenly makes more sense. ...more

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May 08, 2019 Jim Davis rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Excellent overview of evolution

Clear, provides summaries and links to detailed evidence and discusses controversies such as sociobiology, racism, social Darwinism and teaching of evolution (controversial in the USA). The discussion of convolution makes it very clear why !miss of species can trigger collapse.

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Apr 04, 2012 Julie Czerneda rated it it was amazing

Wonderfully readable synthesis. Read it once with glee and now use as a reference. Highly recommended!

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Sep 02, 2019 Ixan rated it it was amazing

Shelves: non-fiction

Best book of 2019. So far.

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Sep 26, 2019 Ramon van Dam rated it really liked it

I have read quite a lot of books about evolution, which proves to me more and more how difficult it is to do that in both a clear and original way. With "Evolution: The Triumph of an Idea" Carl Zimmer manages to do both. Not only does he explain the basic ideas of evolution and natural selection, he goes several steps further by explorer areas that I have not seen discussed in a lot of other works.

This includes going beyond "just" the regular animal kingdom that we often exclusively think of, wh ...more

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Sep 16, 2020 Alia Kiwan rated it it was amazing

An outstanding overview and an excellent book , especially for understanding Darwin's Theories and todays discoveries. Highly recommended. ...more

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Feb 09, 2011 Bill rated it liked it

Shelves: science-and-philosophy

This is the first book I have read explaining the theory of evolution. This is a good, easy, primer.

I've always understood evolution as 'survival of the fittest' but after reading the book I now understand it in terms of 'natural selection'.
Before, I saw evolution as the development of traits enhancing prospects for survival which come by way of some sort of struggle.
Now I see it more as development of order and functionality by way of numerous random mutations, of which a very few, statistical ...more

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Jul 13, 2011 Elliott rated it liked it

Overall, this book is a very good introduction to evolutionary biology. The book does touch on Richard Dawkins' idea that memes evolve through a natural process, but the book is otherwise all about biological evolution, as should be expected. Those who produced the audiobook were wise to get Peter Thomas as the reader (you may have heard him on Cold Case Files). His tone is perfect to remind us of just how dramatic the Darwinian Revolution really was.

There was one big problem with the book, howe ...more

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Feb 06, 2019 Ann rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: evolution, darwin

Another excellent and readable book by Zimmer. This book has great examples well explained and brings in much of the historical context, including the misuses of Darwin's idea and the more current Creationist/Intelligent Design response. The book has an introduction by Stephen Jay Gould, a nice section of further reading by chapter and an index.
...more

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Oct 05, 2013 Michel rated it really liked it

I love the way Carl Zimmer writes his books, he takes you into details without making you feel bored. I would love to see a new edition of this book especially after so many new discoveries in the field of human ancestry.

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Apr 27, 2008 Bettie rated it really liked it

Shelves: sciences

This was in audio as accompianment to crafting and thoroughly engrossing it was too. I never fail to be awed about the history of whalehood.

Recommended heartily.

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Apr 03, 2015 Iszam rated it it was amazing

One of the best book to understand evolution. I stopped reading crap by Harun Yahya after reading this book.

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Dec 22, 2019 Debora Williams rated it really liked it

Very well written

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Aug 03, 2020 Chris Demer rated it it was amazing

Shelves: history-of-science, science, biology, evolution

This is a thorough and brilliant book that captures the essence of the theory of evolution in a way that most moderately educated people can understand.
The writing is clear and follows a historical path in the development of the concept, which is basic to the understanding of biological science.
Zimmer does a great job of describing Darwin's work and its meaning as the theory is developed and is bolstered by developments in geology, paleontology and later genetics. He discusses the time frames o ...more

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Mar 25, 2020 Timothy Riley rated it it was amazing

Shelves: science

This is a brilliantly written book that is very accessible to the science non-expert. The best chapter is the one on Coevolution that explains the relationships that animals and plants and fungi have with each other that gave each a niche to survive. The idea is nto that every species is perfect for its environment but that they are good enough to survive all the time working slowly on their imperfections. The diverse species-genetically-is most likely to be successful and able to adapt in the l ...more

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Sep 30, 2020 Karen rated it really liked it

This book does a great job of explaining the principles of evolution for a non-professional reader. As it is the second edition, the introduction includes some additional information about newer discoveries, but it is still not quite up to date. For example, the descriptions of the fate of Neanderthal people does not include recent genetic data that show that genes from Neanderthals persist in populations that had ancestors from certain regions.
Overall, though, this is a readable and interestin ...more

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Aug 24, 2018 Chris Leuchtenburg rated it it was amazing

Shelves: science, history

This clear and concise overview of the development of the science of evolution covers not only the development of Darwinism, but also the subsequent scientific challenges leading eventually to the modern synthesis in the 1940s and 50s. Zimmer focuses on the discoveries and controversies in the scientific community, but also presents the early religious objections, the eugenics movement and the modern religious resistance.

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About Carl Zimmer

Carl Zimmer

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Carl Zimmer is a columnist for the New York Times and the author of 13 books about science. His latest book, She Has Her Mother's Laugh, will be published in May 2018. Zimmer is a frequent guest on Radiolab and has written hundreds of articles for magazines such as National Geographic, The Atlantic, and Wired. He is, to his knowledge, the only writer after whom a species of tapeworm has been named ...more