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Evolution: The Grand Experiment #2
Evolution: The Grand Experiment: Vol. 2 - Living Fossils
In 1938 the discovery of a large, unusual fish turned the scientific community on end. Dubbed a living fossil, the discovery of a coelacanth in South Africa shocked scientists around the world who thought this type of fish had died out millions of years prior during the process of evolution. Living fossils are organisms found preserved in the fossil record, which still exist in similar form today. If the core concepts of the theory of evolution presuppose change over time, then how can these living fossils exist for millions of years remaining virtually unchanged? Whether a shark, leaf, or crab, living fossils are a challenge for evolutionary theorists and create a fascinating debate among scholars. Do they indicate a younger earth than thought, placing the millions of years timeline of evolution in question? Or do they represent a deep mystery The Grand Experiment, Vol 2 - Living Fossils delves into these provocative questions and more. A fact-filled learning adventure as Dr. Werner takes you around the world on a unique scientific expedition from remote dig sites and museums to the Australian Rainforest and more. How do living fossils impact one of the most controversial debates of our time - creation vs. evolution? Filled with 700 color photographs and presented in an easy-to-read format.
274 pages, Hardcover
First published March 10, 2009
7 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Carl Werner
44 books7 followersDr Carl Werner is the Executive Producer of Evolution: The Grand Experiment video series and author of Evolution: The Grand Experiment book series and curriculum. He received his undergraduate degree in Biology, with distinction, at the University of Missouri, graduating summa cum laude. He received his doctorate degree in Medicine at the age 23.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 17, 2021
Dr Werner does an excellent job providing evidence for his prediction that if evolution was not true, then animals and plants would not change significantly over time and that he should find fossils of modern animal and plant species in the older(dinosaur) fossil layers. I don’t think he was biased in favor of proving evolution wrong after all he began his “Grand Experiment” having believed in evolution. Ultimately he leaves it up to the reader to decide if the evidence is compelling enough to prove his predictions.
July 5, 2011
Every so often, a book comes along that I really enjoy, and earns a position on my top-10 (although there are more than 10 books) shelf next to my bed. Books that I will enjoy reading over and over, so I want them kept handy. Well, recently I added another one to that collection. On our many, many trips (probably well over 30 visits in 3 years) to the Creation Museum over the past several years, I noticed a book by Dr. Carl Werner entitled Evolution: The Grand Experiment. Although the book looked fascinating, I just didn't have the money at the time to purchase the book, but I added it to my "wish-list" of books. So, when presented with the opportunity to review Evolution: The Grand Experiment Vol. 2, I was thrilled. Authored by Dr. Carl Werner, a biologist and recipient of the Norman D. Jones Science Award. I love reading books by scientists that present a Biblical viewpoint! Too often people think that to be a scientist or have a college degree, you have to believe in evolution. Of course, the normal course of that assumption is to believe that all Young-Earth Creationists are dummies who never made it past 8th grade. Not so! Anyways, back to the subject at hand :)
Just like the first book in the series, Living Fossils is loaded with detailed, full-color photos. This is nice for several reasons; first, because it gives me an idea of what the author is speaking about (and really proves his point throughout the book) but also because it will encourage even younger children to pick up the book. My brother, for example, will choose books to read based on the amount of color pictures in it! This one definitely passed his test.
Before I share my thoughts about this book, I'd like to share a little background on the author and how the book came to be. Dr. Werner, during his medical school years, gradually became a staunch advocate of evolution. A year later, in his sophomore college term, Carl was out with a fellow-student. The other student gave Dr. Werner 4 questions-questions that changed his life. His final statement was "Carl, I challenge you to prove evolution". After this discussion, Carl decided to line up the evidence for both Creation and evolution, with the goal of proving evolution to be true. For the next 18 years, Dr. Werner studied the evolution debate in depth. After years of frustration, he decided to apply a test, taking the Creationist viewpoint in order to disprove it. If evolution was not true, then animals and plants should not change over time; thus Carl would be able to find "modern" plant and animal fossils in "older" rock layers. And that is how, in 1997, Dr. Werner and his wife began their trek that would come to total over 108,000 miles over 3 continents.
Living Fossils is an amazing compilation from that journey. With over 15 chapters covering as many different species, Carl details how and where he found, in essence, living fossils! Fossils that appear to be exactly the same as modern animals and plants, yet were discovered in fossil layers supposedly millions of years old! For example, I was amazed at the pictures of the modern Ground Lizard, and a "Dinosaur-Era Lizard". They look exactly the same! And the same thing occurs over and over and over in this book! Picture on top of picture shows just how much plants and animals have really changed-or not! After reading this book, I honestly can not see how people can so blindly accept evolution, and not even care about the obvious discrepancies and problems with their belief! Dr. Werner has done an excellent job, and I am putting the first book, Evolution: The Grand Experiment, a top-priority purchase!
Disclaimer: I was not monetarily compensated in any way for this review. I did receive a copy of the book for review from New Leaf Publishing Group.
Just like the first book in the series, Living Fossils is loaded with detailed, full-color photos. This is nice for several reasons; first, because it gives me an idea of what the author is speaking about (and really proves his point throughout the book) but also because it will encourage even younger children to pick up the book. My brother, for example, will choose books to read based on the amount of color pictures in it! This one definitely passed his test.
Before I share my thoughts about this book, I'd like to share a little background on the author and how the book came to be. Dr. Werner, during his medical school years, gradually became a staunch advocate of evolution. A year later, in his sophomore college term, Carl was out with a fellow-student. The other student gave Dr. Werner 4 questions-questions that changed his life. His final statement was "Carl, I challenge you to prove evolution". After this discussion, Carl decided to line up the evidence for both Creation and evolution, with the goal of proving evolution to be true. For the next 18 years, Dr. Werner studied the evolution debate in depth. After years of frustration, he decided to apply a test, taking the Creationist viewpoint in order to disprove it. If evolution was not true, then animals and plants should not change over time; thus Carl would be able to find "modern" plant and animal fossils in "older" rock layers. And that is how, in 1997, Dr. Werner and his wife began their trek that would come to total over 108,000 miles over 3 continents.
Living Fossils is an amazing compilation from that journey. With over 15 chapters covering as many different species, Carl details how and where he found, in essence, living fossils! Fossils that appear to be exactly the same as modern animals and plants, yet were discovered in fossil layers supposedly millions of years old! For example, I was amazed at the pictures of the modern Ground Lizard, and a "Dinosaur-Era Lizard". They look exactly the same! And the same thing occurs over and over and over in this book! Picture on top of picture shows just how much plants and animals have really changed-or not! After reading this book, I honestly can not see how people can so blindly accept evolution, and not even care about the obvious discrepancies and problems with their belief! Dr. Werner has done an excellent job, and I am putting the first book, Evolution: The Grand Experiment, a top-priority purchase!
Disclaimer: I was not monetarily compensated in any way for this review. I did receive a copy of the book for review from New Leaf Publishing Group.
July 18, 2011
Having reviewed Carl Werner’s Evolution: The Grand Experiment – Volume 1 a few months back, I eagerly awaited the opportunity to crack open Volume 2: Living Fossils. Like the first volume, Living Fossils is presented in an easy-to-read format aimed at the general public and is filled with beautiful full color photographs of fossils and animals throughout. As they say, A picture is worth a thousand words. Once again, Werner’s book is a Godsend for visual learners.
While Volume 1 tackled several lines of evidence used to support evolution at once, this volume deals with one specific issue.
Basically, Dr. Carl Werner set out to test the evolutionary model in the following manner:
“I predicted that if evolution was not true, then animals and plants would not change significantly over time. Accordingly, I predicted I should find fossils of modern animal and plant species in the “older” fossil layers” [p. 10].
He notes that “the naming of species is subjective and, at times, I find species and genus names unreliable” [p. 23]. As an example, he notes that scientists once mistakenly believed different “races” of humans represented more than 15 different species, while modern genetics have proven we are but one species. He also notes wide variations in dogs, in a single species of oysters and in sassafras leaves [even from the same tree]. He further noted that while he and his wife photographed many modern-appearing plants and animals in the fossil record, not one fossil was assigned a modern species name. He became convinced that evolutionist were playing what he calls the Naming Game.
As he puts it:
“If a paleontologist was unfamiliar with the variations within living species, it is possible he or she could misinterpret differences and mistakenly give each fossil a new, erroneous species name, based on minor changes only. Taking it one step further, this name change could give the false impression that evolution, or dramatic change, has occured over time. The only way this can be sorted out is to look at the fossils and living forms” [p. 18].
This is exactly what Dr. Werner has set out to do in this volume; He painstakingly takes us through the plant and animal kingdoms, showing us modern-looking dinosaur era fossils and their probable living counterparts. It is an amazing book of which Dr. Werner should be proud.
I can’t wait to check out the next book in the series.
You can find out more about the book and follow a link to purchase it at http://thegrandexperiment.com.
-Rev Tony Breeden
From the Bookwyrm’s Lair
While Volume 1 tackled several lines of evidence used to support evolution at once, this volume deals with one specific issue.
Basically, Dr. Carl Werner set out to test the evolutionary model in the following manner:
“I predicted that if evolution was not true, then animals and plants would not change significantly over time. Accordingly, I predicted I should find fossils of modern animal and plant species in the “older” fossil layers” [p. 10].
He notes that “the naming of species is subjective and, at times, I find species and genus names unreliable” [p. 23]. As an example, he notes that scientists once mistakenly believed different “races” of humans represented more than 15 different species, while modern genetics have proven we are but one species. He also notes wide variations in dogs, in a single species of oysters and in sassafras leaves [even from the same tree]. He further noted that while he and his wife photographed many modern-appearing plants and animals in the fossil record, not one fossil was assigned a modern species name. He became convinced that evolutionist were playing what he calls the Naming Game.
As he puts it:
“If a paleontologist was unfamiliar with the variations within living species, it is possible he or she could misinterpret differences and mistakenly give each fossil a new, erroneous species name, based on minor changes only. Taking it one step further, this name change could give the false impression that evolution, or dramatic change, has occured over time. The only way this can be sorted out is to look at the fossils and living forms” [p. 18].
This is exactly what Dr. Werner has set out to do in this volume; He painstakingly takes us through the plant and animal kingdoms, showing us modern-looking dinosaur era fossils and their probable living counterparts. It is an amazing book of which Dr. Werner should be proud.
I can’t wait to check out the next book in the series.
You can find out more about the book and follow a link to purchase it at http://thegrandexperiment.com.
-Rev Tony Breeden
From the Bookwyrm’s Lair
September 18, 2011
"resented in an easy-to-read format aimed at the general public and is filled with beautiful full color photographs of fossils and animals throughout,"Evolution: The Grand Experiment: Vol. 2 - Living Fossils"by Carl Werner is a beautiful book to have in your school room. With approximately, 700 color photographs and presented in an easy-to-read format, along with a teacher's edition (I didn't have the opportunity to review the teacher's edition, but sure it's laid out just as well as the textbook, itself is) and a dvd, teachers will find,"Evolution: The Grand Expermiment: vol. 2-Living Fossils" and interesting and provocative read for students in junior high and older.
For those with younger students, the photos alone, are eye catching, beautiful render and will encourage discussion and study in fossils and discussions and debate about creation vs. evolution.
The pictures alone are worth the textbook and a great way to introduce your students to fossils. In a note by, Dr. Carl Werner,:
"I would like to point out another product associated with the book and Teacher's Manual. This disk, titled "Evolution: The Grand Experiment Presenation CD," is designed to be used by anyone who speaks to groups on the topic of creation or evolution, including teachers and lecturers. This Presentation CD does not replace the actual book or Teacher's Manual but is designed to offer a method to present selected pages from the book to a group. These electronic files can be loaded onto your laptop computer and then shown using a video projector or a television connected to your computer. Beautiful photographs of the fossils and diagrams from the book can enhance any presentation.
This CD also contains two video clips of scientists who were interviewed for the book and the upcoming video series under the same title.
As an added bonus, the disk contains the "Objectives For Students" pages from the Teacher's Manual in an electronic format. This allows teachers to print these objectives for a larger group using a computer printer.
In essence, an entire series of lectures on the topic of evolution/creation can be presented using this CD. The book's 700 color photographs and diagrams will entertain any audience."
If you are looking for a book to use in your school, "Evolution: The Grand Experiment: Vol.2-Living Fossils" is worth looking into.
For those with younger students, the photos alone, are eye catching, beautiful render and will encourage discussion and study in fossils and discussions and debate about creation vs. evolution.
The pictures alone are worth the textbook and a great way to introduce your students to fossils. In a note by, Dr. Carl Werner,:
"I would like to point out another product associated with the book and Teacher's Manual. This disk, titled "Evolution: The Grand Experiment Presenation CD," is designed to be used by anyone who speaks to groups on the topic of creation or evolution, including teachers and lecturers. This Presentation CD does not replace the actual book or Teacher's Manual but is designed to offer a method to present selected pages from the book to a group. These electronic files can be loaded onto your laptop computer and then shown using a video projector or a television connected to your computer. Beautiful photographs of the fossils and diagrams from the book can enhance any presentation.
This CD also contains two video clips of scientists who were interviewed for the book and the upcoming video series under the same title.
As an added bonus, the disk contains the "Objectives For Students" pages from the Teacher's Manual in an electronic format. This allows teachers to print these objectives for a larger group using a computer printer.
In essence, an entire series of lectures on the topic of evolution/creation can be presented using this CD. The book's 700 color photographs and diagrams will entertain any audience."
If you are looking for a book to use in your school, "Evolution: The Grand Experiment: Vol.2-Living Fossils" is worth looking into.
July 25, 2011
Living Fossils
Evolution: The Grand Experiment Vol. 2
Dr. Carl Werner
Published by New Leaf Press
Source : Review Copy
Dr. Werner has invested much time and resources into creating a brilliant example of creation through the viewfinder of fossils.
Showcasing fossil forms and familiar animals of today Dr. Werner is able to show how the animals have remained constant over time.
He has captured the animals and fossils in amazing photography. First describing how we come to name the groups of animals and classifying them. He then goes on to show these varied creatures in vivid photos and detailed description.
A must text book for homeschool families in the high school years for sure. I have Vol 1 ready to use for my own children this year and will incorporate volume 2 in right after.
I am just in awe of the beauty of this book and the dedication of Dr. Werner and his team to bring this evidence to light for our families.
I received a copy of this book from New Leaf Press in exchange for an honest review.
Evolution: The Grand Experiment Vol. 2
Dr. Carl Werner
Published by New Leaf Press
Source : Review Copy
Dr. Werner has invested much time and resources into creating a brilliant example of creation through the viewfinder of fossils.
Showcasing fossil forms and familiar animals of today Dr. Werner is able to show how the animals have remained constant over time.
He has captured the animals and fossils in amazing photography. First describing how we come to name the groups of animals and classifying them. He then goes on to show these varied creatures in vivid photos and detailed description.
A must text book for homeschool families in the high school years for sure. I have Vol 1 ready to use for my own children this year and will incorporate volume 2 in right after.
I am just in awe of the beauty of this book and the dedication of Dr. Werner and his team to bring this evidence to light for our families.
I received a copy of this book from New Leaf Press in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2016
This picture book is very interesting. The author does state arguments in a simplistic fashion "if... then..." The arguments brought forth from this book alone may not be sufficient to sway most people, however, when the information presented here is coupled with information from other sources (e.g. "Bones of Contention" or "Earth's Catastrophic Past" ) and the facts that fossilization (although there are different types) generally requires unique circumstances - rapid burial followed by extremely silicate or mineral rich ground water to permeate the layers thus providing the silicon or other mineral that eventually replaces the void cavities (petrification) - then this book does present compelling arguments. Most compelling is the question of how animals like the coelacanth could possible maintain the same form over large spans of time when selection capabilities (i.e. selecting away bad mutations) coupled with realistic mutation rates are insufficient to maintain a genome / keep it unchanged (Sanford, "Genetic Entropy").
May 26, 2009
Like Volume 1, this book's presentation is awesome. The pictures clear, large, and complementing the text exactly. In this book Dr. Werner explains how he came to be involved in evolutionary research and is focusing on his findings in the fossils found around the world. He starts right at the beginning of his journey describing how he started it and how he learned to ask the "right" questions that elicited the most complete answers and of course, those that led him on to further research. He explains how things are named and separated in science. He describes his findings in every branch of fossil research from amphibians to plants. Everything is presented in a very readable and understandable manner with pictures that show exactly what he is talking about. This is a book that would be welcome in a school as a textbook, or in a home as a reference book. Every library should definitely have the series. ~ 5 stars.
October 20, 2020
This is Volume 2 of Evolution: The Grand Experiment. It is an equally lovely book. What was so compelling about this one is the hundreds (thousands?) of fossils that exist that are identical to living organisms! I was amazed!
June 24, 2012
Another awesome book by Dr. Werner: a local ER doctor!
Currently reading
July 6, 2011Looks like it's definitely gonna measure up to the quality of the 1st volume...
April 11, 2012
Another destroyer book of evolution :)
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews