Author Topic: Book Review - The Making of the Fittest  (Read 2917 times)

Offline EricL

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Book Review - The Making of the Fittest
« on: January 19, 2007, 05:17:08 PM »
'The Making of the Fittest'
DNA and the Ultimate Forensic Record of Evolution
Sean B. Carroll

Very readable and entertaining.  Focuses on molecular forensics of evolution in our (and other species) DNA.  Discusses evolution at the molecular level including mutations, psuedogenes and convergence of traits and sequences and gives a very readable primer of evolution, selection and sexual selection and the underlying genetic mechanisms.  Contains some great examples of evolution and the genetics there of (e.g. transparent artic ice fish with antifreeze for blood which live in sub 0 degrees environments and whose hemoglobin genes have all become disabled).

This is a fine first or second book to read on evolution.  More fluent readers may find it a bit too introductory though the interesting examples and portions discussing the latest in molecular evolution still make it a worthwhile read.
Many beers....