The Fact of Evolution

Countering evolution deniers, Smith (anthropology, Portland State U., OR) argues that evolution is the inevitable consequence of the facts of replication, variation, and selection. With examples focusing mainly on nonhuman life forms, historical context, diagrams, and quotes from leading scientists, he explains the basic, often misunderstood, principles of scientific theories. Conveying a sense of how quickly the field is evolving while still supporting Darwin's core ideas, he renders accessible complex topics including DNA replication and recent genomics-based discoveries. The bibliography includes websites. Annotation c2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Cameron M. Smith, Ph.D. (Portland, OR), is a prehistorian at Portland State University’s Department of Anthropology and a popular science writer. He is the author of The Top Ten Myths about Evolution (with Charles Sullivan) and, in addition to his scientific works, has published articles in Scientific American MIND, Archaeology, Playboy, Spaceflight, Skeptical Inquirer, and The Writer.