SmashingIdols

Marylandnaturegirl: I assumed oolon was correct, but thank you for your affirmation.


Booklist
I have spent this morning at a local bookstore, examining <a href="http://vig.prenhall.com/catalog/academic/product/1,4096,0130819239,00.html" target="_blank">Biological Science, by Scott Freeman</a>, and was very impressed.

I casually read this book from the section on evolutionary chemistry, to the development of cell-membranes. I was very impressed with how he presented the different theories on how each stage of development took place. I am excited at spending some time studying these sections in depth. I was surprised (but not overly) that he did not mention the hypothesized role of comets in early nucleic acid formation. Nevertheless, I think this is a good book on evolutionary biology - it seems to be the overall theme of the entire book, which is apparently intended as an introduction to biology for science majors, with a strong emphasis on evolutionary biology. This book with a strong Biochemistry text should fulfil my needs for now. Anybody here reviewed this book yet?

I am a little hesitant to purchase Futuyma's Evolutionary Biology because it appears to be out of print, and the last revision was some time ago. I may find a used copy for reference.

KC

Ecology and Evolution of Darwin's Finches, by Peter Grant

Secular Pinoy

(Edited to fix typos)

Steve Jones' book Darwin's Ghost is the best! Bar None! (Tasty candy bar, too) Dawkin's Selfish Gene is the best intro to neo-darwinism and Eldredge's Reinventing Darwin is the most notable on the naturalist position. Mayr's What Evolution Is is a sure winner.

I've noticed that no one here recommended an evo book on human evolution. I believe that human evolution is the best place to start learning about Evolution in general. I'd recommend Alan Walker's The Wisdom of Bones, chatty and quite easy to read. Go for Leakey and Johanson if you want to read about their intellectual rivalry on human origins. Seek Jared Diamond's The Third Chimpanzee for a more cultural approach to human evolution. Gribbin and Cherfas' The First Chimpanzee is ok, but highly speculative.

Lastly, try getting a book on plant evolution. Never had a chance to read one yet, but I'll look for one on my trip to the States next month (Mostly CA and NC). Happy hunting!

[ April 24, 2002: Message edited by: secularpinoy ]</p>