Why Evolution Is True

"Why Evolution Is True" is a well written, informative, very convincing defense of the truth and accuracy of evolution. The author, Jerry Coyne, does an excellent job of presenting a complex subject in a readable and understandable fashion. The book is filled with innumerable examples, which clarify and support the positions the author has taken.

The book is also quite persuasive of the author's position. Unlike many of the readers, who appear quite educated in this subject, I come to it as a layman, with only a few preconceived notions of the relative strengths of evolution and intelligent design. However, after reading this book, I walk away with the impression that even though we don't yet understand every facet of evolution, we know enough to understand that evolution is fact, supported by a significant level of physical evidence, while intelligent design is speculation, fueled by persons with an agenda.

I was particularly impressed by Coyne's ready willingness to point out the gaps in the scientific knowledge explaining and supporting evolution. To me, his willingness to acknowledge those weaknesses only serve to further strengthen the support that science presents on the truth and accuracy of evolution.

As a lawyer I have become accustomed to reading material intended to convince the reader of the truth and accuracy of the writer's position. But it is rare that I am presented with such an easily understood, plainly written, solidly researched, piece on such a complex and controversial subject. Whichever way you may lean on this subject (or even when there is no leaning), this book appears to be an essential voice in the discussion.

To eliminate any suspense: buy the book. It's really incredible.

For me, this was not just a book to read, but one in which to be actively engaged. It was a study. It took awhile to finish...I was in no hurry. I would use thoughts/info from the book to launch my own little research escapades online. It's an eye-opener which I can't recommend highly enough.

Just a couple thoughts that had the biggest impact on my thinking...1. Whales have a pelvis. Some have two little bones connected to it. Leg bones. Google whale pelvis for pics. Why do whales have legs? They used to be amphibious. Evolution just hasn't had time to evolve them out completely. Check back in a million years. They'll be gone. 2. Evolution in a testube. 20ish years ago scientists introduced e-coli bacteria into a vat of food and o2, a perfect environment for them. O2 at the top of the vat was high while o2 at the bottom was low. Over time the e-coli spread to top and bottom, evolving to exist in different environments. The evolution was so complete that new species developed changing DNA and genes. Actual observable evolution.

The book is full of facts like this. Irrefutable evidence that life changes. If you're interested in really understanding why and how the natural world is what it is, read this book. Take your time.

Why Evolution Is True by Jerry A. Coyne

Why Evolution Is True is my favorite book on evolution. It starts of course with the prodigious knowledge of Mr. Coyne but it's his ability to explain such complex topics with ease that sets this book apart from the rest. It's profound without being unintelligible. It's always the first book I recommend when I want to convince someone that the theory of evolution is true and supported by converging mountains of evidence. The book is composed of the following nine chapters: What is Evolution, Written in the Rocks, Remnants: Vestiges, Embryos, and Bad Design, The Geography of Life, The Engine of Evolution, How Sex Drives Evolution, The Origin of Species, What About Us?, and Evolution Redux.

Positives:
1. I absolutely love Mr. Coyne's assured, confident approach backed by lucid scientific evidence. He masters his topic and he conveys it with expertise. This is how all scientific books should be written, make your point and provide cogent arguments to defend it, bravo!
2. Great scientific quotes abound. Reference material.
3. The best explanation for the theory of natural selection with a luxury of details.
4. Mr. Coyne tells it as he sees it without being disrespectful. He establishes clearly where the resistance for evolution comes from and puts it in its proper place.
5. Great use of figures that help illustrate evolution.
6. I absolutely love how Mr. Coyne weaves several disciplines of science to make his points as clear as possible.
7. In making the case perfectly clear for evolution, he in fact destroys any notion of an "Intelligent Design".
8. An outstanding explanation for evolutionary predictions.
9. Radiometric dating and how we are able to have confidence in its accuracy.
10. Everything you wanted to know about fossil records and transitional forms. Including two of the best examples: Tiktaalik and Archaeopteryx.
11. One of my favorite sections...vestigial traits. A lot of aha moments here.
12. Great examples of bad "design".
13. Convergent evolution explained.
14. Genetics made easy to understand.
15. The best explanation on how our eyes evolved.
16. Sexual evolution...I finally get it.
17. I enjoy the admiration that evolutionary biologists have for the icons of their industry: Darwin goes without saying but there is great admiration for Ernst Mayr and Richard Dawkins.
18. Absolutely loved the chapter about human evolution.
19. This book explains the most important concepts of evolution like no other. Brilliant!
20. All the links, notes, glossary does this superb book justice.

Negatives:
1. Having to wait for Mr. Coyne's next book.

In summary, this is in my humble opinion the best book about evolution for the masses. No book explains the theory of evolution any better than this one. It's thorough, well written, and makes you proud to love science. I can't recommend this book enough. A well deserved 5-star book. You don't have to believe in evolution but once you read this book it will leave you no choice but to accept it.
Recommendations: "Your Inner Fish..." by Neil Shubin, "The Making of the Fittest" by Sean B. Carroll, "What Evolution Is" by Ernst Mayr, "Life Ascending: The Ten Great Inventions of Evolution" by Nick Lane and "The Greatest Show on Earth" by the great Richard Dawkins.

I come from a biology background, with a bachelors in and a masters in biology. I even took a required class titled simply "Evolution." That class did a good job explaining evolution for what it is, as well as the evidence behind it. This book, so far, does an amazing job of bringing up evidence that couldn't fit in the time-constrained curriculum of that class. Right now I'm on page 73, and so far Professor Coyne does an amazing job detailing and explaining both the evidence for evolution and any nuances to help appreciate such evidence. I'm roughly only 1/3 of the

He also takes the time to compare the evidence to the predictions made by evolutionary theory, and also compares them to the predictions one would expect from a creationist standpoint. It's not just "Here's why evolution is true," but it's also "Here's why a special creation of animals makes no sense in light of what we can plainly see." So far it seems the book is about 95% "Why evolution is true" and 5% "Why creation cannot be true."

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about evolution and may not know where to start, or if you're just looking to understand the real thing instead of the straw-manned version taught in religious circles (as I was once taught).

I can't wait to keep reading and finish the book. I'll probably edit and update this review when I finish.

Have a nice day, hope this helped in making your decision.

I love this book. It is written beautifully. It is easy to understand and interesting to read. The author thoroughly researched each topic he mentioned in the book. As an adult who never grew up learning evolution in school, this book was eye opening. Please read it.

With the 150 year anniversary of the Origin of Species, we have been deeply rewarded with a couple of first class books in defense of the biological sciences which has Darwin's elegant theory as the base of those sciences. It is unfortunate that books of these types are needed, but to those of us who find biology interesting at a novice's level, we get to be rewarded as excellent writing scientists such as Richard Dawkins and Jerry Coyne grace us with an interesting and passionate exposition of the evidence for evolution and the profound power it has in explaining so much of the natural world in which we live.

Jerry Coyne in his book, "Why Evolution is True", does an excellent job of looking at what Darwin proposed and when he proposed it. He points out persuasively that at the time, there was still much that was speculation on Darwin's part, and it is indeed remarkable just how much he got right. The author discusses the difference between a scientific theory and a theory in the popular language. Likening the theory of evolution to the "Germ Theory of Disease" or the "the Atomic Theory" provides a reasonable comparison for Darwin's "Theory of Evolution." A scientific theory goes far beyond the theory I had this year that the Vikings would win the Super Bowl.

Coyne does a really good job of outlining some interesting cases where the "Theory of Evolution" provided predictions that make sense only in the light of evolution, as well as retrodictions that can only be explained by evolution. He also provides examples from the fossil record which show consistent patterns of evolution and intermediation from one species to another. Coyne addresses common creationist arguments and persuasively shows that the underpinning for creationism and it's dressed up off-spring "intelligent design" is religious and unscientific because it is trying to prove an already accepted outcome.

One of the best parts of the book is when Coyne gets into vestigial features of animals that an intelligent designer would never create. The bodies of all animals only make sense when you retrofit previous features into the current life patterns of current species. Coyne uses interesting examples such as the human appendix, the location of the prostate gland, and the odd development of animals as embryos clearly belaying their past evolution.

Not as strident and caustic and Dawkin's book, it has great power by just how matter-of-fact Coyne is in showing the evidence and putting that evidence in context. He also shows why there is a need for his book, with the United States in particular, facing an intellectual onslaught from those who cling to bronze-age myths in the face of overwhelming reality.

Thanks to Professor Coyne for writing this book in the tradition of others who have preceded him in making the case such as Futuyma and Pennock. Coyne's and Dawkin's excellent books make a great set of overlapping, mutually supporting, but slightly different approaches for making the case for Darwin's elegant theory.

Evolution is a fact not a theory. Dr. Coyne explains why. I've read this book several times. If you are curious how our understanding of evolution has advanced since Darwin, I would recommend this book

Jerry Coyne articulately fills in all the gaps for those like myself, that weren't taught evolution in public school. Up until now, everything I knew of evolutionary science I've learned from reading the science section of newspapers, the occasional science magazine and watching PBS. "Why Evolution is True" gives a great overview of evolution with enough detail to comprehend but without too much detail to get bogged down and lose the interest of those new to the science. The book read like a story and was entertaining as well as informative. With the firm base of knowledge and examples that this book provides, one can feel confident discussing evolutionary science with others, and refuting much of the religious misinformation being endlessly repeated in our public sphere.

Scientific knowledge is so poor among the general public, that after reading this book the reader will know more than most about our true natural history and where we came from. Knowing our true past is helpful in understanding ourselves and why we are the way we are, not to mention understanding where all of those bones in the ground came from!

A few interesting tidbits I learned while reading Jerry Coyne's book are; that "....friction produced by the tides gradually slows the earth's rotation over time. Each day - one revolution of the earth - is a tiny bit longer than the last one (p 24)."

A radioisotope is simply a radioactive element that gradually decays into other elements at a constant rate which helps geologists accurately determine how old rocks are (p 23).

Evolution of species is not random. Complex creatures and organisms were preceded by more simple versions, and numerous transitional fossils connecting them have been found (p 29).

The evolution of lactose tolerance in humans and how it corresponds with the spread of cow domestication and dairy farming (p 217). Those are just a few tidbits of information that I found enlightening, there are many more, a smorgesbord of interesting facts awaits the lucky reader of this book.

Jerry Coyne's description of how the evolution of big brains leading to larger infant heads relative to the opening of a women's pelvis lead to more painful childbirth, makes much more sense than the Bibles version of women being punished by God with more painful childbirth because Eve ate from the tree of knowledge (p 85). I agree with Jerry Coyne that, "Evolution tells us where we came from, not where we can go (p 231)." And that, "....the study of evolution can liberate our minds (p 233)," as a better understanding of all the physical sciences can free us from the superstitions of the past and open up to us a universe of mystery and awe waiting to be discovered.

Special thanks to "ESK" for his excellent review inspiring me to purchase this book.

Dr. Coyne has a very fluid and meticulous writing style and presents the intricate body of evidence for evolution in a very engaging way. This book is written primarily for the wavering, uninformed person that has neither a strong scientific knowledge base, nor a strong affiliation with the religious right. As a person with a strong background in the life sciences, I still found this book contained enough detail to contain my attention. Dr. Coyne takes example after example, from the evolution of the bird from a reptile to the evolution of the later primates into the Homo species, and painstakingly goes over the evidence for evolution. Like with the issue of climate change, there has been much in the way of smoke screens and red herrings that calls into question the validity of a scientific theory that has amassed such a bedrock of evidence. Indeed, unlike climate change, evolution has evolved into the realm of beyond all reasonable doubt. Despite the insistence of some to push the meaning of the word theory into the realm of maybe; this theory finds its contemporaries in such theories as the germ theory, the atomic theory, and the theory of relativity. There is no doubt behind these theories, and there is no doubt behind the theory of evolution, save in certain religious circles.

My only lament derives from the very religion versus science debate I describe above. I would love to read a book on evolution that does not feel pressured to spend over 20% of the book trying to debunk "competing" theories. While Coyne is firm and straightforward in his dealing with the Creationist and Intelligent Design camps in this book, he thankfully does not take it the leaps and bounds forward that his gifted colleague, Richard Dawkins, has chosen to do. He simply presents his evidence, exposes the yawning chasm that is the lack of evidence and logic for the other side, and lets his argument lie. He does not go on to spitefully attack his opponents personally. He does not go on to demean persons with religious beliefs. Indeed, it is this restraint that elevates Coyne above Dawkins, the defacto leader of Evolutionary Biology in the International scene. It is my hope that in all future publications on the subject, authors can take a page from Dr. Coyne and keep to the scientific beauty and grandeur of evolution and leave the squabling to Dawkins and his shrill opponents on the far right.

Probably one of the first books pertaining to evolution that I was able to finish in a long time. The author sticks to his subject and like a teacher, builds upon past lessons he has taught you. It stuck to facts, such as fossil evidence, explaining how fossils are formed, why it is difficult and often rare for certain lifeforms to be fossilized, and also addresses why evidence doesn't support a "creator-based" scenario. Explanations of genes and how genetic evidence supports evolution was equally interesting. Lots of new evidence has been found in the last 10 years - much of which is not very well publicized in the media, so I found this book not only entertaining, but very useful in expanding my knowledge of life and how things came to be like they are now. The information on whales and other aquatic mammals was especially interesting. I wish he would have touched more on humans and how race developed, and how each different race was adapted in different ways to their environment, but I guess I'll have to look elsewhere.

Written very simply so a layman can understand it, but not dumbed down enough to have no impact. Lots of evidence is presented and serves as a good book to give to someone to help educate them about basic evolution.

The first time creationists made their attack on the Louisiana educational system, I was amazed to discover the dearth of good written materials explaining the basics of evolutionary biology, let alone books taking issue with creationist claims. One of the results of this is that scientists have taken the time to write for the general public, and since those days there have always been good references in print. This is one of the latest, and it is a welcome addition to the genre. Another fine book that I discovered through this one is YOUR INNER FISH by Neil Shubin, which more specifically addresses human evolution. With all the good references and websites available, there is no excuse for not being informed.

This book is an excellent introduction to evolutionary biology. It presents clear evidence that evolution is not just a theory in the colloquial sense of the word, but a scientific fact. Evidences come not only from the fossil records (which that alone is evidence enough), but from DNA, vestigial traits, embryology, biogeography and suboptimal design. The author show how evolution theory makes accurate predictions of the location and time of the fossil record that shows transitional features between species, the capability to make complex organism, and how both macro and microevolution happen.

He also makes the case to refute creationist's arguments that the theory is too incomplete to be true due to the lack of transitional organism in the fossil record, by explaining that this argument does not agree with the multitude of evidence in favor of evolution coming from many branches of science, in spite of all the countless opportunities to be proven wrong. Evolution happens and that Natural Selection is the main mechanism for adaptation, plain and simple. The evidence also makes a strong case against creationism and its argument that every creature is made in its current form, with a biology that does not need adaptation.

I highly recommend this book if you are curious or want to learn more about the facts of evolution. But if you believe in ID, this book will not change your mind... nothing will. ID is an emotional respond from those who believe that evolution diminish the human condition. In my opinion, it does exactly the opposite, since it links us to the rest of the living things on this planet. But my opinion is beside the point, since the evidence show that evolution happens.

Evolution is one of the topics I'm very unfamiliar with and Coyne's book served as an excellent introduction to evolution. The book lays out the abundance of evidence for evolution in a clear and organized manner. The 'Notes' section of the book is also very helpful and I encourage those who usually ignore footnotes to check these out too. Coyne provided links to websites and videos that further supported his points, a lot of which turned out to be great resources where I spent a lot of time on!

Overall an informative and satisfying read. My favorite quote from the book is "What conquers our ignorance is research, not giving up and attributing our ignorance to the miraculous work of a creator". Coyne definitely led a great example of such philosophy.

The debate over whether evolution is "true" has been settled for years - researchers know the mechanism (genes encoded in DNA, changing over time), have proof that it has been working for billions of years (fossil evidence), and can now manipulate genes to, essentially, cause new organisms to "evolve" in a lab. Coyne and others have documented the case for evolution for laypersons in clear and unambiguous language. The only way to deny the truth of evolution is to close your eyes, stick your fingers in your ears, and chant, "La-la-la!" every time someone tries to explain it to you. Brilliant work!

This book is full of facts supporting evolution. Anyone who is not sure about the science should read this book. It is well documented with the sources and has further reading suggestions if there is interest.

"Darwin matters because evolution matters. Evolution matters because science matters. Science matters because it is the preeminent story of our age, an epic saga about who we are, where we came from, and where we are going." (Michael Shermer).
With this introductory statement, with which I couldn't agree more, starts this fascinating book that everybody who wants to understand evolution should read.
The author explains why evolution by natural selection is so different from intelligent design. Evolution is like an architect who continually reforms the house by adapting the preexisting building, so that it can never build a perfectly designed building and there are proofs, such as the development of our testes which starts in the abdomen and leads to inguinal hernias or our vestigial appendix or the problems caused in the urethra by the growth of the prostate gland. Natural selection produces fitter beings, but not the fittest. And adaptations must evolve by increasing the reproductive output of its possessor. It is reproduction, not survival, that determines which genes make it to the next generation and cause evolution.
Darwinism, as any scientific theory, makes testable predictions and the books shows several examples. It also describes recent discoveries of the transitional forms between fish and amphibians and between reptiles and birds.
It is interesting to learn that the process of speciation was not well understood until de 1930s. The main driving force of a species splitting up into two is geographic isolation. The process of speciation is similar to the process of the divergence of languages.
Besides the fossil record, one of the proofs of evolution is the artificial breeding of animals and plants and, more recently, the growing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics.
Against the belief of creationists, natural selection can build complex organs such as eyes, in fact it has done it independently about 40 times.
In one of the final chapters the book deals about the evolution of hominins. It is now settled that bipedalism came long before the evolution of the human brain.
Two quotes in chapter 9 will give you the feeling of what are some of the important messages of this book:
"After sleeping through a hundred million centuries we have finally opened our eyes on a sumptuous planet, sparkling with color, bountiful with life. Within decades we must close our eyes again. Isn't it a noble, an enlightened way of spending our brief time in the sun, to work at understanding the universe and how we come to wake up in it? This is how I answer when I am asked -as I am surprisingly often- why I bother to get up in the mornings" (Richard Dawkins).
"I don't have to know an answer. I don't feel frightened by not knowing things, by being lost in a mysterious universe without any purpose, which is the way it really is as far as I can tell, possibly. It doesn't frighten me" (Richard Feynman).
The author claims that "if the history of science teaches us anything, it is that what conquers our ignorance is research, not giving up and attributing our ignorance to the miraculous work of a creator".
If you want to embark in a voyage of true discovery of your origins, please read this book.

Before I read this book I believe in evolution but I only had a general idea on how well-supported evolution is. It is only when I actually read this book for my class on Darwinism that I fully appreciate the vast amount of evidences that are piling up in favor of evolutionary biology: Embryology, Bio-geography, Fossil Records, Vestiges, Genetic Atavism/Vestiges, and Geographic Isolation (which is the common cause for speciation).

Furthermore, What fascinates me more is that all the evidences that Coyne presents in this book are infinitesimally small compare to the vast ocean of evidences that you'll usually find in peer review journals. What makes Coyne's book such a useful introductory material is Coyne knows how to select the important and novel examples of evidences that confirms the predictions inferred from evolution; More interestingly with Genetics, Geography, and Fossil Records the scientists know how to make accurate predictions that can be tested: many times these predictions come to be true such as the case of Taaktalik Rosae. However, on the other hand Coyne also let's his readers know that Evolution is far from being complete but he elaborates what he means by this: No scientists are disputing the truth of evolution but they are disputing the exact details and mechanisms of evolution.

After reading this book it amazes me how stupid and pretentious some of the "skeptical" questions can be when they come from creationists. Questions on the "missing links" are especially very annoying since not every single missing link has to be covered: we only need plenty of transitional fossils to show that species do have common ancestors, but we do need every single transitional fossil to give a complete picture of the evolutionary history. Thus "missing link" is not a problem for the truth of evolution because we know that it is true without the transitional fossils, but rather it is a problem in terms of the exact details of the evolutionary history of the species. As Coyne argues we have found plenty of transitional fossils over the years and we are currently finding more transitional fossil. Evolution is not a complete theory but it's incompleteness should not mean that it is false since it is possible that any theory can be complete but still false.

A reader might be tempted to buy this book with the hopes that it would present arguments against creationism and intelligent design. However the reader *might* be disappointed because strictly speaking Coyne spends most of the time introducing and explaining the evidences that are used to support many aspects of evolution. Coyne does make strong criticisms on creationism in the section of "Bad Design", but most of the time Coyne occasionally points out ways creationists can distort the issues of evolution. Coyne's focus is not "Why Creationism is false" but rather "Why Evolution is True" (which implies Creationism is false), and in that sense Coyne's book is very faithful to its title and delivers what it promises to the readers.

The only criticism I have about the book is that the last chapter was too short. Despite this Coyne does address some of the core issues that concerns a lot of people that underlies the whole "Controversy". Race, Abortion, Sex, Religion, meaning of lie, and Morality are the fundamental concerns that many people seem to have when they encounter Evolution. As Coyne correctly point out, people are more concerned about the emotional, political, and existential consequences of the theory of evolution than they are about the evidences to support it. This is where I become very frustrated because none of those things have anything to do with whether evolution is true. What this tells me is how politics and religions messes people's mind up to the point that truth is no longer part of their priority, rather protecting ideological and cultural mythologies that embody societal values become part of their ultimate concern.

Overall, not only do I recommend this book but I strongly believe that it should be part part of the school curriculum for every student. This might provoke anger from religious parents, but truth is so much more important than the whims of religoius tyrants.

Excellent text, addresses our hang ups of being a mammal no more or less important than all the other inhabitants of the planet. Gives a great summary of the human place on the evolutionary tree and fills in the modern developments on DNA and genetics which supports Darwin's work.

This book will add knowledge to a lay person such as me about evolution. It covers many interesting facts and discoveries. I also read Darwin's Origin of the Species. After reading these two books, one thinks what an astounding theory by Darwin that has been proven true in many ways. You can't help to think what a great thought process he must have had as well as his colleagues of the time.

I don't agree with the comments that the author was too harsh on Intelligent Design (ID). ID is a church initiative to discredit evolution because evolution conflicts with the Church's teachings of the way the earth was created. The Church's teaching is called mythology and includes talking serpents. The designer in ID is the Christian God, and doesn't include the 67% or so other Gods that humans worship. In the 16th century Nicolaus Copernicus developed a mathematical model that showed the earth rotating around the Sun. Later others supported this idea. The Church fought this idea for around 300 years because it conflicted with their teachings at the time that the earth was the center of the Universe. Perhaps the Church senses their survival is at stake. If the church can keep evolution from being taught in schools, then only a few will read about it, and we all can be ignorant together.

This book will add knowledge to a lay person such as me about evolution. It covers many interesting facts and discoveries. I also read Darwin's Origin of the Species. After reading these two books, one thinks what an astounding theory by Darwin that has been proven true in many ways. You can't help to think what a great thought process he must have had as well as his colleagues of the time.

I don't agree with the comments that the author was too harsh on Intelligent Design (ID). ID is a church initiative to discredit evolution because evolution conflicts with the Church's teachings of the way the earth was created. The Church's teaching is called mythology and includes talking serpents. The designer in ID is the Christian God, and doesn't include the 67% or so other Gods that humans worship. In the 16th century Nicolaus Copernicus developed a mathematical model that showed the earth rotating around the Sun. Later others supported this idea. The Church fought this idea for around 300 years because it conflicted with their teachings at the time that the earth was the center of the Universe. Perhaps the Church senses their survival is at stake. If the church can keep evolution from being taught in schools, then only a few will read about it, and we all can be ignorant together.

This was a very good introductory book to the case for evolution. Coyne draws from many different, relevant fields to provide a convincing case. Moreover, he is a great writer and kept me engaged throughout the entirety of the book. He also takes challenges to evolution head-on - he is not afraid to shy away from the objections from various creationists.

My only qualm with this book has to do with Coyne's occasional philosophical musings. With the exception of the last chapter, these musings are infrequent. Nevertheless, in these places I think he jumps to some conclusions pretty fast. I wish he would have just ended his book with something like "There is great debate over the philosophical implications of evolution. However, this much is clear: many have made good sense of objective meaning, value, morality, etc., while accepting the theory of evolution". Overall, a very worthwhile read.

This is a fascinating read that puts it all together. Seldom have I learned so much so pleasurably. I won't describe the book in detail because others have. I'll just say that Coyne's gift is that he writes about a complex subject with rare clarity. This book provides a baseline of knowledge on evolution that everyone should have. Highly recommended.

Clearly written and wholly evidence-based, this book makes an extremely persuasive case that evolutionary theory is true or factual in the sense that those terms are commonly understood by the broad public. The fossil record and cases of evolutionary adaptation of resistance to antibiotics in many strains of bacteria such as staph and TB are among the examples Coyne uses to establish proof of evolutionary mechanisms at work in the real world.

Often debates about evolution degrade into a shouting match of competing beliefs. Many on both sides take for granted our political right to believe anything we wish and subsequently extrapolate to the erroneous idea that all beliefs are equally true and equally deserving of respect. The result of such an approach is to grant beliefs founded on whim, tradition and revelation a status that is not deserved; the result manifesting itself in such bromides as, "well, that's just your opinion."

Implicitly respecting the idea that the status of what you believe is dependent on how you arrived at that belief, Professor Coyne's "Why Evolution is True" is an excellent summary of the basic facts that underpin modern evolutionary theory. Unlike other books on evolution, this books shows not just `what' evolutionary theory is, but the underlying facts that give rise to it.

Chapter 1 - What is evolution. The definition and basic components that make up the modern theory; evolution, gradualism, speciation, common ancestry, natural selection, and non-selective mechanisms of evolutionary change.

Chapter 2 - Written in the Rocks. What the fossil record shows. The fossil record of speciation, missing links and transitional forms. Three excellent examples; amphibians from fish, birds from reptiles, and the evolution of whales.

Chapter 3 - Remnants. "Useless wings", vestigial organs, atavisms, and dead genes (with the excellent example of Vitamin C production in primates). Palimpsest in embryos (in my mind the weakest point of the book). Bad design including; flatfish, the laryngeal nerve, testes, the male urethra, birth and the fallopian tube/ovary junction.

Chapter 4 - The Geography of Life. What the horizontal distribution of animals tells us. Continental biogeography, continental drift, island biogeography, and convergent evolution.

Chapter 5 - The Engine of Evolution. How the mechanism of natural selection does and doesn't work. Evolution without selection (eg. genetic drift), artificial selection, evolution of microbes, drug resistance, selection seen in the wild, and building complexity via natural selection (with two excellent examples, Blood clotting and the Flagellum.)

Chapter 6 - How Sex Drives Evolution. How such things as maladaption and sexual dimorphism are explained by evolutionary theory.

Chapter 7 - Orgin of Species. Covers the topic of speciation. Included are geographic speciation and sympatric speciation (allopolypoidal and autoploidy). Included is the answer to the question, "why dont we observe species being created now, before our eyes?"

Chapter 8 - What about Us? The orgin of humans from primate ancestry. Fossil Evidence and how humans continue to evolve.

Chapter 9 -- Evolution Redux. A summary and an explanation why the belief in evolution doesn't necessarily lead to immorality.

In summary, this is an excellent intro for those who care if their beliefs are backed by facts. If I had one criticism, it would be that the "Human Chromosome 2 example" (ie. chromosomes 2a and 2b in primates was essentially 'fused' to give human chromosome 2) isn't included, evidence I personally consider one of the strongest for human/primate common ancestry. I hope Professor Coyne continues to update and expand this book, it is well written and badly needed.

Highly recommended.

In a word: OUTSTANDING! There are many very good books on evolution, but if anyone who presently doubts evolution as historical fact or as valid scientific theory is willing to read at least ONE book on the subject that is written by an evolutionary biologist (rather than "learning" everything you think you know about what evolutionists think and why we think it only from anti-evolutionists in whom you may have misplaced your trust), you cannot make a better choice than choosing to thoughtfully read THIS book!

Having believed wholeheartedly in evolution for as long as I can remember (despite a Catholic upbringing), I picked this up in order to learn some more specifics and to get an overview of what evidence we have discovered and collected.

I have not been disappointed at all. This book is chock-full of facts and explanations, all laid out in a not-too-brief-but-not-too-detailed 300 pages. I had already known the basics of evolution, but I hadn't known just HOW much hard evidence had been discovered over the past few decades. While this may sound a bit "flaky" (for lack of a better word), I feel so much more connected with the earth and all living things, now that I know just how connected we once were.

My only very slight complaint is how often Mr. Coyne attacks creationists. While I don't agree with the idea of creationism AT ALL, I find myself cringing a tad every time its believers are mentioned. I understand that Mr. Coyne's intent for the book is to arm those who understand evolution to be true with the facts and knowledge to argue for it, but I do wish that fact wasn't reiterated as often as it is. I think maybe those people who are "on the fence" with what to believe might be more receptive to accepting the evidence if the narrative were just a tiny bit more passive.

In summation, I think anyone who knows evolution to be true (and is looking for an overview) will greatly appreciate and enjoy this! If you're a creationist with an open mind, I would recommend this with the plea that you keep your mind open even though your views are coming under attack. If you're not sure what to believe, I hope you would consider reading this and (more hopeful still) see the evidence it presents as just that -- hard, physical evidence.

*** As a side-note, I was prompted to write this review after reading a few of the negative reviews posted by vigilant creationists who (in at least one case) discounted the book without even reading it. If you happen to disagree with anything I've said, by all means, disagree. However, if I actually have managed to offend anyone, please keep in mind that I am not attacking you and my opinions only affect you if you let them. I would rather agree to disagree than get into an argument with someone unwilling to see another point of view. ***