Evolution

by Douglas J. Futuyma

The complete 2nd Edition is available in a three-hole punched, looseleaf format. Students can take just the sections they need to class and can easily integrate instructor material with the text. In its scope and emphases, Evolution is a readily recognized descendant of the author's previous textbook, Evolutionary Biology. However, it is much shorter and is exclusively directed toward an undergraduate audience. Teachers and students will find the list of important concepts and terms in each chapter a helpful guide, and will appreciate the radically different dynamic figures and lively photographs. The content of all chapters has been updated, and material has been reorganized into new chapters such as "Conflict and Cooperation" and "How To Be Fit." Contributors Scott V. Edwards and John R. True have provided authoritative chapters on "Evolution of Genes and Genomes" and "Development and Evolution," two of the most rapidly developing subjects in evolutionary biology. A new final chapter on "Evolutionary Science, Creationism, and Society" treats such topics as the nature of science and the practical applications of evolutionary biology.

Genres: Science, Evolution, Biology, Textbooks, Nonfiction, Reference, Nature

633 pages, Unbound

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Dougal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Futuyma is a well known evolutionary academic and his book, now into a second edition, is a leading text on the subject. Writing the book must have been a major undertaking and Futuyma is to be commended on producing such a fascinating and comprehensive book.

Unfortunately, large sections of the text are indigestible. A simple example of the general style will suffice:

'From studies of modern organisms, we know that much diversity resides in the great numbers of related species that reduce competition with one another by subtle differences in resource use.'

In addition, it is very common to find excessive use of words:

'...or those of any other species you are familiar with...'

Apart from general style, one finds oneself having to continually reread sentences. It isn't anything to do with the subject matter, or grammar, but with Futuyma's rather strange and clumsy construction of sentences. It is very common to get to the end of a long sentence to arrive at the subject matter of a new topic, idea or concept, ie 'because of x, y, and z, and the intervention of u, v and w, it is shown that a, b, c.' The sentence that was obscure until the end, makes perfect sense on re-reading. It is actually rather interesting how the text is perfectly clear on a second reading, but like wading through treacle on a first reading.

Overall, 'Evolution' is a good, up to date text on the subject. There is also an accompanying website for the second edition (this review refers to the first edition). But do be prepared to occasionally spend time unnecessarily rereading, trying to unravel exactly what Futuyma is saying, and to mutter under your breath: 'Why on Earth didn't he just say....'.

[Bilge B · Rating 4 out of 5]

So fucking funny and great to learn basics

[Mohammad Aboomar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is as comprehensive as can be for an introductory text to evolutionary biology.

[Kevin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very basic overview that introduces readers a to many of the fundamental ideas in Evolution. A good high school or non-science major undergraduate textbook.

[Tanja Pyhäjärvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all the books I read during my undergraduate studies this was the most enjoyable

[Mariah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and easy to comprehend for beginners. The end of chapter summaries are really nice, and you can almost read the end of chapter and get the idea of the entire chapter. If reading, read the end summary first, and then read chapter.

I wish the examples and descriptions of things were separated more, so I can learn about the thing and then compare to an example and not piece the two together in the same sentence.

[Olena Kovalenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great composition of the material - unfolds from general into specific, from basic to complex. It could greatly benefit from video supporting materials and some sort of practice tests or self-questions.

[Serana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some mathematical aspects were unclear and hard to follow and some of the graphs did not have enough explanations. otherwise it was one of the best course books for evolution and evolutionary theories.

[Rafał Grochala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Returned after few years to the newest edition. I'm definetely pleased with example-heavy methods of teaching. Beautiful book about beautiful subject.

[Taliarochminska · Rating 1 out of 5]

wish I didn't, nothing personal it's just the size, content and price are a bit overwhelming

[M. Ashraf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evolution
Douglas J. Futuyama

This is a text book on Biology and Evolution and a great introduction to a scientific subject.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique academic voice and approach to textbook writing. Some examples stood out as different but helpful, others were a bit odd. Overall, well organized and researched.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Admito que la primera vez que lo leí, fue solo un poco por encima. Ahora me senté solo con el libro y lo leí de comienzo a fin. La verdad que en muchos momentos me aburrí porque iba sobre cosas muy básicas, pero por otro lado quizás a veces está bueno ir sobre lo básico para después tener una base para entender cosas más complejas. Está bastante bien, muy buenas explicaciones, esquemitas, recomiendo. Siento que va más dirigido a un estudiante de primeros años de carrera y no yo que estoy hace mil años pero igual mesirvio

[Heather Evans]

heavy work, this is not for most - particularly if you are like me and had a teacher that chose to let you learn it on your own

[Clement Ying · Rating 5 out of 5]

A textbook.

A glorious one.

[Patrick]

Read in Fall 2006.

3/20/19 - Chapter 5: A History of Life on Earth.