Sudden Origins: Fossils, Genes, and the Emergence of Species

by Jeffrey H. Schwartz

"Fascinating."-Nature
Finally a compelling answer to the question that has plagued scientists for centuries . . .
"A detailed and informative historical account."-Nature
"This is an intriguing and significant work."-Library Journal
"A provocative new theory to explain how species arise."-Scientific American
"A worthwhile attempt at bridging the new developments in how species may change and the evidence for the patterns of those changes."-American Scientist
Darwin may have argued that new species emerge through a slow, gradual accumulation of tiny mutations, but the fossil record reveals a very different scenario-the sudden emergence of whole new species, with no apparent immediate ancestors.
In this provocative and timely book, Jeffrey Schwartz presents a groundbreaking and radical new theory that explains exactly how evolution works. Turning to the marvels of genetics, paleontology, embryology, and anatomy, and introducing the recent discovery of an extraordinary type of gene, known as homeobox genes, Schwartz provides an evocative answer to the long-standing How do species emerge?
Writing with the expert knowledge only an insider can bring, Schwartz tells the intriguing history of the study of evolution, from the initial breakthrough discoveries to the famous Piltdown controversy up through the genetics revolution. Sudden Origins is a monumental book that ties together all the threads of evolutionary theory while providing a compelling answer to one of life's most enduring conundrums. This book is crucial reading for anyone who has ever pondered the mysteries of our evolutionary heritage.

Genres: Science, Evolution, Nonfiction, Biology

432 pages, Hardcover

First published March 25, 1999

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Reviews

[Eldon]

An interesting exploration of alternatives and (more accurately) variations on evolutionary theory. The first portion is a rather extensive explication of the "people history" and therefore academic lineages of various elements of the debate, culminating in the 40s-era "grand synthesis" which still dominates today's discussion. The second half covers various correctives and alternatives to the prevailing discussion, some of which seem wacky and some of which seem intriguing.