(posted on my blog: davenichols.net)

Molecular biologist Sean Carroll presents an outstanding, deeply scientifically satisfying look at the forensic evidence for evolution in The Making of the Fittest. By focusing his argument on the very smallest bits of evidence, Carroll provides an amazing look into the world of the cell and DNA which leaves the reader with little doubt that evolution and natural selection are clearly capable of developing the entities and processes we find in nature today.

Starting off with a look at bloodless cold-water fish, Carroll jumps into the nature of adaptive mutations. Moving on, he shows that, given time and large numbers, the "miracles" of evolution are practically inevitable, even if not specifically predictable in every detail. Carroll demonstrates that some genes are nearly "immortal", lasting nearly unchanged for millions of years. Further, he explores how old genes and their proteins are frequently repurposed into new uses.

From there, the book moves into fossil genes which allow researchers to trace changes in lineages, as well as the fact that evolution tends to favor the production of similar results even if the affected genomes are not related. Carroll wraps up by showing that humans and other complex entities can be produced by the power of DNA, natural selection, mutation, and drift.

A great follow up to Carroll's previous work on evolutionary development, Fittest is a fascinating glimpse into the world of microbiological detectives. Highly recommended to anyone with an interest in biology and evolution. Four and one-half stars. ( )

This book is a primer on how natural selection works. Carroll approaches this topic from a mathematical perspective through statistics and probability, but does so in layperson's terms (which means I can just barely understand it - hah!). The book uses examples such as Antarctic icefish for whom natural selection has chosen genes that give them enlarged hearts, blood without red blood cells, and a natural antifreeze.

Mutation is a key idea, with Carroll stressing that mutations despite their bad PR can be beneficial and points out that in fact we are all mutants. While mutation is blind, natural selection is not. Natural selection acts cumulatively. Carroll also takes on the people who deny evolution by natural selection, refreshingly pointing out that it's not just religious conservatives with examples of Soviet geneticist Trofim Lysenko who persecuted proponents of Medelian genetics and chiropractic practitioners who denied germ theory.

This is a good practical summary of the fascinating key ideas of biology. ( )

Too technical to listen to. May not every finish. Do not confuse the bioligist Sean B. Carroll with the physicist Sean Carroll. They both write popular science. ( )

An extremely readable but nicely dense book of information on DNA, and how the genetic record demonstrates evolution in all its aspects: mutation, selection, population drift, and fitness for survival. ( )