(posted on my blog: davenichols.net)

Creationists have long maintained that the evidence in favor of evolution consists of a few fossils open to a variety of interpretations. Biologist Jerry Coyne shatters that argument with this fascinating look at the mountains upon mountains of evidence in favor of evolution. Not only has Coyne shown the reader the myriad of ways in which the processes of evolution work their magic, he shatters the creationist argument that we cannot witness evolution in our own time.

The book begins with an excellent description of evolutionary theory, a much needed explanation for creationists who repeatedly demonstrate that they have no idea what the theory even predicts. From there, Coyne moves into fossil records and how they help us understand past events in evolution. Coyne is very clear in showing that evolutionary theory has testable predictions which can be made, all of which are verified by the results we find in the fossil record.

Vestigal organs, embryonic development, and poor 'design' are shown to prove beyond a doubt that evolution has affected every life form. Following that, Coyne explores the contributions of biogeography to show that evolutionary predictions are confirmed as accurate by the distribution of life across the continents.

Evolution is then explored as an engine, and a whole chapter is dedicated to the role of sex in the process. Speciation, a concept that creationists clearly do not understand, as predicted by evolutionary theory, is confirmed in every way by various observations and experiments. Humans get special attention as Coyne shows yet again how humans share evolutionary origins with all life.

As Coyne points out, every single piece of evidence ever found fails to contradict the predictions made by evolutionary theory, and practically all of the evidence clearly supports evolution. No observation or experiment has ever presented data which could not be explained by evolution, contrary to the propaganda being spread by creationists. Not only is there no debate among scientists about the fact of evolution, there is absolutely no evidence at all that any old or alternative explanation holds any water in explaining the data.

This book serves as the current source for explaining the evolutionary theory and the arguments in favor of it. Coyne's writing is easy to read, and while he includes science from many disciplines, the typical popular science reader should have no trouble comprehending his points. Coyne stays away from specifically attacking the religious arguments and instead concentrates on making his case for evolution. Excellent book, timely topic, and an outstanding, detailed summary of the fact that evolution is real and explains the broad processes behind the life we see around us. Five stars. ( )

What a wonderful book. Everything is so clearly presented. This should be on reading lists across the U.S. ( )

This is by far the best explanation of the modern understanding of evolution that I've ever had the pleasure of reading. It's brilliant, informative, and clearly written from beginning to end. ( )