Evolution Revolution

Celebrations to mark the 200th anniversary of Darwin’s birth have continued throughout the year, with exhibitions, the re-opening of his home Down House in Kent, and numerous TV programmes and books on the man and his theories. There are a handful of biographies suitable for children, but this new addition to DK’s Science series focuses on the theories that revolutionised thinking on evolution and man’s origins rather than the man himself. Winston is a supremely knowledgeable guide and an excellent communicator at a popular level. We learn that Darwin’s passion for science and natural history was awakened in childhood, and that it was only by chance he was selected to take part in the 5-year expedition on the survey ship HMS Beagle. A mysterious illness following the voyage resulted in years of recuperation, during which time he worked on his theories of evolution by natural selection, amassing evidence to back his views. He knew that his ideas would cause huge debate on religious thinking and kept his notebooks secret. It was not for another twenty years that On the Origin of Species was published. Darwin knew nothing of genetics, so the next step in understanding how species evolved was the discovery of genes and chromosomes. Winston explains the moral and ethical arguments involved in such developments as cloning and the manipulation of genes. He emphasises that the understanding of evolution helps explain not only how we came into being and fit into the world order, but gives us a greater understanding of diseases and health, our emotions and instincts, as well as a greater respect for all life forms on our planet. DK’s bold use of photographs and imaginative layouts help explain abstract ideas to a young audience. An excellent resource for science students of all ages.