How Science Works: Evolution (eBook)

1   Introduction

    The Importance of Science

     Origins of this Book

     Aims of this Book

     The Theory of Evolution

     Features of the Second Edition 

 

Part I  The Nature of Science

     

2   Two Ways of Explaining the Universe

     Supernaturalism and Naturalism

     The Incompatibility of Religion and Science

     Further Reading List

 

3   How Science Works

     General Principles

     Nullius in verba

     Occam`s razor

     Religious Belief among Leading Scientists

     Naturalistic Origins of Religious Beliefs

     Patternicity and Agenticity

     Uncertainty

     Science and Religion Compared

     Naturalistic Origins of Moral Values

     Further Reading List

 

Part II   The Science of Nature

 

4    Darwin`s Theory of Evolution

      Biodiversity

      Adaptation

      Possible Explanations for Biodiversity and Adaptation

      The Early Life of Charles Darwin

      Evolution by Natural Selection

      Direct Observations of Natural Selection

      Historical Context of the Idea of Natural Selection

      Common Misconceptions about Natural Selection

      Genetic Drift

      Further Reading List

 

5    The Evidence for Evolution

       Seven Main Lines of Evidence

       Similarities at the Molecular Level

       Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

       Similarities at the Anatomical Level

       Direct Observation

       Transitional Fossils

       Logical Inference

       Hierarchical Classification

       Vestigial Structures                 

 

  6   Some Major Events in Evolution

        Time-Line of Evolution

        Mass Extinction Events

        Determining the Age of Rocks

        The Earliest Forms of Life

        The Rise in Atmospheric Oxygen

        The Origin of Eukaryotic Cells

 

    7   The Evolution of Eyes

         Darwin`s Difficulties

         Light-Detecting Structures

          Eyes in Unicellular Eukaryotes

          Plausible Evolutionary Possibilities

 

      8   Human Evolution

            Time-Line of Human Evolution

          Sahelanthropus

          Orrorin

          Ardipithecus

         Australopithecus

           Paranthropus

            The genus Homo

          Further Reading List

 

          Pale Blue Dot

          Definitions

          Suggestions for Discussion Topics