How Science Works: Evolution (eBook)

Professor R John Ellis FRS is an Emeritus Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Warwick, UK

Preface 9
The Importance of Science 9
Acknowledgements 12
Contents 13
Figure Credits 15
Introduction: The Aims of This Book 17
1 Two Ways of Explaining the World 20
Supernaturalism and Naturalism 21
The Incompatibility of Religion and Science 22
Further Reading 24
2 How Science Works 25
Nullius in verba 25
Occams Razor 27
Religious Belief amongst Leading Scientists 29
Uncertainty 35
The Importance of Defining Terms 37
Facts, Theories and Hypotheses 37
Science and Religion Compared 39
The Naturalistic Origins of Moral Values 41
Further Reading 44
3 Darwins Theory of Evolution 45
Biodiversity 45
Adaptation 48
Possible Explanations for Biodiversity and Adaptation 50
The Early Life of Charles Darwin 51
Evolution by Natural Selection 54
Direct Observation of Natural Selection in Finches 57
Historical Context of the Idea of Natural Selection 59
Common Misconceptions About Natural Selection 61
Genetic Drift 62
Further Reading 63
4 The Evidence for Evolution 65
Similarities at the Molecular Level 67
The Unity of Biochemistry 67
The Principles of Molecular Biology 68
The Tree of Life 75
Lateral Gene Transfer 79
The Origin of Eukaryotes 81
Similarities at the Anatomical Level 84
Direct Observation 85
Transitional Fossils 87
Logical Inference 91
Hierarchical Classification 93
Biogeography 94
Vestigial Structures 97
Further Reading 100
5 The Evolution of Eyes 101
One of Darwins Difficulties 101
Light-Detection Structures 104
Plausible Evolutionary Possibilities 107
Genetic Control of Eye Formation 109
Further Reading 111
Concluding Remarks 112
Further Reading 113
Definitions 113
Suggestions For Discussion Topics 116