From the Trenches - Books - Evolution in Brief - Archaeology Magazine Archive


Books: Evolution in Brief	Volume 61 Number 3, May/June 2008
by Mark Rose

The development of the human species is one of the most fascinating stories that archaeology helps to tell. It is also a story that has become one of the most distorted and controversial. In an effort to untangle the misinformation that various anti-evolution groups have created to advance their political agendas, the National Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Medicine have published Science, Evolution, and Creationism (2008) a brief--only 70 pages--overview of the science behind the theory of evolution intended for non-scientists.

This new edition (the book was first published in 1984) takes into account recent fossil discoveries (a 375-million-year-old creature found in Canada that is a transitional form between shallow-water fish and the first land-dwelling animals, and early bird-like fossils from China). It also looks at the latest repackaging of creationist beliefs, including "Intelligent Design," the idea that some biological structures are so complex they could not have evolved through random genetic mutation and natural selection.

The writing is not scintillating, but it is clear and understandable. In addition to the main text, the book presents information in a variety of ways. Definitions of terms appear in the margins rather than gumming up the main text. Several pages are devoted to testimonials from prominent scientists and religious leaders who see no conflict between evolution and religion. The sections dealing with people include examinations of human and chimp DNA sequences and a brief review of the fossil record.

Science, Evolution, and Creationism succeeds in covering a vast subject, clarifying concepts, detailing evidence, and analyzing the arguments for and against evolution. It's not a breezy book, but it's an important one.