Making of the Fittest DNA & the Ultimate Forensic Record of Evolution

DNA is the genetic material that defines us as individuals. Over the last two decades, it has emerged as a powerful tool for solving crimes and determining guilt and innocence. But, very recently, an important new aspect of DNA has been revealed--it contains a detailed record of evolution. That is, DNA is a living chronicle of how the marvelous creatures that inhabit our planet have adapted to its many environments, from the freezing waters of the Antarctic to the lush canopy of the rain forest.

In the pages of this highly readable narrative, Sean Carroll guides the general reader on a tour of the massive DNA record of three billion years of evolution to see how the fittest are made. And what a eye-opening tour it is--one featuring immortal genes, fossil genes, and genes that bear the scars of past battles with horrible diseases. This book clinches the case for evolution, beyond any reasonable doubt.

"I recommend [] to everybody who wants to understand more [about evolution], because it is written in such simple yet detailed language.... Quite a pleasure to read." Ira Flatow

"The rare scientist with an easygoing writing style." NPR "Science Friday"

"The best refutation of intelligent design." Dan Vergano USA Today

"An adept and wide-ranging writer." SEED

"A fast-paced look how DNA demonstrates the evolutionary process.... Carroll offers some provocative and convincing evidence." Steve Olson Washington Post

"Excellent.... Carroll's book will certainly help the public to understand evolution more clearly." Publishers Weekly

"With fervor and clarity, Carroll amasses a glut of facts to refute the twisted logic of the anti-Darwinist camp." Publishers Weekly

DNA evidence not only solves crimes--in Sean Carroll's hands it will now end the Evolution Wars.

DNA is the genetic blueprint of all creatures. Scientists have only recently discovered that it is also a living chronicle of evolution. In this book, leading biologist and writer Sean B. Carroll takes us on an exhilarating tour of the exquisite evolutionary record. The DNA record of evolution is filled with surprises. Immortal genes and evolution repeating itself are two of the stunners that await the lucky reader. The case for evolution can no longer be contested now that the DNA evidence is revealed.

Throw out your fossils'"the best evidence for evolution is now found in DNA.

DNA is the genetic blueprint of all creatures. Scientists have only recently discovered that it is also a living chronicle of evolution. In this book, leading biologist and writer Sean B. Carroll takes us on an exhilarating tour of the exquisite evolutionary record. The DNA record of evolution is filled with surprises. Immortal genes and evolution repeating itself are two of the stunners that await the lucky reader. The case for evolution can no longer be contested now that the DNA evidence is revealed.

DNA, the genetic blueprint of all creatures, is a stunningly rich and detailed record of evolution. Every change or new trait, from the gaudy colors of tropical birds to our color vision with which we admire them, is due to changes in DNA that leave a record and can be traced. Just as importantly, the DNA evidence has revealed several profound surprises about how evolution actually works.

Sean B. Carroll is professor of genetics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. His first book, Endless Forms Most Beautiful, was a finalist for the 2005 Los Angeles Times Book Prize. Carroll's seminal scientific work has been featured in Time and The New Yorker. He lives in Madison, Wisconsin.