Has anyone suggested "The Making of the Fittest" by Sean B. Carroll? I have
not yet finished reading it, so would be interested in reviews and comments.
My general impression so far is that it provides quite a bit of solid meat,
therefore not patronizing "non-majors," providing enough meat, vegetables,
and dessert for any active mind (which I presume is a course prerequisite).
If they don't "get" all of it, it should leave a lasting impression that
genetics is rather well thought-out. I might change my mind before I finish
it, but so far, it impresses me as being an honest effort to tell a story of
a personal experience with an helical twist.
WT
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ben Fertig" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 10, 2010 11:06 AM
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] evolution for non-scientists textbook
I'll throw 'The Beak of the Finch' by Jonathan Weiner into the mix. In
addition to a very cogent explanation of natural selection, it continues
the case study usage of finches in the Galapagos and personalizes the
story with anecdotes of the scientists making the observations, which may
also interest those in the social science/humanities crowd. Very good
science writing IMHO.
Ben
On May 10, 2010, at 11:58 AM, malcolm McCallum wrote:
I use the Selfish Gene in my lower-level genetics class and Diversity of
Life in Ecology.
A lot depends on the reading level of the folks you are dealing with.
Malcolm
On Mon, May 10, 2010 at 9:55 AM, Michael Cooperman <
[email protected]> wrote:
Hello -
Although not a text book per se, Richard Dawkins' book The Selfish
Gene
would provide an excellent description of evolution and ample discussion
material. Its been several years since I read it, but I think it was
written
to be easily accessible to a lay audience.
Alongthe same lines, E.O. Wilson's Diversity of Life would also merit
consideration.
Michael Cooperman
jbowen wrote:
Hi All: In the fall I am going to be teaching an Evolutionary Biology
course for
students in the social sciences and humanities. No prior coursework in
the
natural sciences is required. I am curious if the list might have
recommendations for a textbook that is appropriate for this audience.
Thanks in advance for your input.
Ben Fertig
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
Integration and Application Network
Annapolis Synthesis Center
111 Cathedral St
Suite 302
Annapolis, MD 21401
office: 410 263 5240
cell: 301 785 7614
email: [email protected]
web: www.ian.umces.edu
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