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Making of the Fittest
The Making of the Fittest: DNA and the Ultimate Forensic Record of Evolution
Author: Sean Carroll
Amazon info

This book is a winner. It both teaches the role of DNA in evolution and it also provides commentary (and "ammunition") in the current national debate over the teaching of evolution. What makes this such an outstanding book is that Dr. Carroll is both an active researcher in this area and a great explainer and writer. He is able to use basic math to show that what others claim to be "impossible", is not only "possible" but nearly "inevitable" given long periods of time, in particular how just a small selection advantage will lead to complete genetic change in a very short (geologically speaking) time. Other highlights include the demonstration of how genes are duplicated to create new features, how genes erode in the absence of selection pressures, the fascinating study of color vision in various animals. One thing I learned was that new features will often evolve independently, but often using very similar (if not identical) genetic mechanisms.

While the "debate" aspect of the book doesn't quite fit seamlessly, it is an important topic and the author raised one interesting item. Americans completely accept the validity of DNA testing (thanks to shows like CSI) but can't seem to see the hand of evolution in shaping our DNA. But somehow I was encouraged by this book that it is all just a matter of time. Dr. Carroll goes through some examples (and not Galileo and the Catholic Church) showing historical precedent for science winning out over superstition. In fact, there is probably a selection bias for "those who believe in science" and we could use Carroll's math to see how long it will take until everyone sees the truth (that is my opinion, he did not offer this analysis).

Overall, an outstanding book - even more remarkable since this is his second book. His first book (Endless Forms Most Beautiful) has been added to my reading list.