How Science Works: Evolution (e-book) (used book) | bookbook.eu

Description

1 Introduction

The Importance of Science

Origins of this Book

Aims of this Book

The Theory of Evolution

Features of the Second Edition

2 Two Ways of Explaining the Universe

Supernaturalism and Naturalism

The Incompatibility of Religion and Science

Further Reading List

3 How Science Works

General Principles

Nullius in verba

Occam`s razor

Religious Belief among Leading Scientists

Naturalistic Origins of Religious Beliefs

Patternicity and Agenticity

Uncertainty

Science and Religion Compared

Naturalistic Origins of Moral Values

Further Reading List

Part II The Science of Nature

4 Darwin`s Theory of Evolution

Adaptation

Possible Explanations for Biodiversity and Adaptation

The Early Life of Charles Darwin

Evolution by Natural Selection

Direct Observations of Natural Selection

Historical Context of the Idea of Natural Selection

Common Misconceptions about Natural Selection

Genetic Drift

Further Reading List

5 The Evidence for Evolution

Seven Main Lines of Evidence

Similarities at the Molecular Level

Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

Similarities at the Anatomical Level

Direct Observation

Transitional Fossils

Logical Inference

Hierarchical Classification

Vestigial Structures

6 Some Major Events in Evolution

Time-Line of Evolution

Mass Extinction Events

The Earliest Forms of Life

The Rise in Atmospheric Oxygen

The Origin of Eukaryotic Cells

7 The Evolution of Eyes

Darwin`s Difficulties

Light-Detecting Structures