About this item
An accessible introduction to core concepts in evolution for lay readers, which shows that random events have played a critical role in the development of lifeCritical historical events--or "turning points"--have shaped evolution and continue to have a decisive effect on individual lives. This theme is explored and explained in this lucid, accessible book for lay readers. The author argues that, although evolution is the result of unpredictable events, these events have profound influences on subsequent developments. Life is thus a continuous interplay between unforeseeable events and their decisive consequences.As one example, the author cites the fusing of two chromosomes, which differentiated the human species from our closest animal relatives about 4 to 5 million years ago.
About the Author
Kostas Kampourakis is a science educator at the University of Geneva, where he is teaching the course Biology and Society to biology undergraduates and a science education course to secondary science teachers. Having worked as a school teacher himself for 12 years, he is interested in the teaching, learning and public understanding of science. His work and research focus on the conceptual understanding of evolution, genetics and nature of science.
