The Making of the Fittest: DNA and
the Ultimate Forensic Record of
Evolution by Sean Carroll
Fossils In Dna
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.

Personal Review: The Making of the Fittest: DNA and the
Ultimate Forensic Record of Evolution by Sean Carroll
An exciting book that documents evolution with fossil evidence - but not
the usual kinds of fossils. These left their trail of history in DNA molecules.
Unlike archeological fossils, they didn't get eaten, destroyed by the
elements, scattered by the winds, or destroyed by bulldozers. Nor do they
still remain in sediment, unlikely to ever be found and preserved. They are
readily available in the cells of every living thing on earth. The information
they carry about how life evolved builds logarithmically every year.
Unfortunately, there is a bit of a learning curve to grasp the terminology
and concepts. Fortunately, there is Sean Carroll to make it as painless as
possible.
These fossils left in DNA don't tell us whether a supernatural power was
responsible or whether nobody was responsible. They don't tell us much
about the origin of life. What they do tell us is that it was done over billions
of years by the method of natural selection. We know this because the
genes subjected to N/S - used, refined by mutations, and reused - are
preserved and remain intact, varying only slightly amongst different
species. The genes left unused, not subjected to N/S, have been crippled
by trails of mutations but their records survive in DNA - relics of the past.
Completely essential genes, genes rendered impotent by disuse and
mutation, and other categories of genetic material are all available for our
leisurely perusal.
With examples not yet in textbooks, Sean Carroll carefully documents
these DNA trails of evidence. It's tedious and redundant at times, but the
message comes through loud and clear. "Nothing in biology makes sense
except in the light of evolution" - Theodosius Dobzhansky.
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