The Story of Evolution in 25 Discoveries

The Evidence and the People Who Found It

By: Donald R. Prothero

Narrated by: Tom Parks

Length: 10 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

The theory of evolution unites the past, present, and future of living things. It puts humanity's place in the universe into necessary perspective. Despite a history of controversy, the evidence for evolution continues to accumulate as a result of many separate strands of incredible scientific sleuthing.

In The Story of Evolution in 25 Discoveries, Donald R. Prothero explores the most fascinating breakthroughs in piecing together the evidence for evolution. In 25 vignettes, he recounts the dramatic stories of the people who made crucial discoveries, placing each moment in the context of what it represented for the progress of science. He tackles topics like what it means to see evolution in action and the distance between species in space and time, following figures from Darwin to lesser-known researchers as they unlock the mysteries of the fossil record, the earth, and the universe. The book also features the stories of animal species strange and familiar, including humans - and our ties to some of our closest relatives and more distant cousins. Brisk and entertaining while firmly grounded in fundamental science, The Story of Evolution in 25 Discoveries is a captivating listen for anyone curious about the evidence for evolution and what it means for humanity.

©2020 Donald R. Prothero (P)2020 Tantor

Good synopsis of current understanding

I read a lot of books about evolution and deep time concepts. This is the first that brings the entire scientific spectrum together in a meaningful way. The language and layout are completely approachable and I suspect that all experience levels can appreciate it. The author provides solid foundation about the different realms of research (from astronomy to molecular biology), without getting too deep into any specific area. I was pleased to learn some new information myself and not have it simply be a refresher.

It loses marks for me because the author/narrator consistently refers to images but there is no accompanying PDF. I am happy I listened to this while it was included in the membership library. For anyone contemplating it otherwise, I would consider a hard copy instead. Definitely, recommend the book, but wish I could see the pictures.

Well presented

Clearly points out how evolution works with examples and explanations, how scientists aren’t ‘changing their minds’ but modifying or discarding theories that are proven wrong with more information. Evidence was presented with references, why theories changed, how the new information was obtained, and how that changed the theory. Presented in an entertaining and thoughtful way that made it easier to understand to the average person, I’m going to check out his other audiobooks.

a great history of Who We Are and why.

I've listened to it more than once. there's a lot to get out of it!

Great book

It's a very good book as expected from Dr. Prothero, my problem is with the narrator's pronunciation of certain words (ex. Ichthyostega, phenotypic) which are rather annoying to listeners familiar with the words but can also be confusing for first time listeners.

How long before this book is banned in Florida and Texas?

The presentation is excellent in both tone and pace. The author does take a deep dive into each of the 25 topics and sometimes the detail can be overwhelming. But even where the facts become to dense to retain it all - the overall ‘proof’ that each section contributes to the theme that evolution is true is very clear.

After listening to this you will not have problems responding to those that think evolution is just a theory on par with creative design. However you should understand that if a candidate for a United States senate seat can ask “if evolution is true why are there still monkeys around?” you should prepare yourself to be very frustrated in your debate.

This is a wonderful book and as stated above, well presented. I have rated it a 4 only because it is deep and dense in parts and does take some concentration to listen. That is not a bad thing but the reader ought to beware and ready to concentrate when you dive in.

Excellent! One of the best…

Really nice and interesting summary of our current understanding of evolutionary biology with historical context and a myriad of examples. Key references are also provided for each chapter. One of the best books out there on evolution.

knowledge & passion for evolution,

Author loves evolution, & describes its messiness, and takes us into many recent discoveries. Just heard chapters of transitions of whales between land & sea, & their evolution from—get this!—the Pygmy hippopotamus. He was often in the field, and describes some of his fellow explorers and their terrains & swamps. This field was more than dry old bones and dusty, it’s wet and fertile!

Evolution- Evidence

This book provides an abundance of evidence supporting Darwin’s theories of evolution that is easily understood and presented with some humor. We all have a general understanding of evolution. However, as most things, the real understanding is in the details. Anyone with an interest in how humans got to where we are today will enjoy this book. I gave the book five stars as it is fascinating and enjoyable. The only thing that is lacking is the inability to view charts, graphs and illustrations. That is the disadvantage of the purely audible version.

THE BUSHY TREE OF LIFE

Donald Prothero provides a mountain of evidence informing the skeptical of the truth of evolution. Prothero explains evolution is a random and bushy process requiring time, heat, and a few basic chemicals to produce life. On the one hand, that makes life probable somewhere else in the universe. On the other hand, it implies human beings may be as ephemeral as dinosaurs, and dodo birds.

What comes to mind as one listens to Prothero is that human beings are still evolving. Whether evolution will ensure survival or hasten extinction is unknown. Prothero suggests humans have not changed much in the last thousand years. Memes have changed but little physical changes are evident. When human genetic manipulation takes control, morality becomes a human decision. With A.I., who knows where moral decisions will be made?

Meticulous explanations for a general audience.

The book delves deeper into the evolution process than most books written for non-biologists, offering meticulous explanations for a general audience. It dispels misconceptions about natural selection by presenting clear examples and supporting them with data. Each chapter explores a distinct line of evidence, requiring some time to navigate, yet its construction is brilliant. Beyond covering the fundamental aspects of natural selection, the book also emphasizes scientific reasoning and the role of predictions in model acceptance.