Play Audiobook Sample
The Making of the Fittest: DNA and the Ultimate Forensic Record of Evolution Audiobook
Play Audiobook Sample
(3.99) - 552 listener ratings
Quick Stats About this Audiobook
Total Audiobook Chapters:
Longest Chapter Length:
Shortest Chapter Length:
Average Chapter Length:
Audiobooks by this Author:
Publisher Description
DNA evidence not only solves crimes—in Sean Carroll's hands it will now end the Evolution Wars.
DNA is the genetic material that defines us as individuals. Over the last two decades, it has emerged as a powerful tool for solving crimes and determining guilt and innocence. But, very recently, an important new aspect of DNA has been revealed—it contains a detailed record of evolution. That is, DNA is a living chronicle of how the marvelous creatures that inhabit our planet have adapted to its many environments, from the freezing waters of the Antarctic to the lush canopy of the rain forest.
In this highly accessible narrative, Sean Carroll guides the general listener on a tour of the massive DNA record of three billion years of evolution to see how the fittest are made. And what an eye-opening tour it is—one that features immortal genes, fossil genes, and genes that bear the scars of past battles with horrible diseases. This book clinches the case for evolution beyond any reasonable doubt.
Download and start listening now!
"In a country where the teaching of evolutionary biology is being suppressed in the schools, and where very few people actually UNDERSTAND what evolution is, this book could not have come at a better time. It is a very engaging introduction or review of the principle of evolution, meant for laypeople who care enough to be in the know. Many might be surprised to know that what we know about evolution is not only based on the fossil record but on the "DNA record". In the same way we can trace paternity, DNA also bears the marks left by millions of years of evolution. So it makes no sense that the same people who put their trust in DNA tests that identify the father of a child or determine the guilt or innocence of criminals are the same folks who do NOT trust the DNA tests that give undisputable proof of the reality of evolution. The book also deals head-on with the "anti-evolution" sentiments, and just how such ignorance could endanger our very survival, in light of how evolutionary science has helped us fight diseases, battle cancer, insure a reliable food supply -- all the things that we take for granted in our comfortable, modern existence."
— Albert (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
-
“Dazzling work, passionate and magisterial. Nothing of more lasting importance than the core narrative of this book will be published this year.”
— Guardian (London) -
Those who know Lawlor's other readings will again be amazed at his proficiency.... Challenging and rewarding.
— AudioFile -
“While searches for the genetic basis for evolution are hardly new, Carroll offers some provocative and convincing evidence.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“Sensing that many people misunderstand evolution or don’t believe it, geneticist Carroll here hopes to teach the interested and convince the doubters…Here is evolution clearly explained and stoutly defended.”
— Booklist
Awards
-
A Best Sci-Tech Library Journal Book of the Year
The Making of the Fittest Listener Reviews
-
" Some nice stories about evolution and how we know what we know. The anti-creationist sections were a waste of MY time, but maybe someone else benefited from them. As far as writing style goes, I liked Steven Jay Gould better. "
— Daniel, 2/14/2014 -
" Brilliant and fascinating. Couldn't put it down. "
— Dixie, 2/10/2014 -
" This book had great reviews and was required for one of my classes. Even though it raises good questions and has sound arguments, I found it hard to read after a while. Its one of those books that you read couple of chapters at a time and then come back to it later. "
— Sandhya, 1/16/2014 -
" Best book on evolution I have read and I have read many. Fascinating and persuasive. "
— Elliot, 1/9/2014 -
" This was a really well-written, engaging explanation of how genetics changes over time. The main takeaway, besides the evolution stuff? Don't eat Oregon rough newts. They're extremely toxic! "
— Librarian40, 1/3/2014 -
" I would like to hit some creationists over the head with this book. It is very cool. "
— Christina, 12/20/2013 -
" Brilliant book that will open your eyes to the wonder of the genome that resides in all living things and how changes in the genome result (eventually) in different species. Read and marvel "
— John, 7/4/2013 -
" Pretty interesting look at DNA/genetics in evolution. Relatively science-heavy, but cool info! "
— Travis, 5/11/2013 -
" One of my favorite authors. Depressing last chapter! "
— Stacey, 1/18/2013 -
" Both of us tried to read it and it was soooooo slow that it put us to sleep. We did not even make it half way through before we gave up. "
— Bonnie, 6/7/2012 -
" An incredibly detailed history of evolution is contained inside DNA. Learn how traits appear and disappear in species. Fascinating. "
— Frank, 5/11/2012 -
" About how examining DNA can help us understand evolution, including some of the coding that leads to things like color vision. "
— Pancha, 1/6/2012 -
" Was a great book but was a little watered down compared to his previous book, "Endless Forms Most Beautiful." "
— Michael, 12/5/2011 -
" Good...but parts of it were very similar to his amazing book "Endless forms most beautiful." NSo hearing it again wasn't teh worst thing in the world - but I was expecting a tad more from this book. "
— Steve, 4/5/2011 -
" Excellent explanation of the molecular aspects of evolution! "
— MeLisa, 3/15/2011 -
" The best rendering of contemporary evolutionary theory imaginable..Carroll is a worthy successor to Stephen J. Gould "
— Bob, 9/27/2010 -
" About how examining DNA can help us understand evolution, including some of the coding that leads to things like color vision. "
— Pancha, 2/11/2010 -
" Brilliant book that will open your eyes to the wonder of the genome that resides in all living things and how changes in the genome result (eventually) in different species. Read and marvel "
— John, 1/15/2010 -
" This book had great reviews and was required for one of my classes. Even though it raises good questions and has sound arguments, I found it hard to read after a while. Its one of those books that you read couple of chapters at a time and then come back to it later. "
— Sandhya, 12/11/2009 -
" Brilliant and fascinating. Couldn't put it down. "
— Dixie, 4/27/2009 -
" I enjoyed this book in audio. It dispels all doubt as to the validity of evolution, based on DNA results, and studies deriving from DNA research. <br/> <br/>I don't recommend if you wish to continue belief in Creationism. "
— Marcel, 4/8/2009 -
" Super book, Sean Carroll is one of my scientific heros. "
— Mike, 2/2/2009
About Sean B. Carroll
Sean B. Carroll is a professor of molecular biology and genetics and an investigator with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at the University of Wisconsin and is a member of the National Academy of Sciences.
About Patrick Lawlor
Patrick Lawlor, an award-winning narrator, is also an accomplished stage actor, director, and combat choreographer. He has worked extensively off Broadway and has been an actor and stuntman in both film and television. He has been an Audie Award finalist multiple times and has garnered several AudioFile Earphones Awards, a Publishers Weekly Listen-Up Award, and many starred audio reviews from Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews.