What is Evolution?

From the first single-cell organisms to today's huge and diverse array of living things, this book takes its reader on a journey to discover not only how our planet has become home to millions of species, but also the history of the scientific discoveries that led to our understanding of evolution.

Looking at both the history of life on Earth and the scientific breakthroughs that led to our greater understanding of the living world, this book gives the definitive overview of the theory of evolution. It takes an in-depth look at the work of Charles Darwin, Thomas Huxley and Alfred Russel Wallace as well as topics such as genetic modification, artificial selection and bacterial resistance.

Starting with fossils and early life forms, the book investigates the development and diversification of life on Earth over billions of years. Topics such as adaptation and specification, as well as convergent evolution, symbiosis and genetics help illustrate how evolution affects all living beings and has lead to the huge biodiversity we have on our planet today.

Mike Gordon's illustrations lend a light touch and add a dash of humour.

- Features biographies of key people, such as Charles Darwin, Alfred Russel Wallace, Thomas Huxley, James Watson and Francis Crick.

- Matches the New Curriculum programmes of study for evolution, inheritance and genetics at KS2 and KS3.