
audiobook
by D. Kerfoot (Daniel Kerfoot) Shute
PREFACE.
ILLUSTRATIONS.
INTRODUCTION.
SECTION I. ORGANIC CELLS: THE VISIBLE UNITS OF LIFE.
SECTION II. HEREDITY WITH VARIATION.
SECTION III. UNSTABLE ENVIRONMENT.
SECTION IV. TRANSMUTATION OF LIVING FORMS.
SECTION V. NATURAL SELECTION.
SECTION VI. EVOLUTION OF MAN.
SECTION VII. CLASSIFICATION OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS.
This concise guide offers a clear entry point into the science of evolution, aimed at anyone beginning the subject. It starts with the building blocks of life, describing organic cells, their structure, and how they divide and develop, using straightforward diagrams to make the microscopic world tangible. The author then moves to heredity, explaining how traits pass from one generation to the next, and how variation arises within populations. Throughout, the tone remains conversational, helping readers see how anatomy, embryology, and physiology support the evolutionary framework.
Beyond the cell, the text walks through the grand sweep of Earth’s history, sketching the major geological eras and the life forms that appeared within them. It introduces natural and artificial selection, illustrating how environmental pressures shape coloration, behavior, and survival strategies. The later sections hint at the evolution of humans, the development of the brain, and the broader classification of plants and animals, giving a panoramic view without overwhelming detail. By the end, listeners will have a solid foundation to explore more advanced evolutionary studies.
Language
en
Duration
~7 hours (428K characters)
Release date
2024-06-15
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1858–1935