I'll throw 'The Beak of the Finch' by Jonathan Weiner into the mix. In addition to a very cogent explanation of natural selection, it continues the case study usage of finches in the Galapagos and personalizes the story with anecdotes of the scientists making the observations, which may also interest those in the social science/humanities crowd. Very good science writing IMHO.
Ben On May 10, 2010, at 11:58 AM, malcolm McCallum wrote: > I use the Selfish Gene in my lower-level genetics class and Diversity of > Life in Ecology. > A lot depends on the reading level of the folks you are dealing with. > > Malcolm > > On Mon, May 10, 2010 at 9:55 AM, Michael Cooperman < > michael.cooper...@noaa.gov> wrote: > >> Hello - >> Although not a text book per se, Richard Dawkins' book The Selfish Gene >> would provide an excellent description of evolution and ample discussion >> material. Its been several years since I read it, but I think it was written >> to be easily accessible to a lay audience. >> Alongthe same lines, E.O. Wilson's Diversity of Life would also merit >> consideration. >> >> Michael Cooperman >> >> >> >> jbowen wrote: >> >>> Hi All: In the fall I am going to be teaching an Evolutionary Biology >>> course for >>> students in the social sciences and humanities. No prior coursework in the >>> natural sciences is required. I am curious if the list might have >>> recommendations for a textbook that is appropriate for this audience. >>> Thanks in advance for your input. >>> >>> >> > > Ben Fertig Graduate Research Assistant University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Integration and Application Network Annapolis Synthesis Center 111 Cathedral St Suite 302 Annapolis, MD 21401 office: 410 263 5240 cell: 301 785 7614 email: bfer...@umces.edu web: www.ian.umces.edu
