Evolution

In The Big Questions: Evolution, one of the world's leading experts, Francisco Ayala, examines key facets of genetics, evolution and cloning. He uses the most up-to-date research to answer the 20 key questions of evolution, and investigate what they tell us about life on Earth.

What is evolution? What is natural selection? Is evolution a random process? What are chromosomes, genes and DNA? What is molecular evolution? What is the tree of life? What does the fossil record tell us? Is intelligence inherited? Can I clone myself? Is language a uniquely human attribute? Was Darwin right? What is 'survival of the fittest'? What is a species? How do genes build bodies? How did life begin? Am I really a monkey? What is the missing link? Will humans continue to evolve? Where does morality come from? Is Creationism true?

Francisco Ayala is a prize-winning scientist and philosopher working at the University of California. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), a recipient of the 2001 National Medal of Science, and of the 2010 Templeton Prize, for exceptional contribution to affirming life's spiritual dimension. He holds 20 honorary degrees from universities in nine countries. Also an author, his acclaimed books include Darwin's Gift and Am I a Monkey?