Jerry Coyne, a distinguished evolutionary geneticist and professor at the University of Chicago, presents here compelling evidence that supports the theory of evolution. The material he contributes to the evolutionary theory of the origin and differentiation of embryonic species ranges from paleontology to biogeography and modern advancements in genetics. Coyne is an excellent storyteller and, in a clear yet nuanced manner, weaves a fascinating picture of how the evolutionary theory has been constructed from Darwin's time to the present, revealing personal stories and pivotal episodes in the research histories of biologists. The author also examines the ideologically driven objections that proponents of creationism raise against the theory of evolution, countering ideological fanaticism with rational, theoretically justified, and empirically substantiated arguments.

At the same time, Coyne's text demonstrates how research work is not merely about the collection of empirical data but is intertwined with the creative concoction of bold explanatory and predictive hypotheses and the critical scrutiny of these in light of findings. The book is therefore also of interest from the perspective of the philosophy of science.

The book is aimed at a broad audience: those who are interested in acquiring an evidence-based understanding of the foundations of modern biological thought, as well as those who teach and study biology in high school, and inquisitive university students.