A Photographic Atlas for Physical Anthropology, Brief Edition by Paul F. Whitehead, William K. Sacco and Susan B. Hochgraf gives detailed coverage of the primates, the body organization and paleoanthropology. The full-color atlas can be used in conjunction with any textbook. Read more
Over the past twenty years, paleontologists have made tremendous fossil discoveries, including fossils that mark the growth of whales, manatees, and seals from land mammals and the origins of elephants, horses, and rhinos. Today there exists an amazing diversity of fossil humans, suggesting we walked upright long before we acquired large brains, and new evidence from molecules that enable scientists to decipher the tree of life as never before.
The fossil record is now one of the strongest lines of evidence for evolution. In this engaging and richly illustrated book, Donald R. Prothero weaves an entertaining though intellectually rigorous history out of the transitional forms and series that dot the fossil record. Beginning with a brief discussion of the nature of science and the "monkey business of creationism," Prothero tackles subjects ranging from flood geology and rock dating to neo-Darwinism and macroevolution. He covers the ingredients of the primordial soup, the effects of communal living, invertebrate transitions, the development of the backbone, the reign of the dinosaurs, the mammalian explosion, and the leap from chimpanzee to human. Prothero pays particular attention to the recent discovery of "missing links" that complete the fossil timeline and details the debate between biologists over the mechanisms driving the evolutionary process.
Evolution is an absorbing combination of firsthand observation, scientific discovery, and trenchant analysis. With the teaching of evolution still an issue, there couldn't be a better moment for a book clarifying the nature and value of fossil evidence. Widely recognized as a leading expert in his field, Prothero demonstrates that the transformation of life on this planet is far more awe inspiring than the narrow view of extremists.
(7/1/08) Read more
In this devilishly entertaining book, Tripp York takes it upon himself to find the Prince of Darkness. Provoked by a wager made in one of his religion classes, York explores whether in proving the existence of Satan, we might in turn prove the existence of God. Admitting the idea is not half-bad (and thus, conversely, only half-good), York enlists the aid of numerous ministers, theologians, spiritual warriors, pagans, shamanists, fortune tellers, and Satanists in his fiendish quest to determine the whereabouts of God's first fallen creature. Part memoir and part theological treatise, The Devil Wears Nada is a compelling and humorous account of the strange, bizarre, and (oftentimes) offensive things we think about God, the Devil, and everything in between. Read more
The atoms that compose your body were around long before you were born and will remain long after you're dead. Their brief sojourn with you is a tiny episode within their life in this universe. This short story traces the path of a single hydrogen atom from the Big Bang to the edge of the universe. If we could ask an atom to recount its adventures perhaps this is the story it would tell.The atoms that compose your body were around long before you were born and will remain long after you're dead. Their brief sojourn with you is a tiny episode within their life in this universe. This short story traces the path of a single hydrogen atom from the Big Bang to the edge of the universe. If we could ask an atom to recount its adventures perhaps this is the story it would tell. Read more
Hailed as "superior" by Nature, this landmark volume is available in a collectible, boxed edition.
Never before have the four great works of Charles Darwin—Voyage of the H.M.S. Beagle (1845), The Origin of Species (1859), The Descent of Man (1871), and The Expression of Emotions in Man and Animals (1872)—been collected under one cover. Undertaking this challenging endeavor 123 years after Darwin's death, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Edward O. Wilson has written an introductory essay for the occasion, while providing new, insightful introductions to each of the four volumes and an afterword that examines the fate of evolutionary theory in an era of religious resistance. In addition, Wilson has crafted a creative new index to accompany these four texts, which links the nineteenth-century, Darwinian evolutionary concepts to contemporary biological thought. Beautifully slipcased, and including restored versions of the original illustrations, From So Simple a Beginning turns our attention to the astounding power of the natural creative process and the magnificence of its products. 101 illustrations Read more
"Quammen brilliantly and powerfully re-creates the 19th century naturalist's intellectual and spiritual journey."--Los Angeles Times Book Review
Twenty-one years passed between Charles Darwin's epiphany that "natural selection" formed the basis of evolution and the scientist's publication of On the Origin of Species. Why did Darwin delay, and what happened during the course of those two decades? The human drama and scientific basis of these years constitute a fascinating, tangled tale that elucidates the character of a cautious naturalist who initiated an intellectual revolution. Read more
While a trifle, "R" rated, this one is one of our best sellers. Molded black plastic, raised chrome finish. 4-1/2in long. A Ring of Fire Exclusive. Read more
A top seller. Molded black plastic, raised chrome finish outline, adhesive pad on back. 5-1/4in wide, 3-3/4in tall. Read more
Have you longed to make sense of human life? Have you wondered if the arduous, unceasing struggle for survival serves a meaningful purpose? Have you wondered if the suffering and death to which humans are subject makes any sense?
In this book, computer scientist and scholar Philip Bitar explains why human life does, in fact, make sense. Dr. Bitar explains that in order for our life to have meaning, we must have willpower — the ability to exert effort. But the feature of willpower implies a system of energy transformation, and a system of energy transformation, in turn, implies the possibility of suffering and death.
Dr. Bitar shows that we can make sense of human life in all of its fundamental ramifications and that these results are consistent with modern science and with the deepest longings of the human spirit for meaning and purpose.
For more info, visit www.WhyHumanLifeMakesSense.com. Read more
All children love comic-strips and they are a brilliant way of encouraging children to read. Until now, this format has rarely been used with non-fiction. The information in these four books is presented in an entertaining and accessible way, with accurate yet fun illustrations and a clear and engaging text. Each of the four books forms a chapter in the history of the world. Read more
A scientist in Atlanta creates a revolutionary breakthrough in accessing the untapped potential in humans, and in so doing, sows the seeds of a decades-spanning conflict between Homo Sapiens and a group of people--a 98-pound weakling, a police detective, a boy with learning difficulties and an illness-prone woman--who become the first generation of Homo EvoguÃa... the Self-Evolved Man.
This story covers three generations, and demonstrates that mucking around with DNA isn't the only way to improve a species. But it's the veracity of its science that makes its message that much more ominous.
"...highly emotive...sure to make the reader consider their own position were they to be placed on either side of the Evoguia divide. 9/10."
-digiReader.com
For more information and excerpts, visit rightbrane.com/StevenLyleJordan/novels/evoguia.htm.A scientist in Atlanta creates a revolutionary breakthrough in accessing the untapped potential in humans, and in so doing, sows the seeds of a decades-spanning conflict between Homo Sapiens and a group of people--a 98-pound weakling, a police detective, a boy with learning difficulties and an illness-prone woman--who become the first generation of Homo EvoguÃa... the Self-Evolved Man.
This story covers three generations, and demonstrates that mucking around with DNA isn't the only way to improve a species. But it's the veracity of its science that makes its message that much more ominous.
"...highly emotive...sure to make the reader consider their own position were they to be placed on either side of the Evoguia divide. 9/10."
-digiReader.com
For more information and excerpts, visit rightbrane.com/StevenLyleJordan/novels/evoguia.htm. Read more
The proponents of evolutionary theory are no longer able to dismiss creationists with a wave of their academic hand. There is a growing list of scientists who believe in Genesis creation that refutes the often repeated and unsubstantiated claim that virtually every scientist in the world believes the theory to be true and that a person who does not believe in evolution cannot be a quote legitimate scientist. This public debate, between skeptic and vocal public anticreationist Mr Rick Pierson and Dr Robert Carter, a scientist with Creation Ministries International in Atlanta, Georgia, took place in front of a packed gallery in Dothan, Alabama. (Junior High - Adult) 103 min. Read more
The answer to all of these questions is, of course, no. The scientific evidence is now in, and it's conclusive, on these and many more issues that are fundamental to our knowledge and wellbeing. But you'd never know this if all of your information came from the popular media or your upbringing and immediate circle of influence didn't include critical thinking and basic scientific literacy.
As prolific popular science and science fiction writer John Grant shows in this witty book with a very serious message, our culture has in recent decades been characterized by a widespread antagonism toward science and the not-always-welcome messages it brings. Large sections of the supposedly sophisticated populations in the developed nations are in an active state of denial. Not only do they deny scientific evidence but they also call into question the very competence of science as a descriptor of reality. In short, they deny reality.
Grant surveys the gamut of clearly unscientific ideas concerning the food we eat, the medicines and potions we are either afraid of or advised to take, our sex preferences, and a host of other issues that are raised by various panics, urban legends, and a general climate of misinformation. He also examines how special interests, from agribusiness to pharmaceutical companies to creationists, actively work to distort or suppress scientific findings.
While the tendency may be to laugh at some of the ridiculous notions catalogued in Grant's overview of bogus ideas, the overall picture he creates is anything but funny. Denying Science reminds the reader that the future of free, increasingly complex societies depends on an educated citizenry that is able to think clearly and critically based on reliable information. Read more
The most entertaining and enlightening writings by the beloved paleontologist, evolutionary biologist, and celebrant of the wonder of life.
"Nature is so wondrously complex and varied that almost anything possible does happen....I rejoice in [its] multifariousness and leave the chimera of certainty to politicians and preachers."—from Ever Since Darwin
Many books that challenge religious belief from a skeptical point of view take a combative tone that is almost guaranteed to alienate believers, or they present complex philosophical or scientific arguments that fail to reach the average reader. Guy P. Harrison argues that this is an ineffective way of trying to encourage people to develop critical thinking about religion. In this unique approach, Harrison concisely presents fifty commonly heard reasons that people often give for believing in a god. Then he raises legitimate questions regarding these reasons, showing in each case that there is much room for doubt.
From religion as the foundation of morality to the authority of sacred books, the compelling religious testimony of influential people, near-death experiences, theories from intelligent design, and much more, Harrison respectfully describes each rationale for belief and then politely shows the deficiencies that any good skeptic would point out. He also offers something in return--a hopeful and optimistic view of science, the universe, and humanity without the divisiveness, prejudice, and hatred caused by conflicting religious doctrines.
Drawing on his experiences as a nonbeliever and his extensive travels around the world, Harrison makes poignant arguments that are sure to inspire thought-provoking discussions. Whether you're a believer, a complete skeptic, or somewhere in between, you'll find his review of traditional and more recent arguments for the existence of gods refreshing, approachable, and enlightening.Many books that challenge religious belief from a skeptical point of view take a combative tone that is almost guaranteed to alienate believers, or they present complex philosophical or scientific arguments that fail to reach the average reader. Guy P. Harrison argues that this is an ineffective way of trying to encourage people to develop critical thinking about religion. In this unique approach, Harrison concisely presents fifty commonly heard reasons that people often give for believing in a god. Then he raises legitimate questions regarding these reasons, showing in each case that there is much room for doubt.
From religion as the foundation of morality to the authority of sacred books, the compelling religious testimony of influential people, near-death experiences, theories from intelligent design, and much more, Harrison respectfully describes each rationale for belief and then politely shows the deficiencies that any good skeptic would point out. He also offers something in return--a hopeful and optimistic view of science, the universe, and humanity without the divisiveness, prejudice, and hatred caused by conflicting religious doctrines.
Drawing on his experiences as a nonbeliever and his extensive travels around the world, Harrison makes poignant arguments that are sure to inspire thought-provoking discussions. Whether you're a believer, a complete skeptic, or somewhere in between, you'll find his review of traditional and more recent arguments for the existence of gods refreshing, approachable, and enlightening. Read more
Seven science fiction stories: "Cyberia Rising" tells the tale of a lonely moon, conjugal robots, and the driving power behind the evolution of a new race. "Paved with Irony" is a time-twister, involving a medieval witch, William Shakespeare, and the civilized England of 2043. "The Taken Sky" is a post-apocalyptic tale of a scattered humanity and its continuing resistance against an enemy who are not what they appear to be. All these and more await in The Whirligig of Time.Seven science fiction stories: "Cyberia Rising" tells the tale of a lonely moon, conjugal robots, and the driving power behind the evolution of a new race. "Paved with Irony" is a time-twister, involving a medieval witch, William Shakespeare, and the civilized England of 2043. "The Taken Sky" is a post-apocalyptic tale of a scattered humanity and its continuing resistance against an enemy who are not what they appear to be. All these and more await in The Whirligig of Time. Read more
"The best general account of evolution I have read in recent years."--E. O. Wilson. With a new introduction.
Twenty years after its original publication, The Blind Watchmaker, framed with a new introduction by the author, is as prescient and timely a book as ever. The watchmaker belongs to the eighteenth-century theologian William Paley, who argued that just as a watch is too complicated and functional to have sprung into existence by accident, so too must all living things, with their far greater complexity, be purposefully designed. Charles Darwin’s brilliant discovery challenged the creationist arguments; but only Richard Dawkins could have written this elegant riposte. Natural selection—the unconscious, automatic, blind, yet essentially nonrandom process Darwin discovered—is the blind watchmaker in nature.
I want to persuade the reader, not just that the Darwinian world-view happens to be true, but that it is the only known theory that could, in principle, solve the mystery of our existence.
The title of this 1986 work, Dawkins's second book, refers to the Rev. William Paley's 1802 work, Natural Theology, which argued that just as finding a watch would lead you to conclude that a watchmaker must exist, the complexity of living organisms proves that a Creator exists. Not so, says Dawkins: "All appearances to the contrary, the only watchmaker in nature is the blind forces of physics, albeit deployed in a very special way... it is the blind watchmaker."
Dawkins is a hard-core scientist: he doesn't just tell you what is so, he shows you how to find out for yourself. For this book, he wrote Biomorph, one of the first artificial life programs. You can check Dawkins's results on your own Mac or PC. Read more
Treya Third has as simple life. She pilots a Poisoned Star, one of the Foundation’s most powerful warships. She lives in space alone where her only companion is her ship’s mind. When the Foundation orders her to kill, she does. When they order her to murder whole colonies, she obeys. Anything else would mean torture and death for her kind.
When the human race sends in a fleet to retake one of their star systems, Treya’s Poisoned Star is dispatched to destroy them. In every other fight, her warship has triumphed. But Treya learns the humans have a new plan of attack this time when someone sneaks aboard her ship.
But the stowaway doesn’t try to sabotage or destroy the Poisoned Star. As the hours pass and Treya continues her hunt, she begins to learn more about her life before the Foundation kidnapped and reprogrammed her. Surrounded by enemies, questioned by allies and running out of time, Treya must choose between a mysterious past and an uncertain future.
Treya Third has as simple life. She pilots a Poisoned Star, one of the Foundation’s most powerful warships. She lives in space alone where her only companion is her ship’s mind. When the Foundation orders her to kill, she does. When they order her to murder whole colonies, she obeys. Anything else would mean torture and death for her kind.
When the human race sends in a fleet to retake one of their star systems, Treya’s Poisoned Star is dispatched to destroy them. In every other fight, her warship has triumphed. But Treya learns the humans have a new plan of attack this time when someone sneaks aboard her ship.
But the stowaway doesn’t try to sabotage or destroy the Poisoned Star. As the hours pass and Treya continues her hunt, she begins to learn more about her life before the Foundation kidnapped and reprogrammed her. Surrounded by enemies, questioned by allies and running out of time, Treya must choose between a mysterious past and an uncertain future.
Read more
When Tony Standish discovers a large, bullet shaped cylinder lodged deep inside a Siberian oil well he has little idea of its origin or function. The cylinder is in fact ancient, dispatched by an alien civilisation to transport biological matter across time and space with the intention of starting life on surrogate planets. But the vile is also a beacon, one that can be used by its terrible owner, the hellish creature Sangun, to hunt Tony through space and time.When Tony Standish discovers a large, bullet shaped cylinder lodged deep inside a Siberian oil well he has little idea of its origin or function. The cylinder is in fact ancient, dispatched by an alien civilisation to transport biological matter across time and space with the intention of starting life on surrogate planets. But the vile is also a beacon, one that can be used by its terrible owner, the hellish creature Sangun, to hunt Tony through space and time. Read more
When one of the foremost creationist organizations attempted to prove that evolution is not scientific using reasonable criteria, educator and documentarian Shane Killian worked to set the record straight. Even as a non-scientist, he was easily able to find copious evidence for evolution and show that it is scientific, whereas creationism and Intelligent Design are not—using the very same criteria the creationists used. If you’ve ever had any doubts about the validity of the theory, this book should provide more than enough information (meticulously sourced for those seeking to verify its claims) to put them to rest, even in its brevity and plain-spoken manner, as it runs the gamut from planets to microbes, from the depths of the sea to the top of the world, in the human body itself, and even delving into the realm of the computer to show evolution in action all around us.When one of the foremost creationist organizations attempted to prove that evolution is not scientific using reasonable criteria, educator and documentarian Shane Killian worked to set the record straight. Even as a non-scientist, he was easily able to find copious evidence for evolution and show that it is scientific, whereas creationism and Intelligent Design are not—using the very same criteria the creationists used. If you’ve ever had any doubts about the validity of the theory, this book should provide more than enough information (meticulously sourced for those seeking to verify its claims) to put them to rest, even in its brevity and plain-spoken manner, as it runs the gamut from planets to microbes, from the depths of the sea to the top of the world, in the human body itself, and even delving into the realm of the computer to show evolution in action all around us. Read more
All of us are part of an old, old family. The roots of our family tree reach back millions of years to the beginning of life on earth. Open this family album and embark on an amazing journey. You'll meet some of our oldest relatives--from both the land and the sea--and discover what we inherited from each of them along the many steps of our wondrous past.
Complete with an illustrated timeline and glossary, here is the story of human evolution as it's never been told before.
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In this groundbreaking work, J. Anderson Thomson, Jr., MD, with Clare Aukofer, offers a succinct yet comprehensive study of how and why the human mind generates religious belief. Dr. Thomson, a highly regarded psychiatrist known for his studies of suicide terrorism, investigates the components and causes of religious belief in the same way any scientist would investigate the movement of astronomical bodies or the evolution of life over time, that is, as a purely natural phenomenon. Providing compelling evidence from cognitive psychology and the neurosciences, he presents an easily accessible and exceptionally convincing case that god(s) were created by man, not vice versa. With this volume, Dr. Thomson establishes himself as a must-read thinker and leading voice on the primacy of reason and science over superstition and religion. As Richard Dawkins, author of The God Delusion, states in his foreword to Why We Believe in God(s), "This . . . book will be swiftly read--and long remembered."In this groundbreaking work, J. Anderson Thomson, Jr., MD, with Clare Aukofer, offers a succinct yet comprehensive study of how and why the human mind generates religious belief. Dr. Thomson, a highly regarded psychiatrist known for his studies of suicide terrorism, investigates the components and causes of religious belief in the same way any scientist would investigate the movement of astronomical bodies or the evolution of life over time, that is, as a purely natural phenomenon. Providing compelling evidence from cognitive psychology and the neurosciences, he presents an easily accessible and exceptionally convincing case that god(s) were created by man, not vice versa. With this volume, Dr. Thomson establishes himself as a must-read thinker and leading voice on the primacy of reason and science over superstition and religion. As Richard Dawkins, author of The God Delusion, states in his foreword to Why We Believe in God(s), "This . . . book will be swiftly read--and long remembered." Read more
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. Read more
From the creators of The Sims comes Spore, where you evolve a single-celled organism into a galactic god whose personality and abilities are completely up to you. Then interact with other players' creatures-including ones made by celebrities! EA Games. PC/MAC, NDS.Create universal wonder in Spore, an exciting new simulation game that lets you develop your own personal universe. Work your way through five evolutionary phases, including Cell, Creature, Tribe, Civilization and Space, that offer unique challenges, thrills and goals. For example, you can start in Cell and nurture one species from a simple aquatic organism all the way until it becomes a sentient life form. Or you can jump right in and begin building tribes and civilizations on multiple planets. What you do with your universe is totally up to you.
The powerful creation tools of Spore are easy to use, allowing you to effortlessly design every aspect of your universe. Creatures, vehicles, building and even starships are all within your grasp. While Spore is a single-player game, your creations and other players' creations are automatically shared between your galaxy and theirs, offering a nearly limitless number of worlds to visit and enjoy. You can also go online to view the incredible things other players have made and can even pull those items into your universe. Spore gives you the chance to make worlds and beings that evolve, grow and delight you every step of the way.
