Charles Darwin S Life With Birds

Focuses exclusively on Darwin the ornithologist, not on biographical aspects of Darwin's life.

A marvelous journey into the world of bird evolution How Birds Evolve explores how evolution has shaped the distinctive characteristics and behaviors we observe in birds today. Douglas Futuyma describes how evolutionary science illuminates the wonders of birds, ranging over topics such as the meaning and origin of species, the evolutionary history of bird diversity, and the evolution of avian reproductive behaviors, plumage ornaments, and social behaviors. In this multifaceted book, Futuyma examines how birds evolved from nonavian dinosaurs and reveals what we can learn from the "family tree" of birds. He looks at the ways natural selection enables different forms of the same species to persist, and discusses how adaptation by natural selection accounts for the diverse life histories of birds and the rich variety of avian parenting styles, mating displays, and cooperative behaviors. He explains why some parts of the planet have so many more species than others, and asks what an evolutionary perspective brings to urgent questions about bird extinction and habitat destruction. Along the way, Futuyma provides an insider's perspective on how biologists practice evolutionary science, from studying the fossil record to comparing DNA sequences among and within species. A must-read for bird enthusiasts and curious naturalists, How Birds Evolve shows how evolutionary biology helps us better understand birds and their natural history, and how the study of birds has informed all aspects of evolutionary science since the time of Darwin.

An original, unpublished manuscript written before the Origin of Species which contains the references to journal articles and books that Darwin used in formulating his controversial ideas. This volume has been edited and annotated and includes a cross-indexing to the Origin.

Two far flying finches from South America encounter the distant islands of the Galapagos! What strange and new animals will they find there? What changes will they have to make to adapt to their new home? And, most importantly, will they find their favourite kind of food?

Charles Robert Darwin (1809–1882) has been widely recognized since his own time as one of the most influential writers in the history of Western thought. His books were widely read by specialists and the general public, and his influence had been extended by almost continuous public debate over the past 150 years. New York University Press's new paperback edition makes it possible to review Darwin's public literary output as a whole, plus his scientific journal articles, his private notebooks, and his correspondence. This is complete edition contains all of Darwin's published books, featuring definitive texts recording original pagination with Darwin's indexes retained. The set also features a general introduction and index, and introductions to each volume.

Charles Darwin made many significant contributions to the way we understand evolution and the origin of species. Descriptive examples of his theories on evolution and natural selection will help give young readers insight into the conclusions that scientists have made about how all livings things have evolved. A biographical look into Darwin's life shows readers how he came to form his revolutionary theories and the adventures he took to further validate his findings.

"The Voyage of Beagle" is a culminated version of Darwin's extensive geological, botanical and biological annotations during his five-year voyage on the Beagle. The basic theme of how life originated and survived is presented here. His scientific observations are mingled with anecdotes about his voyage and people with him that proves an interesting amalgamation. Entertaining and informative!