Description
Book SynopsisDocuments how traditional gradualistic views of biological and geographic evolution are giving way to a catastrophism that credits cataclysmic events, such as meteorite impacts, for the rapid bursts and abrupt transitions observed in the fossil record. This book discusses topics such as the history of the solar system and hominid evolution.
Trade ReviewFrom the reviews:
"Trevor Palmer … provides in this volume a chronicle of the emergence of catastrophe evidence and thought. He explores planetary science, paleontology, geology, and evolution, with emphasis on human evolution from about 1970 to 1999, but with substantial expeditions into the history of astronomy and evolutionary theory … . it is … a major contribution to understanding the growth of the present position. … Palmer thoroughly documents the K-T extinction dispute." (Hiram Caton, Reports of the National Center for Science Education, Vol. 25 (3-4), 2005)
Table of ContentsThe Context of Evolution: The Earth and Its Surroundings. The Establishment of Gradualism. Gradualism under Challenge. Nemesis for Evolutionary Gradualism? The Eratic Descent of Man. Towards a New Evolutionary Synthesis. Index.
