Prof. Francisco J. Ayala (University of California), one of the most outstanding evolutionists in the world, points out that “Evolution: The cornershop of Biology”… is a book of universal value, that deserves to share the first place with the best books on evolution written in English or in any other language, both for its depth and its clarity of exposition.”
Evolution: the cornerstone of Biology, published by Professor Manuel Soler Cruz (Dpt. of Animal Biology and Ecology of the University of Granada) is a project of Granada, since the publisher and 11 of the 37 authors belong to the University of Granada and the publishing house – Proyecto Sur- is also from Granada; all the same, after its presentation in the National Museum of Natural Sciences in Madrid the 22 of November or the opinion of international experts like Francisco J. Ayala, of the University of California, the book has achieved great importance and it has become an inflection point for evolutionary studies in Spain.
Indeed, Prof. Soler point out, “The evolutionary theory is the cornerstone of Biological Sciences, not only when it comes to research, but also to design the curriculum. This is the general rule in advanced countries, but Spain is an exception: Although there are excellent research groups in Spain, evolution has little influence in Spanish University. Its importance is generally accepted, but almost no university offers a course on evolution. This is the great contradiction of Spanish Biology: a little evolutionary tradition is compounded by the fact that classic texts which have been translated to dozen of languages have not been translated to Spanish”.
That is why the book is “the complement that was needed to support biological studies in Spain”, since it includes throughout its 35 chapters articles by 37 experts, a complete course in evolution, three chapters on “Applied Evolution” (management of hunting species, biodiversity conservation and disease treatment) and twelve more where some of the most important studies published by Spanish authors about evolution in journals of worldwide renown are spread.
“Evolution, the cornerstone of Biology”, is a book on evolution written by Spanish experts for Spanish graduates and students of Biology or any of its branches (Environmental Sciences, Ocean Sciences, etc.). It can be used as a reference book for any subject from an evolutionary point of view, especially for Genetics, Paleontology, Anthropology, Ecology, Ethology, Embryology, Developmental Biology, etc. In addition, as it has been written by experts on the subject and it is perfectly updated quoting the most outstanding bibliographical references, it can also be useful for professionals who work on evolution.
Reference: Manuel Soler Cruz, Dpt. of Animal Biology and Ecology. Faculty of Sciences. University of Granada. Phone number: 958 240484. E-mail: msoler@ugr.es
