Purposeful Evolution


Non-Fiction - General
154 Pages
Reviewed on 11/27/2019
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    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Purposeful Evolution is a concise work of non-fiction focusing on modern theories of evolutionary science, penned by author Ron Deming. When readers first consider the topic of evolution, the original ideas and theories of Charles Darwin are often the first to come to light, but this new theoretical model explores adaptation and the concept of coincidence through a modern lens of how organisms work together in their development instead of as individuals. Author Ron Deming takes readers through these ideas using a variety of examples from biodiversity and symbiotic relationships around the world and explaining them with this modernized view of evolution with purpose.

For newcomers to the scientific world, author Ron Deming offers a challenging but extremely well-worded start to the concept of evolution. The guide is split into a few intense chapters that feature topics such as symbiosis and speciation, outlining the work which has come before but also moving the concepts and examples he presents into a new, more directed future. The grounding for his theoretical explanations is well-founded too, and the examples presented are both fascinating to read and highly illustrative of the convincing points which are made within the volume. Add to this the excellent organization and professional presentation of the book, and what results is a valuable scientific work to add to your realm of thinking. Overall, Purposeful Evolution will provide a thought-provoking and enjoyable read for science enthusiasts and newcomers to such evolutionary and adaptability concepts alike.

Ruffina Oserio

Purposeful Evolution by Ron Deming is an interesting book that explores a new evolutionary theory, departing from the Darwinian theory of evolution and moves on to demonstrate that evolution is far more than adaptability to specific habitats. Exploring the principle of cause and effect, the author demonstrates the link between the evolutionary changes in organisms and the environmental factors that affect their survival instincts. Ron Deming gives a very simple definition of purposeful evolution when he states: “Purposeful evolution happens when an environmental stressor triggers the emergence of genetic changes that increase an organism’s survival potential against this particular threat.” The book explores themes of speciation, which describes the emergence of new species with reproductive barriers that stop copulation with another species from producing offspring that belong to either species.

This is a pioneering book on a subject that instantly captures the attention of fans of science and biology, especially those interested in understanding the theory of evolution. With examples drawn from the life of plants and animals and human beings, the author makes relevant observations. Purposeful Evolution is a book that will change the way we look at how we evolve through different circumstances in life and how living things respond to environmental triggers. It is written in a style that is highly academic and readers might find it challenging dealing with scientific jargon and neologisms. But the message of the book is easy to understand. I found the examples very relevant. Ron Deming's book is well researched and well-written, a reference for readers, especially those interested in deepening their understanding of evolution.

Kimberlee J Benart

The modern synthesis of the theory of evolution remains a topic of scientific debate as new discoveries cause some creationists to question its concepts, such as mutations being random or chance-based. In Purposeful Evolution, author Ron Deming discusses the theory that some of the biodiversity of our planet has developed through other than random processes. Along with chapters on evolution, speciation, symbiotic relationships, and the precursors to evolution, Deming provides numerous examples of specific plants and animals to support the theory. He emphasizes that purposefulness doesn’t invalidate randomness; they aren’t mutually exclusive. “The foundation of undirected evolution is complete randomness,” he writes, adding that “the emergence of appropriate genetic changes in a timely manner indicates there is some degree of purposefulness involved.”

I enjoyed reading Purposeful Evolution. I’m fascinated by the study of the origins of life and the development of species on our planet. While the modern synthesis has been around for many decades, scientists are still making discoveries that can cause us to reconsider its assumptions. Deming writes in a straightforward manner using terms and a tone suitable to an academic approach on the topic. The examples he cites and the arguments he makes are interesting. I especially enjoyed the chapter on plants and animals. Deming is careful to note that distinguishing whether mutations are caused by randomness or purposefulness can depend on information not available to us yet, but gives many examples, such as the poisonous diet of koalas, the defense system of the blue mussel, and the reproductive flexibilities of anglerfish, water fleas, and three-toed skinks, among many others, which challenge readers to consider if purposefulness was a likely influence. A thought-provoking and educational read.

Liz Konkel

Purposeful Evolution by Ron Deming delves into the evolutionary changes that animals and plants have undergone to match their circumstances and the changes in their environment. This book answers the question about how plants change to meet the needs of their pollinators and how animals form mutually beneficial relationships. Deming looks at the cause and effect between these evolutionary changes and the environmental circumstances that factor into their survival. Several examples are included throughout that showcase the various animals and plants that have adjusted to their surroundings in order to survive.

Ron Deming delivers the perfect read for those that wish to learn more about the evolution of plants and animals, and wish to further their passion for science and discovery. This book will open your mind to think about the world around you as you read about the different animals and plants that have evolved to meet the various factors in their environments. Deming encourages you to draw your own conclusions about if the results of these fascinating evolutionary feats are always a coincidence. From speciation to symbiotic relationships, Deming delivers thorough research and factors that will give you a clear understanding of the evolution that occurs all around you. Examples provided throughout include lizards, wasps, fish, snakes, and the Amazon water lily, among several other plants and animals.

Each of these examples gives you further insights into coevolution, symbiotic relationships, pollination, speciation, and mimicry. These examples will introduce you to fascinating plants and animals which include geckos that can camouflage themselves to look like a dead leaf and milk snakes that can make themselves look like coral snakes. Various plants are included to show how they adjust to the characteristics of their pollinators and how these changes work into their environmental factors. Purposeful Evolution is well-organized, thoroughly researched, thought-provoking, and insightful with several examples that will broaden your understanding of evolution. Deming explores natural selection, symbiotic relationships, and speciation, among other fascinating topics.

Rabia Tanveer

Purposeful Evolution by Ron Deming is a book on a modern evolution theory that explores the concept of the mutation of organisms and how the environment plays an important role in the process. Evolution and mutation of living organisms have been a cause of debate for decades. While scientists have taken Darwin’s Theory of Evolution as the perfect explanation of the process, a new and modern theory has evolved that talks about this natural phenomenon and provides a bigger picture as to why organisms evolve and mutate to become better and stronger than before. The instinct of the organisms, the survivability of their nature and the environment all affect the organisms and this modern evolutionary theory explores all of these avenues in detail.

This book is very educational. The author has done a lot of research to share his opinions and ensure that he has the facts to back it all up. The language and the choice of words are simple enough for a reader who is just curious to learn more about evolution and is starting up. This book is going to be very helpful for students who are trying to understand the basics but want to get more than general information on the subject. I enjoyed how the author makes everything understandable yet very eloquent. I appreciated the examples he provided that made certain difficult processes much easier to understand. The author has done a wonderful job of not only providing more information on the subject but ensuring that it is understandable for everyone.