These references are for the study of the origin and evolution of life on Earth, by Dr. Betti Nicotri of the University of Washington. The references date from 1964-1990. To return to the Astronomical Teaching Resource home page, click HERE.

Campbell, N. A. 1990 ``Biology'' (2nd ed.)

An introductory biology text with chapters on genetics and genetic systems, evolution, origin of life, etc.

Cloud, P. 1986 ``How Life Began'' Trends in Ecology and Evolution 1: 134-6

A concise summary of thoughts on the origin of life.

Dawkins, R. 1977 ``The Selfish Gene''

An entertaining account of evolution from the point of view of the gene.

Dawkins, R. 1986 ``The Blind Watchmaker''

A discussion of how natural selection produces complexity without design.

Futuyma, D. J. 1983 ``Science on Trial: The Case for Evolution''

The evidence for evolution; an answer to creationist arguments.

Gould, S. J. 1977 ``Ever Since Darwin'' (Chapters 5-8, 13-14)

Human evolution and the early stages of life.

Gould, S. J. 1980 ``The Panda's Thumb'' (Chapter 12)

Humans as a special case.

Gould, S. J. 1984 ``Hen's Teeth and Horse's Toes'' (Chapter 19)

Evolution as fact and theory.

Gould, S. J. 1985 ``The Flamingo's Smile'' (Chapters 25-30)

Life here and elsewhere; the evolution of human consciousness, extinction.

Gould, S. J. 1989 ``Wonderful Life: The Burgess Shale and the Nature of History''

A fascinating view of early multicellular animals very foreign to us.

Jacob, F. 1977 ``Evolutiona and Tinkering'' Science 196:1161-6

Evolution proceeds by modifying pre-existing features.

Margulis, L. 1982 ``Early Life''

The origin of cells and eukaryotes.

Sagan, C. 1977 ``The Dragons of Eden''

Speculations on the evolution of intelligence.

Simpson, G. G. 1964 ``The View of Life''

An evolutionary biologist considers extraterrestrial possibilities.

Stebbins, G. L. 1982 ``Darwin to DNA, Molecules to Humanity''

A comprehensive consideration of mechanisms of evolution and the evolutionary history of life on earth.