What is evolution and why do so many people find it difficult to understand? Understanding Evolution is a concise and accessible introduction to the core concepts of evolutionary theory, presented in the light of common conceptual obstacles. It shows that there is more than religious resistance to accepting evolution.

What are genes? What do genes do? These questions are not simple and straightforward to answer; at the same time, simplistic answers are quite prevalent and are taken for granted. This book aims to explain the origin of the gene concept, its various meanings both within and outside science, as well as to debunk the intuitive view of the existence of 'genes for' characteristics and disease. Drawing on contemporary research in genetics and genomics, as well as on ideas from history of science, philosophy of science, psychology and science education, it explains what genes are and what they can...