Purposeful Evolution by Ron Deming

The age-old conflict between undirected randomness and intelligent design gets a new referee with the thought-provoking Purposeful Evolution by Ron Deming.

Deming argues that many examples of rapid, seemingly reactive adaptations in species must be the result of some interaction or assessment of the environment, rather than the gradualism of natural selection, which can often take thousands of generations and hundreds of thousands of years. This “purposeful evolution” theory attempts to break down the binary of Darwinian evolution vs. creationism, instead considering the relationship and reactivity of organism to environment over a much smaller time scale.

Backed up with dozens of biodiversity examples and written with authority, Deming chooses his words carefully, while making this book a decidedly engaging read. Challenging a fundamental tenet of evolution is a tall order, but as an explanation for the rapid balancing of ecosystems in response to climatic and demographic changes, purposeful evolution comes across as a viable theory.

However, the dearth of academic references within the book and some of the sweeping claims undercut Deming’s theory. There is no denying that the author has a deep well of knowledge in this area, and a strong argument, but some of his subjective statements are expressed as facts, which can be dangerous for credibility.

That said, the book offers a lot to ponder with Deming’s ideas alone. Intuitively laid out and carefully edited, Purposeful Evolution takes readers on a journey of discovery around the globe, skillfully expounding on some of the most beautiful mysteries of evolutionary history.