Students and the general public are frequently confronted with contradictory and confusing claims about the development of the science of evolution. Where can they find accurate and understandable information on these important concepts? Icons of Evolution comprises twenty-four in-depth essays on the most famous ideas, objects, people and places of evolutionary biology. Dinosaurs, Neanderthals, Charles Darwin, peppered moths, carbon dating, the fossil record, and more, are explained by some of the most respected scientists, historians, and philosophers of evolution in the world."Icons of Evolution" dispels some of the myths and confusion about evolution and answers questions such as: What do all those horse fossils mean? Was Archaeopteryx the first bird? What is a missing link and is it really missing? Did Peking Man really disappear? Where did the word fossil come from? What does 'survival of the fittest' really mean? and Why does the idea of evolution seem to scare people so much? While written by technical experts, "Icons of Evolution" uses non-technical language that explains these icons for readers new to the field and for those seeking more depth. Taken together these icons tell a story that is sometimes fascinating, sometimes puzzling, always thought provoking. It is a story billions of years in the making, and one that everyone needs to know.