Home › Nonfiction › The Selfish Gene
A famous argument that evolution is best understood from the gene’s point of view
1976Steady paceThoughtful
What it is about
Richard Dawkins argues that genes, not animals or species, are the basic units of natural selection. He uses examples of animal behavior to show how selfish genes can lead to cooperation and sacrifice. In the book he also introduces the idea of the meme.
Who will enjoy it
Readers who want a classic of popular science.
What you will get
A famous and influential book that is still widely discussed. Later editions add notes.
The Selfish Gene Facts: Pages, Genre and Setting
Genre
Nonfiction · Evolution · Genetics · Science
Length
360 pages · ≈ 10 h
More about this book
Characters
Genes, animals and the scientists who study them.
Setting
The natural world, from insects to mammals.
What makes it different
It popularized a gene’s-eye view of evolution and the term meme.
Feel
Clear, lively and provocative.
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