FOSSILS, EVOLUTION AND my FAITH

About the Book

‘Evolution’ is an important concept in Biology. Textbooks on this subject list a number of ‘evidences for organic evolution’. One such evidence is what comes from the study of ‘Fossils’. In Part I of the book, in chapters 1 to 3, a definition for fossils is put forth and the methods of their study are briefly outlined, thereby introducing the reader to ‘Paleontology’, the science of fossil study, Chapters 4 to 7 in Part II of the book, give an exposition of the ‘Thoughts, Observations, Concepts and Theories’ pertaining to ‘Organic Evolution’, the subject matter of Part II in general. These initial chapters are intended to lead the reader to a better understanding of the ‘Fossil Evidences for Evolution’ among the various groups of organisms, including man, dealt with in the remaining chatters of this part, beginning with the ‘Protists’ in chapter 8. Volume One terminates at this point, leaving the remaining 11 chapters of Part II to be covered in Volume Two that would also contain Part III on ‘my Faith’.

About the Author

D.E.P. Jeyasingh, M. Sc., Ph.D. FPbS Scientist/Palaeobotanist/Educationist; b. March 14, 1938 India; m Henrietta, two s and one d; Educ. Madras and Lucknow Univs., India; Lecturer in Botany, 1963- 1979; Prof. of Botany, 1979-1991; Head, Botany Dept, Madras Christian College (Autonomous) 1991-1996, now retired:—Fellow & Life Member, Palaeobotanical Soc. Of India, Lucknow. Former Member: (i) New York Academy of Sciences (USA) (ii) International Soc. of Plant Morphologists, New Delhi, (INDIA). Published more than 40 research articles in National and International journals and leading News dailies in India. Investigated the morphology of plant fossils from (i) the Lower Gondwana sediments in Bihar, India; (ii) the Upper Gondwana sediments & (iii) the Tertiary deposits of the Cuddalore Sandstones, along the East Coast of peninsular India; Participated and presented research papers in many National and International Conferences including the 5th International Palaeobotanical Conference held at Santa Barbara, USA in 1996; Guided students for M.phil and Ph.D. degrees.; Conducted seminars on (i) ‘Fossils, Evolution and Faith’ & (ii) ‘Recent Advances in Plant Sciences’, for the benefi t of students in1994 & 1995; Conducted a workshop on ‘Scope of Palaeobotany and Playnology in the University Curriculum’ for the benefi t of college teachers and research scholars in Tamil Nadu, India in 1995; Co-founder and secretary of the ‘Society of Palaeobiologists’, Chennai, and the founder of the ‘Christian Institute of Palaeobiology’, Chennai. Hobbies: (i) Photography, (ii) Bird watching (iii) Gardening. Address: ‘Nithyam’, 16(14) Maruthi Nagar, 2nd Main Road, Rajakilpakkam, Chennai-600 073, India. E-mail: depjeyasingh@yahoo.com