《演化》并非一般意义上的摄影艺术画册，本书由生物学专家编撰，严谨而平实的文字结合骨骼照片，将脊椎动物的演化历史娓娓道来。《演化》也非严格意义上的科普作品，摄影师藉由黑白摄影再现博物馆中的骨骼标本，从艺术的层面，创作方式已先于创作内容表达了艺术家的创作意图。
《演化》全书分为六篇，共有44章，从不同动物身体的结构对比入手，再依次讲述生物物种形成的机理、自然选择（包括性选择）的神奇力量、生物结构发生改变的过程和机理、环境对生物演化的塑造，以及演化与时间。从中读者不仅可以了解到许多现代脊椎动物的知识，而且还可以熟悉一些生物演化历史上最为重要的化石和事件。作者还恰如其分地讨论了自然选择和性选择的关系，并且批评了社会达尔文主义者对达尔文科学理论的滥用和曲解。
艺术与科学结合，既是对博物学传统的回溯，也是科学传播新的发展方向。《演化》作为一部在内容与形式上都追求卓越的作品，值得每一个人认真阅读。骨骼，对于古生物学者，或许意味着一切。而演化论，与我们每个人都息息相关。我们演化而来，我们在演化之中，我们将继续演化。从如此恢弘的时空格局观看我们自己，或许是《演化》的初衷……

What is the biological reason for gossip?
For laughter? For the creation of art?
Why do dogs have curly tails?
What can microbes tell us about morality?
These and many other questions are tackled by renowned evolutionist David Sloan Wilson in this witty and groundbreaking new book. With stories that entertain as much as they inform, Wilson outlines the basic principles of evolution and shows how, properly understood, they can illuminate the length and breadth of creation, from the origin of life to the nature of religion. Now everyone can move beyond the sterile debates about creationism and intelligent design to share Darwin’s panoramic view of animal and human life, seamlessly connected to each other.
Evolution, as Wilson explains, is not just about dinosaurs and human origins, but about why all species behave as they do—from beetles that devour their own young, to bees that function as a collective brain, to dogs that are smarter in some respects than our closest ape relatives. And basic evolutionary principles are also the foundation for humanity’s capacity for symbolic thought, culture, and morality.
In example after example, Wilson sheds new light on Darwin’s grand theory and how it can be applied to daily life. By turns thoughtful, provocative, and daringly funny, Evolution for Everyone addresses some of the deepest philosophical and social issues of this or any age. In helping us come to a deeper understanding of human beings and our place in the world, it might also help us to improve that world.
From the Hardcover edition.