Modern synthesis (20th century) a gene-centred view of evolution following Hamilton's concepts, disputing the idea of evolutionary progress, and attacking the then widespread theory of group selection. Williams argued that natural selection worked by changing the frequency of alleles, and could not work at the level of groups. Gene-centred evolution was popularised by Richard Dawkins in his 1976 book "The Selfish Gene" and developed in his more technical writings. In 1975, E. O. Wilson published his controversial book "", the subtitle alluding to the modern synthesis as he attempted to bring the study of animal society into the evolutionary fold. This appeared radically new,
Feathers: The Evolution of a Natural Miracle is "something for everyone to learn", from professional ornithologists to non-biologists. Bostwick warned scientific readers, however, that "Feathers" uses poetic license "to adapt some of the historical accounts a little to make them flow as stories" and that "Hanson uses a few analogies to explain some of the more complex biological phenomenon that are not entirely accurate." Feathers: The Evolution of a Natural Miracle Feathers: The Evolution of a Natural Miracle is a 2011 natural history book by American conservation biologist Thor Hanson. Published by Basic Books and written for general audiences, the book discusses the significance of feathers, their