Though controversies over evolution will inevitably continue, data from major research efforts such as the Human Genome Project are revealing some of the most compelling and overwhelming evidence for the inner workings of life on Earth. In Relics of Eden, geneticist Daniel J. Fairbanks guides readers through these exciting new developments in tracing our ancient ancestors and the rapid success of our species, while providing fundamental insight into the functions of genes, chromosomes, and the astonishing source of thie evidence. By studying so-called junk DNA - which, though functionally useless, constitutes a sizable portion of our DNA - scientists are using these relics to reveal conclusively our evolutonary journey, despite the nay-saying of creatisonists and proponents of intelligent design.