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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
Much of what we thought we knew about evolution is proving to be more nuanced than we once thought. Anatomical similarity between species once thought to mean a common ancestor is more often being reclassified as independent derivation. In talking about multiple long term studies from the lab and in the field we are learning that independent rolls of the evolutionary dice can yield essentially the same outcomes. Caveats apply but provided variations have a genetic basis species under the same selection basis evolve to best survive in their environment.
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Fascinating and quite accessible for non-biologists.
A bit lacking in theme or coherence beyond "Here are some cool evolution studies!"
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
informative
slow-paced
It was informative with some great interestint case studies. But I feel far to repetitive. The point was generally made by the halfway point or could have been. I learned lots but felt I learned all I needed by about chapter 7
Even though this book ended up in "shelved", it is very interesting and well written. Revisit this one when you are ready to learn something. ;)
Very good for a lay audience, but a bit too rudimentary for those specializing in evolutionary biology.
This was a decent audiobook, though I'll admit: my mind did wander a bit while listening.
For those who are new to evolutionary biology, this might be a really interesting and thought provoking book. And it did give me pause for thought in a few ways, particularly with regards to the bacterial colony studies mentioned in the latter half of the book. I'm happy to acknowledge that my background studies 10 years ago still left me with a decent grasp of genetics, natural selection, and evolution, so at least I still have that goin' for me!
If you're really keen on lizards, guppies, bacteria, or bacteria studied over thousands of generations: this might just be the book for you.
For those who are new to evolutionary biology, this might be a really interesting and thought provoking book. And it did give me pause for thought in a few ways, particularly with regards to the bacterial colony studies mentioned in the latter half of the book. I'm happy to acknowledge that my background studies 10 years ago still left me with a decent grasp of genetics, natural selection, and evolution, so at least I still have that goin' for me!
If you're really keen on lizards, guppies, bacteria, or bacteria studied over thousands of generations: this might just be the book for you.
This was a slow, tedious slog for me. I was already familiar with several of the classic evolution examples, such as the Grants' studies of the Galapogos finches, and the author's own anole studies, which I've taught my own students about. The guppy and deer mice studies were interesting, but once it got down to genetic studies of yeast and bacterial populations, my interest faded.
Best book on evolutionary biology I've ever read. Engaging, informative, and funny. Perfect mix of the author's own research and outside perspectives. Highly recommend.