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I really enjoyed the beginning of this book which focuses on species that evolve very quickly like lizards and guppies (a welcome change from the books about the impact of humans on the numerous species that cannot adapt fast enough). Following is a part about the use for humankind of such studies of evolution (although it seems much fun, there are also more serious reasons for conducting them). In the last part, the author muses at the probability of complex life on other planets. This part I found less interesting, because I think there are enough incredible products of evolution to look at on earth for us not to waste time dreaming of still other species on other planets.
Dr. Losos' contribution the convergence conversation is not only enjoyable, but indispensable. A herpetologist, he uses his vast knowledge and dedication to the world of lizards to illustrate how convergence works, what it means about our previous evolutionary concepts.
As someone with a longtime interest with evolution, I was fascinated by this book. It is well organized and clear in its logic. It’s basic premise explores whether evolution is predictable in its outcomes or unpredictable due to historical contingencies.
My background is in anthropology so it’s no surprise that my only complaint is that Losos didn’t acknowledge the multitude of hominids that have existed and the growing evidence that there were multiple points of hominid evolution (tho all were in Africa).
I would unhesitatingly recommend this to others with an interest in biology and evolution.
I listened to the audiobook as I read along in the physical book. The audio is well produced and even the footnotes were seamlessly woven into the narration.
My background is in anthropology so it’s no surprise that my only complaint is that Losos didn’t acknowledge the multitude of hominids that have existed and the growing evidence that there were multiple points of hominid evolution (tho all were in Africa).
I would unhesitatingly recommend this to others with an interest in biology and evolution.
I listened to the audiobook as I read along in the physical book. The audio is well produced and even the footnotes were seamlessly woven into the narration.
Despite this being a slim volume, I would frequently put it down and not be enthusiastic about picking it back up to continue. This was not because the content was uninteresting - as a lover of books on evolution, I can always find something to enjoy - but I couldn’t quite get on with the writing style, and I’m not entirely sure why. Nevertheless, it is clear and easily digestible, pulling together a number of examples and research projects exploring the question of whether we can predict the effects of evolution.
This book takes on some of the biggest questions -- how predictable is evolution, how inevitable is the existence of humanity -- in a mostly small-bore way, talking about the details of particular experiments that add up to some real insights. The book is not perfect, the philosophical speculation doesn't have a real philosopher's careful touch, the writing is good but not impressive, but it does a rare job of showing how science works to break down vast problems into small, manageable pieces, where the temptation might be to just throw up your hands at the impossible gulf between the ambition and the available tools, and how those pieces do accumulate to advance the understanding in profound ways.
An interesting overview of both field and laboratory studies illuminating evolution. I enjoyed it, but found his arguments about introducing species on islands and streams where they were not currently living to be a bit pat. He actually outlined all the reasons against the practice and then proceeded to say there was no settling the question.
was going with 3.5 stars until the conclusion when Losos mentioned perry the platypus. instant boost to four.
on that note, the author questions if perry is introspective, to which i would argue yes, citing my evidence as that song 'when we didn't get along' and the whole episode with the peter the panda debacle.
as for the actual book though, really solid if you're into evolution or whatever. or if you're not. i read some of the Real Published Science Papers mentioned in this book for my evolution course and did not understand the experiments until Losos explained them. also the illustrations, anecdotes, and connections to pop culture were fun.
on that note, the author questions if perry is introspective, to which i would argue yes, citing my evidence as that song 'when we didn't get along' and the whole episode with the peter the panda debacle.
as for the actual book though, really solid if you're into evolution or whatever. or if you're not. i read some of the Real Published Science Papers mentioned in this book for my evolution course and did not understand the experiments until Losos explained them. also the illustrations, anecdotes, and connections to pop culture were fun.
funny
informative
slow-paced
EO Wilson is absolutely correct, this is one of the best biology books I’ve read let alone evolutionary biology. Saved my evolutionary ecology unit at uni providing all the extra reading I needed, and making the topic comprehensible and interesting, unlike one of my lecturers
informative