What on Earth Evolved?: 100 Species That Changed the World

What on Earth Evolved?: 100 Species That Changed the World

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Editorial Reviews

Published on the 150th anniversary of On the Origin of Species, an erudite, original, and lavishly illustrated guide to the most important species in the history of the planet.In our planet’s highly competitive history, a few species have been conspicuously successful. Humankind, for one, but also ants, potatoes, tulips, and sheep. Within the stories of these influential species lies the story of life on earth. In this expansive, articulate, and insightful book, C hristopher Lloyd explores the two eras that have defined the planet—Before Man and After Man. T he former was a time of strange creatures and loose bits of genetic code, the latter a sprawling period of invention and cosmic transformation. With remarkable eloquence, Lloyd takes us through both eras, weaving in capsule biographies of the most successful species. All in all, it’s a kind of who’s who of biology, as well as an innovative picture of the planet’s history. Not only a celebration of Darwin’s legacy but also a timely reexamination of the evolution of life, What on Earth Evolved? is a testament to the lasting influence of a few crucible moments in history—and a reminder that the legacy of humankind is still yet be determined.

Customer Reviews

Looks very good, except for a little problem

Reviewed by William A. Baity, 2010-02-12

I have leafed through this book at a bookstore and, frankly, wanted to beat their $45 price. It looks really good. There are too many illustrations for it to be useful on a Kindle, so I need a dead tree copy. What's with the price here? Did I see a paperback version, which Amazon says is unavailable as of Feb 12, 2010?

Fascinating Look at Our Evolution

Reviewed by David Whetstone, 2010-01-17

Bought this book as a Christmas present for my wife. It became the hot topic at our house over the Holidays. First heard about the book through an NPR radio interview of the author. Here's the link:

[...]

It will give you a great idea of what the book is all about. Nice that the book is divided into compartments so you don't feel like you need to read the whole book at once.

Fascinating Read

Reviewed by Susan S, 2009-12-31

Our teens are devouring this book and ideas are bursting out all over. It is organized in short chapters which can be read and discussed in any order. Great book for igniting curiosity. Very accessible to scientifically interested readers.

Yeah! _____________

Reviewed by string bender, 2009-12-15

I just read the interview printed on the NPR website. HOT STUFF! I am definetely getting this book. I think that virus have and underestimated role in the development in early life. Surly they were the ones responsible for the first cell, complet with the protective covering. I don't think that life would have progressed without this, so they directly effect everything after this transition. And I think that it would be hard to put a value on their effect on the rest of evolution, positive or negative. Modern day, humans could end up having a huge impact on all other species as well. I think that more will develop, from the bottom of the sludge 500 years from now in our landfills, and with the extinction of species opening new holes. But this wouldn't have happened without the virus. I personally am happy with being #6 though, personally, I am kind of a slacker! SPC Mahoney.