Great Adaptations: Star-Nosed Moles, Electric Eels, and Other Tales of Evolution's Mysteries Solved

Scientists aren't trained to write entertainingly, but any expectation of a dull academic style is put to rest by the opening sentences of Great Adaptations: Star-Nosed Moles, Electric Eels, and Other Tales of Evolution's Mysteries Solved. Its reference to the movie The Princess Bride perfectly predicts the tone of this book: the biology covered involves "fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes... electrocution, zombification, deception, and centuries-old legends." As biologist, professor and 2006 MacArthur Fellow Kenneth Catania says in the introduction, he wants this book to show something about the process of discovery. It definitely does, including the failures, wrong turns and coincidences that sometimes lead to success, as well as how often he had to get wet and muddy. Along with describing the complicated details of experiments and theories, Catania shows how observing and wondering comes first: noticing that moles constantly blew air bubbles as they searched for food led to proof that mammals can smell underwater, which was thought to be impossible. Studying small and seemingly simple creatures can lead to answers to big questions.

Catania is an engaging narrator who sometimes studies offbeat subjects, like a collecting technique called worm grunting--which not only resulted in a publication, but also a commemorative T-shirt from the official worm grunting festival. With its combination of clearly explained science and vivid tales from the road, this is a book for anyone who is interested in the natural world and the interesting people who study it. --Linda Lombardi, writer and editor

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