Die Geschichte des Lebens
Vier Milliarden Jahre Evolution entschlüsselt






Vier Milliarden Jahre Evolution entschlüsselt
Shubin describes how over the last half-century, scientists have been able to explore how genetic recipes build bodies during embryological development--how these inventions and adaptations occur in a nonprogressive manner in different contexts, at different speeds
During the past 13.7 billion years (or so) since the Big Bang, our universe has evolved, stars have formed and died and our planet congealed from the matter in space. In this title, the author reveals to us the extraordinary cosmic and evolutionary adventure of our own bodies.
What links the Earth's tilt to our body clocks? How did the creation of the Atlantic Ocean affect childbirth? What does the water inside us have to do with the deepest stretches of space? Humanity's status in the cosmos can seem insignificant. Yet, as Neil Shubin shows, the one place where the universe, solar system and planet merge is inside your body. Exploring the smallest atomic structures and vastest reaches of space, Shubin uncovers a sublime truth: that in every one of us lies the most profound story of all - how we and our world came to be. 'Shubin is not only a distinguished scientist, but a wonderfully lucid and elegant writer.' Oliver Sacks 'Dazzling . . . a magical storyteller . . . an illuminating account of how life on earth is shaped.' Richard Hamblyn, The Times Literary Supplement 'Panoramic, romping . . . carries the reader along on a wave of enthusiasm.' Focus 'Filled with sweeping scientific stories.' New Scientist 'Glorious, uplifting . . . What is special about the book is its sweep, its scope, its panorama.' Wall Street Journal
O objevu 375 milionů let staré přechodové formy mezi rybou a obojživelníkem v odlehlém koutě arktické Kanady i o tom, že v každém z nás je skryta ryba, byť v zastřené a pozměněné podobě, o tom, jak se postupně měnilo rybí tělo v tělo savce (a člověka), a nejen o tom, vypráví ve své nesmírně originální knize Neil Shubin, účastník objevu oné pradávné ryby zvané Tiktaalik. Zábavnou formou spojuje dobrodružství v paleontologii s vědeckými poznatky a odhaluje mnoho překvapivých souvislostí mezi naší anatomií a anatomií ryb, plazů a dalších tvorů.