I think I’ve got a pop-sci level of knowledge of the evolution of life: I know a couple of theories of abiogenesis, and a high level understanding of the evolution of life from the earliest cells to today. But don’t test me on that.
I’m hoping to get a more current understanding of evolutionary theory and fill in the gaps between the current science and what I know.
I'm a geologist, and one of the required courses for the major was a course where we learned about the major arc of life on earth. My knowledge about evolution, and probably biology as a whole field, doesn't extend too much beyond the fossil record. I've also read and/or listened to a few popular science books that talk about evolution or life sciences (I loved The Violinist's Thumb, by Sam Kean), but I wouldn't call myself super knowledgeable about the plants and critters that are up here on the Earth's crust.
I'm hoping that this book will help me have a more nuanced understanding about how life went from from algal matts billions of years ago to where we are today. It looks like it also might balance some of my fossil-focused ideas with some DNA science, which would be nice.
Global Treasure Hunt! Intellectual Knife Fights!! Really liked the first Chapter. Would like to read more about the adventures of John Ostrom as well. Chapter 2 was a bit of a yawn for me. Chapter 3 was ok, but I think those True Crime-Murder shows and such have DNA me out. Certainly this is not a book I would have picked out on my own, so it will be interesting to see if it becomes more of 'A rollicking ride' for me moving forward.
I think I’ve got a pop-sci level of knowledge of the evolution of life: I know a couple of theories of abiogenesis, and a high level understanding of the evolution of life from the earliest cells to today. But don’t test me on that.
I’m hoping to get a more current understanding of evolutionary theory and fill in the gaps between the current science and what I know.
I'm a geologist, and one of the required courses for the major was a course where we learned about the major arc of life on earth. My knowledge about evolution, and probably biology as a whole field, doesn't extend too much beyond the fossil record. I've also read and/or listened to a few popular science books that talk about evolution or life sciences (I loved The Violinist's Thumb, by Sam Kean), but I wouldn't call myself super knowledgeable about the plants and critters that are up here on the Earth's crust.
I'm hoping that this book will help me have a more nuanced understanding about how life went from from algal matts billions of years ago to where we are today. It looks like it also might balance some of my fossil-focused ideas with some DNA science, which would be nice.
Global Treasure Hunt! Intellectual Knife Fights!! Really liked the first Chapter. Would like to read more about the adventures of John Ostrom as well. Chapter 2 was a bit of a yawn for me. Chapter 3 was ok, but I think those True Crime-Murder shows and such have DNA me out. Certainly this is not a book I would have picked out on my own, so it will be interesting to see if it becomes more of 'A rollicking ride' for me moving forward.