Paleontology

  (out of 5 stars)

Paleobiologist Steven Stanley considers the impact of major ecological and environmental changes wrought by ice ages on the evolution of human beings in his book Children of the Ice Age. A fascinating subject and impressive theory, the treatment here is disappointing.

I found Stanley's writing to be a bit jarring: the narrative seemed to skip across necessary connections between thoughts. By the time the author got to the primary evidence for his thesis, I had had to reread numerous passages to attempt to understand his points. The writing is not dense or overly-complicated (I am an experienced science reader who often enjoys such dense treatments), but it left me missing the point far too often.

Still, the subject is very interesting, and while I wouldn't recommend this book to many people, those with a keen interest in paleontology, paleobiology, anthropology, evolution, and population migrations will likely find some value in reading Children. Two and one-half stars.

  (out of 5 stars)

Neil Shubin has presented a short but wonderful account of man's biological connections to numerous species throughout the history of life on Earth. Focusing mainly on paleontology and anatomy, the book offers a fascinating and highly enlightening glimpse at just how connected we really are to other lifeforms. The book does rely on science, but it is largely approachable by any curious reader. The science is carefully presented throughout, but you don't really need to understand a great deal in order to get Shubin's points.

Fish starts off with the story of Shubin's team discovering the Tiktaalik fossil which established a 'missing link' in the transition of life from water-based to land based. Tiktaalik possessed many fish-like qualities, including scales, but also possessed wrists very much like those of modern mammals. Shubin compares various parts of the anatomy of Tiktaalik and other fish to modern humans and shows striking commonality.

From there, Shubin moves on to comparing various parts of human anatomy, such as hands, teeth, and heads, to numerous fossils and various studies which demonstrate striking similarities and shared histories. The discussion of teeth was particularly enjoyable as the reader learns that teeth came before skulls and are shared from a very early time by all decendent creatures.

We are also treated to examples of modern genetic triggers for bodies which can be traced genetically back to times before creatures had bodies. Shubin wraps up the discussion with quick histories of senses and the organs which have developed to utilize them.

Time and again, Shubin offers nuggests of insight that are fascinating and really establishes his case (fairly well agreed upon in modern biology) for the genetic ties between modern humans and practically any other animal life form you can imagine. His discussions of research into genetic triggers and the common usage of the triggers across widely differing species were fascinating and, for me, the highlight of the book. For example, Shubin explains how a trigger used in mouse genes to kick off eye growth could be used in a fly to kick off eye growth. Not just any eye, though, the mouse gene in the fly created fly eyes, and vice versa. Fascinating genetic research.

This is the book to give to creationists who have any semblance of an open-mind. I cannot imagine anyone curious reader being able to reconcile the information in Fish with any notion of creationism. The genetic traits we share with mice, sponges, fish, and birds are too consistent and obvious to deny, so if you have an open-minded creationist in your circle, get them this book pronto.

A fascinating and quick read, Fish was a delight, simply one of the best books I've read this year, and one I will recommend very highly to anyone willing to listen. Even if you think you know a lot about anatomy, biology, or paleontology, there are sure to be some bits in this book that will be new. Four and one-half stars and very highly recommended to anyone.