The zoologist's guide to the galaxy : what animals on Earth reveal about aliens - and about ourselves
Kershenbaum, Arik2020
Books
We are unprepared for the greatest discovery of modern science. Scientists are confident that there is alien life across the universe yet we have not moved beyond our perception of 'aliens' as Hollywood stereotypes. The time has come to abandon our fixation on alien monsters and place our expectations on solid scientific footing. Using his own expert understanding of life on Earth and Darwin's theory of evolution - which must apply throughout the universe - Cambridge zoologist Dr Arik Kershenbaum explains what alien life must be like. Observing fishes whose electrical pulses indicate social status, we can see that conditions on other planets might allow for communication by electricity. As there was evolutionary pressure to wriggle along a sea floor, Earthling animals tend to have left/right symmetry; on planets where creatures evolved mid-air or in soupy tar - to be ready to move in any or multiple directions - they might be lacking any symmetry at all. Dr Kershenbaum uses cutting-edge science to paint an entertaining and compelling picture of extra-terrestrial life. Moreover, as The Zoologist's Guide to the Galaxy is the story of communication, intelligence, cooperation and technology, on Earth and in space, we see how life really works - and what it means to be human.
Main title:
Author:
Kershenbaum, Arik, author
Imprint:
London : Penguin Books, 2020.London : Penguin Books, 2020.©2020.
Collation:
xi, 356 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm.
Notes:
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN:
9780241406793 (hardback)
Dewey class:
576.839
Language:
English
BRN:
370249
More Information:
| Location | Collection | Call number | Status/Desc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brighton Library | Adult Non Fiction - Environment | 576.839 KER | Available |