Consider the platypus : evolution through biology's most baffling beasts
(Book)
Author
Contributors
Prato, Rodica, illustrator.
Published
New York : Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers, 2019.
Status
Central - Adult Nonfiction
576.8 SANDF
1 available
576.8 SANDF
1 available
Copies
| Location | Call Number | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Central - Adult Nonfiction | 576.8 SANDF | Available |
Description
*FINALIST FOR THE 2020 GENERAL NONFICTION MINNESOTA BOOK AWARDS*Interested in the origins of the species? Consider the Platypus uses pets such as dogs and cats as well as animal outliers like the axolotl and naked mole rat to wittily tackle mind-bending concepts about how evolution, biology, and genetics work.Consider the Platypus explores the history and features of more than 50 animals to provide insight into our current understanding of evolution. Using Darwin's theory as a springboard, Maggie Ryan Sandford details scientists' initial understanding of the development of creatures and how that has expanded in the wake of genetic sequencing, including the:
- Peppered Moth, which changed color based on the amount of soot in the London air;
- California Two-Spotted Octopus, which has the amazing ability to alter its DNA/RNA not over generations but during its lifetime;
- miniscule tardigrade, which is so hearty it can withstand radiation, lack of water and oxygen, and temperatures as low as -328°F and as high 304 °F;
- and, of course, the platypus, which has so many disparate features, from a duck's bill to venomous spur to mammary patches, that scientists originally thought it was a hoax.
More Details
Format
Book
Edition
First edition.
Physical Desc
272 pages : illustrations (some color) ; 27 cm
Language
English
ISBN
9780316418393, 0316418390
Notes
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (page 263)and index.
Description
Consider the Platypus explores the history and features of more than 50 animals to provide insight into our current understanding of evolution. Using Darwin's theory as a springboard, Maggie Ryan Sandford details scientists' initial understanding of the development of creatures and how that has expanded in the wake of genetic sequencing. Surprising, witty, and impeccably researched, Sandford describes each animal's significant features and how these have adapted to its environment, such as the zebra finch's beak shape, which was observed by Charles Darwin and is a cornerstone of his Theory of Evolution. With scientifically accurate but charming art by Rodica Prato, Consider the Platypus showcases species as diverse as the sloth, honey bee, cow, brown kiwi, and lungfish, to name a few, to tackle intimidating concepts is a accessible way. --from Amazon.
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Citations
APA Citation, 7th Edition (style guide)
Sandford, M. R., & Prato, R. (2019). Consider the platypus: evolution through biology's most baffling beasts (First edition.). Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers.
Chicago / Turabian - Author Date Citation, 17th Edition (style guide)Sandford, Maggie Ryan and Rodica, Prato. 2019. Consider the Platypus: Evolution Through Biology's Most Baffling Beasts. New York: Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers.
Chicago / Turabian - Humanities (Notes and Bibliography) Citation, 17th Edition (style guide)Sandford, Maggie Ryan and Rodica, Prato. Consider the Platypus: Evolution Through Biology's Most Baffling Beasts New York: Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers, 2019.
Harvard Citation (style guide)Sandford, M. R. and Prato, R. (2019). Consider the platypus: evolution through biology's most baffling beasts. First edn. New York: Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers.
MLA Citation, 9th Edition (style guide)Sandford, Maggie Ryan, and Rodica Prato. Consider the Platypus: Evolution Through Biology's Most Baffling Beasts First edition., Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers, 2019.
Note! Citations contain only title, author, edition, publisher, and year published. Citations should be used as a guideline and should be double checked for accuracy. Citation formats are based on standards as of August 2021.
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