The Zoologist's Guide to the Galaxy
Books | Science / Life Sciences / Evolution
4
Arik Kershenbaum
From a noted Cambridge zoologist, a wildly fun and scientifically sound exploration of what alien life must be like, using universal laws that govern life on Earth and in space.Scientists are confident that life exists elsewhere in the universe. Yet rather than taking a realistic approach to what aliens might be like, we imagine that life on other planets is the stuff of science fiction. The time has come to abandon our fantasies of space invaders and movie monsters and place our expectations on solid scientific footing.But short of aliens landing in New York City, how do we know what they are like? Using his own expert understanding of life on Earth and Darwin's theory of evolution--which applies throughout the universe--Cambridge zoologist Dr. Arik Kershenbaum explains what alien life must be like: how these creatures will move, socialize, and communicate. For example, by observing fish whose electrical pulses indicate social status, we can see that 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 in midair or in soupy tar, they might be lacking any symmetry at all.Might there be an alien planet with supersonic animals? A moon where creatures have a language composed of smells? Will aliens scream with fear, act honestly, or have technology? The Zoologist's Guide to the Galaxy answers these questions using the latest science to tell the story of how life really works, on Earth and in space.
AD
Buy now:
More Details:
Author
Arik Kershenbaum
Pages
368
Publisher
Penguin
Published Date
2021-03-16
ISBN
1984881973 9781984881977
Community ReviewsSee all
"The Zoologist's Guide to the Galaxy is a fascinating and thought provoking look at how, theoretically, "aliens" (aka life in other areas of the galaxy/ in other galaxies) would have evolved and what similarities or differences they could have to inhabitants of Earth. If you're looking for supernatural speculation, or if you have an advanced understanding of evolution and natural selection, this book will probably bore you. However, if you grew up learning that the Earth was only 2000 years old, Charles Darwin was Voldemort, and evolution was a swear word, and you're still catching up on all the scientific knowledge you were sheltered from, this book is for you.<br/><br/>Kershenbaum basically takes the concept of natural selection and applies it to address some of our most burning questions: is there life on other planets? Is it even possible? And what would it look like? While you won't get any definitive answers from this book (because we just don't know!), you will get a lot of scientifically backed hypotheses to ponder. The bottom line is that all life on Earth has adapted to best suit its environment. Therefore, if there is life elsewhere in the universe, it has done the same thing. If it has evolved to be far more advanced than humans, perhaps it does have advanced technology and could visit or communicate with us. If it hasn't evolved to be anywhere near as advanced as humans or even developed consciousness, there is no way it's flying over to visit Earth within our lifetime.<br/><br/>It's mesmerizing to think about other planets having a whole slew of unique creatures that will probably never be seen by us Earthlings. But with an incomprehensibly vast universe filled with stars, planets, and galaxies we have yet to even discover, why would extraterrestrial life come visit little old Earth? However, I for one think intelligent life is out there, and maybe, just maybe, it will make its way to us... or maybe it already has."
Leah Silecchia
"This is one of those books where every couple pages you are highlighting, texting or just generally sharing around you fun facts and "ahha" moments in terms of evolution. An enlightening read, I loved the way he structured the book, however it is pretty light on the revelations about Aliens :)<br/><br/>I even found tidbits that applied to work, especially working competitively with peers or other partner companies.<br/><br/>"Whenever there is a conflict of interest (or a potential conflict of interest) between two animals making their own decisions to maximize their own fitness, then an evolutionary game is in play. Each individual is trying to outmaneuver the other, or perhaps cooperate with the other, but for selfish reasons. In the log run, the best gaming strategy is the one that is likely to evolve. ""
Wesley Spence