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This is a fascinating encyclopedia comparing the most important adaptations and evolutions in the natural world with the most important discoveries and inventions of human history. Welcome to the amazing world of adaptations, where species--including humans--develop fascinating new capabilities to ensure a competitive edge in their environment, or in some cases, survival itself. Encyclopedia of Adaptations in the Natural World is a wide-ranging catalog of the most important of those adaptations--from photosynthesis to the the peculiar "vampire"-like behavior of the tiny life form called the prion.The seven chapters in the Encyclopedia cover the key survival challenges all organisms face. Entries within those chapters cover specific adaptations from all forms of life, including animals, plants, bacteria, algae, fungi, and viruses. For each adaptation, the book also describes a related technological breakthrough in the human world, showing how engineers today study natural processes to help them develop new inventions.

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Library Journal Review

While evolutionary adaptations seem a broad subject to tackle in such a slender volume, science writer Simmons presents a fascinating and concise examination of diverse systems, fostering a deeper understanding of a multivalent subject. The book is broken into seven chapters, with each addressing a major concern, like locomotion, communication, and survival mechanisms. Explanations are clear and jargon free, while important field-specific terms are efficiently illuminated. The title offers many stunning black-and-white specimen photographs, as well as a three-page further reading list. Highly recommended for secondary audiences and curious lay readers. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist Review

Adaptations are those capabilities that species develop to ensure a competitive edge in their environment, or, in some cases, survival itself. Author Simmons organizes his survey of adaptations into seven chapters covering the key survival challenges all organisms face : to make and use energy, survive the elements, move, utilize materials, build structures, sense the environment, and communicate. Each chapter begins with a description of what humans have invented to meet the challenge and then offers 8 to 10 examples of pertinent adaptations in the natural world. Each example (e.g., ectothermy, infrared vision, jet propulsion, termite towers) includes a one- to two-page description of the adaptation followed by a paragraph about real or potential human uses under the heading Borrowing from Nature. The author's knowledge, wide reading, and interpretation of science are apparent. However, sources for specific information are not included. The author acknowledges that and states that he did not want to disturb the flow of the book. Though it is called an encyclopedia, the volume's organization makes it more of a narrative account of the topics. There is a short bibliography of suggested readings at the end. The book is aimed at the general reader who wants an introduction to some of the adaptations, which may be bizarre or very practical, that have evolved in other organisms and that humans have themselves adapted to solve problems. It offers a unique perspective on evolution and is recommended for science collections in academic and large public libraries.--Scarth, Linda Copyright 2010 Booklist

Notas de autor provistas por Syndetics

Adam Simmons is a science writer who has written for popular and academic science journals, including Nature .