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Life's Solution: Inevitable Humans in a Lonely Universe
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Life's Solution: Inevitable Humans in a Lonely Universe Paperback - 2004

by Simon Conway Morris

Now in paperback, this title offers a new controversial interpretation of evolutionary theory. Arguing against the traditional Darwinian approach, the author finds nature turning to inevitable solutions in the development of life leading ultimately to the creation of humans.


Summary

The assassin's bullet misses, the Archduke's carriage moves forward, and a catastrophic war is avoided. So too with the history of life. Re-run the tape of life, as Stephen J. Gould claimed, and the outcome must be entirely different: an alien world, without humans and maybe not even intelligence. The history of life is littered with accidents: any twist or turn may lead to a completely different world. Now this view is being challenged. Simon Conway Morris explores the evidence demonstrating life's almost eerie ability to navigate to a single solution, repeatedly. Eyes, brains, tools, even culture: all are very much on the cards. So if these are all evolutionary inevitabilities, where are our counterparts across the galaxy? The tape of life can only run on a suitable planet, and it seems that such Earth-like planets may be much rarer than hoped. Inevitable humans, yes, but in a lonely Universe.

From the publisher

Life's Solution builds a persuasive case for the predictability of evolutionary outcomes. The case rests on a remarkable compilation of examples of convergent evolution, in which two or more lineages have independently evolved similar structures and functions. The examples range from the aerodynamics of hovering moths and hummingbirds to the use of silk by spiders and some insects to capture prey. Going against the grain of Darwinian orthodoxy, this book is a must read for anyone grappling with the meaning of evolution and our place in the Universe. Simon Conway Morris is the Ad Hominen Professor in the Earth Science Department at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow of St. John's College and the Royal Society. His research focuses on the study of constraints on evolution, and the historical processes that lead to the emergence of complexity, especially with respect to the construction of the major animal body parts in the Cambrian explosion. Previous books include The Crucible of Creation (Getty Center for Education in the Arts, 1999) and co-author of Solnhofen (Cambridge, 1990). Hb ISBN (2003) 0-521-82704-3

First line

I am a bipedal hominid , of average cranial capacity, write my manuscripts with a fountain pen, and loathe jogging.

Details

  • Title Life's Solution: Inevitable Humans in a Lonely Universe
  • Author Simon Conway Morris
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition First Edition
  • Pages 464
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
  • Date 2004-11-08
  • Illustrated Yes
  • Features Bibliography, Illustrated, Index, Table of Contents
  • ISBN 9780521603256 / 0521603250
  • Weight 1.5 lbs (0.68 kg)
  • Dimensions 8.9 x 5.9 x 1.1 in (22.61 x 14.99 x 2.79 cm)
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 2002035069
  • Dewey Decimal Code 576.801

Media reviews

Citations

  • Books & Culture, 11/01/2004, Page 42
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Life's Solution: Inevitable Humans in a Lonely Universe

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Cambridge University Press, 2004-11-08. Paperback. Very Good. 8x5x1. Softcover. Good binding and cover. Stamps and markings on front end page. <br> "The history of life is littered with accidents: any twist or turn may lead to a completely different world. Now this view is being challenged. Simon Conway Morris explores the evidence demonstrating life's almost eerie ability to navigate to the correct solution, repeatedly. Eyes, brains, tools, even culture: all are very much on the cards. So if these are all evolutionary inevitabilities, where are our counterparts across the Galaxy? The tape of life can run only on a suitable planet, and it seems that such Earth-like planets may be much rarer than is hoped. Inevitable humans, yes, but in a lonely Universe.
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