Genetics in the Wild

by John C. Avise

Award-winning geneticist John C. Avise guides this delightful voyage around the planet in search of answers to nature's mysteries. He demonstrates how scientists directly examine DNA to address long-standing questions about wild animals, plants, and microbes. Through dozens of stories that span the world, nature emerges as a realm where truth can be far stranger than fiction. From a 100-ton mushroom to egg-swapping birds, extinct ground sloths to microbes inside our bodies, Avise examines a cornucopia of natural-history topics and explains how today's modern genetic techniques offer novel insights.

Do armadillo litters really contain clones? When is a fig tree not just a single tree? Where have migratory whales traveled? Who are the mothers of the embryos carried by pregnant male seahorses? What insect was the world's earliest farmer? How closely related are Neanderthals to modern humans? Answers to these and many more questions are presented here in a straightforwad manner that reveals Avise's enthusiasm for uncovering nature's hidden ways. Each entry is accompanied by a beautiful illustration from Trudy Nicholson, widely recognized as one of today's leading nature artists.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Animals

270 pages, Paperback

First published August 17, 2002

Reviews

[Felipe Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a beautifully written book. The book feels like a box of chocolates, each essay -each only one or two pages long- feels like a chocolate that you could devour in just one sitting, or enjoy only one or two at the time. I will definitely read it again in the future.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book consists of a collection of short vignettes which highlight how modern genetics techniques have aided uncovering many aspects of ecology and behavior. The writing is clear and examples include important textbook examples with additional details as well as not so well known examples. There is a helpful appendix outlining these genetics techniques as well. The book will interest any who want to connect natural history with studies in genetics and how current genetics techniques are valuable in conservation efforts. I also recommend the book for students in genetics, especially population genetics, evolution, and conservation -- though the book is not technical, a lot can be gained by quickly reviewing these research questions.

[Sae-chan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The genetics part itself didn't really interest me. I couldn't feel the difference whether a species started evolution 5 million or 5 billion years ago. For me the they are the same: ancient. But the habits of wildlife described here were extremely interesting. Or maybe I had been just too ignorant.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit repetitive at times, but overall a very good book. Very interesting information on reproduction habits of a wide variety of animal species.