Live Long and Evolve: What Star Trek Can Teach Us about Evolution, Genetics, and Life on Other Worlds

by Mohamed A.F. Noor

An engaging journey into the biological principles underpinning a beloved science-fiction franchise

In Star Trek, crew members travel to unusual planets, meet diverse beings, and encounter unique civilizations. Throughout these remarkable space adventures, does Star Trek reflect biology and evolution as we know it? What can the science in the science fiction of Star Trek teach us? In Live Long and Evolve, biologist and die-hard Trekkie Mohamed Noor takes readers on a fun, fact-filled scientific journey.

Noor offers Trekkies, science-fiction fans, and anyone curious about how life works a cosmic gateway into introductory biology, including the definitions and origins of life, DNA, reproduction, and evolutionary processes, such as natural selection and genetic drift. For instance, he shows how the rapid change in a population of nanite robots follows basic principles of natural selection that apply to species on Earth. He explains how certain creatures depicted in the series are bisexual, not asexual, and what evolutionary advantage that difference provides. And he considers factors that affect successful interspecies mating and delves into what keeps species distinct. Noor discusses the importance of research and how Star Trek has influenced scientists to engage in cutting-edge work.

Giving readers irresistible and entertaining insights, Live Long and Evolve looks at some of the powerful science behind one of the most popular and longest-running science-fiction series.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Star Trek, Evolution

201 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2024

Reviews

[Gabi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a really cute idea to learn some basics about evolution and genetics with a (more or less successful) take on the topics in the Star Trek series as starters.
I could imagine that it is a wonderful way to get young fans invested in the science behind the fiction.

[Amy Tudor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun and interesting book - bringing context to some of the stories in Star Trek and the real-life biology which inspired the writers. Dr Noor doesn’t just write off some of the ideas as ridiculous- he tries to explain how concepts could happen on Earth and you can clear see how much he appreciates the writers trying to bring scientific ideas to the minds of the people watching the show. The explanations are easy to follow, with diagrams to help illustrate.
Good fun LLAP :D

[Paleoanthro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Using Star Trek to examine the basic concepts of biology, genetics, and evolution, the author provides a unique, interesting, and entertaining way for everyone to begin to understand the basics of life. This book provides the perfect way to introduce biological concepts to those who may not be into the life sciences in a clear and engaging style that will simultaneously entertain and educate. The perfect text for biology for non-majors and science fiction fans alike.

[Ronda Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this because he was to be a guest speaker on Star Trek the Cruise IV. Really enjoyed the book and Star Trek references, and he was a delight to meet in person!

[Ergative Absolutive · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pitched a bit lower than I would have liked, but there were some excellent tidbits about evolution on earth (e..g, African and European populations evolved lactose tolerance independently through different gene mutations; some bonkers stuff about hybrid matings between fish); and I found the full-hearted love and appreciation for the Star Trek episodes that anchored each subsection very congenial.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling look at the differences between real-word biology concepts and similar concepts seen throughout the Star Trek series. Definitely a recommended read for anyone interested in Star Trek.

[Dixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable.

[Shanyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite book I’ve read this year! Very interesting.