"Winner of the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books for Young Adults" Kenneth Catania is Stevenson Professor of Biological Sciences at Vanderbilt University. A 2006 MacArthur Fellow, he lives in Nashville.
"The irresistible enthusiasm of Great Adaptations couldn't come at a better time."-David P. Barash, Wall Street Journal
"Be very amazed."-Carl Safina, author of Beyond Words and Becoming Wild
How one scientist unlocked the secrets behind some of nature's most astounding animals
From star-nosed moles that have super-sensing snouts to electric eels that paralyze their prey, animals possess unique and extraordinary abilities. In Great Adaptations, Kenneth Catania presents an entertaining and engaging look at some of nature's most remarkable creatures. Telling the story of his biological detective work, Catania sheds light on the mysteries behind the behaviors of tentacled snakes, tiny shrews, zombie-making wasps, and more. He shows not only how studying these animals can provide deep insights into how life evolved, but also how scientific discovery can be filled with adventure and fun.
Beginning with the star-nosed mole, Catania reveals what the creature's nasal star is actually for, and what this tells us about how brains work. He explores how the deceptive hunting strategy of tentacled snakes leads prey straight to their mouths, how eels use electricity to control other animals, and why emerald jewel wasps make zombies out of cockroaches. He also solves the enigma of worm grunting-a traditional technique in which earthworms are enticed out of the ground-by teaming up with professional worm grunters. Catania demonstrates the merits of approaching science with an open mind, considers the role played by citizen scientists, and illustrates that most animals have incredible, hidden abilities that defy our imagination.
Examining some strange and spectacular creatures, Great Adaptations offers a wondrous journey into nature's grand designs. "The irresistible enthusiasm of Great Adaptations couldn't come at a better time-science is under assault not merely by know-nothing deniers but in how it is taught and presented to the general public. It's dispensed as a collection of facts, recitations of what past research has uncovered, findings to be understood, which all too often means just 'memorized.' By contrast, as Mr. Catania clearly understands, and demonstrates beautifully in his book, science offers adventures in trying to decode the mysteries of the natural world."---David P. Barash, Wall Street Journal "This engrossing read walks readers through Catania's life as a scientist. Key discoveries are juxtaposed with lessons about the scientific method, and QR codes sprinkled throughout the book link to short, engrossing movies highlighting some of the author's fascinating work."---Laura M. Zahn, Science "In page after page, Catania's enthusiasm and awe for the animals shine through. . . . Some of that enthusiasm will likely rub off on readers and spark a sense of wonder. Great Adaptations packs in plenty of astounding details about some remarkable creatures."---Erin Garcia de Jesus, Science News "[Catania] is as keen that we learn about the process of discovery as about animals themselves. . . . The realms he studies may be on the small scale, but the implications are enormous."---Bill Thompson, The Post and Courier "Casual science readers will be hooked from page one; for those contemplating careers in the sciences, this should be required reading." "By blending accessible writing with cutting-edge science, Catania . . . demonstrates how exciting the process of scientific investigation can be in his invigorating debut. . . . The joy Catania takes in the process of exploring the natural world will delight readers." "With its combination of clearly explained science and vivid tales from the road, this is a book for anyone who is interested in the natural world and the interes
