Life Cycles: Reflections of an Evolutionary Biologist
Select Format
Select Condition 
Book Overview
Within a single captivating narrative, John Bonner combines an intensely personal memoir of scientific progress and an overview of what we now know about living things. Bonner, a major participant in the development of biology as an experimental science, draws on his life-long study of slime molds for an understanding of the life cycle-the foundation of all biology. In an age of increasing specialization and fragmentation among subfields of biology, this is a unique work of reflection and integration. Originally published in 1993. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:0691033196
ISBN13:9780691033198
Release Date:August 1993
Publisher:Princeton University Press
Length:224 Pages
Weight:0.97 lbs.
Dimensions:0.8" x 5.5" x 8.5"
Customer Reviews
2 ratings
Darwinian Delight
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
This book is only 200 pages in length but presents an excellent overview of evolution from the perspective of life cycles interwoven with personal anecdotes from the author's own life and particularly his life-long study of slime molds. From single cells to multicellularity to complexity and even human culture Bonner explains the spread of the many diverse life-forms and behaviors. As well as slime molds there is much of interest regarding other species, such as insects and birds, and regarding the evolution of signals and responses. For those outside the subject it is an excellent introduction and for those who are already familiar with most of the subject matter it reminds us how fascinating evolutionary biology is and how Darwinian natural selection has contributed to our understanding of, and delight in, life.
Nice Book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
Now this is a nice book. The life a biologist and the biology of life in a charming and compact 200 pages. Bonner's cellular slime molds are just facinating; I can't wait to get somewhere where there is soil (I live in the Atacama Desert in Northern Chile) so I can find some of these creatures and play with them. If you have any interest in biology or evolution, get youself a copy. It will make you smile. I promise.
Copyright © 2025 Thriftbooks.com
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information | Cookie Policy | Cookie Preferences | Accessibility Statement
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
