Horseshoe Crabs and Velvet Worms: The Story of the Animals and Plants That Time Has Left Behind

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Horseshoe Crabs and Velvet Worms: The Story of the Animals and Plants That Time Has Left Behind

3.72 of 5 stars 3.72 · rating details · 154 ratings · 44 reviews

From one of the world’s leading natural scientists and the acclaimed author of Trilobite!, Life: A Natural History of Four Billion Years of Life on Earth and Dry Storeroom No. 1 comes a fascinating chronicle of life’s history told not through the fossil record but through the stories of organisms that have survived, almost unchanged, throughout time. Evolution, it seems, h...more

Hardcover, 332 pages

Published April 10th 2012 by Knopf

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Mar 05, 2013 Elizabeth K. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-new-reads

This book had me hooked from the acknowledgements, in which the author sincerely, personally, and also succinctly thanked a wide range of his friends and colleagues all over the world who had assisted with various aspects of his research and travels. Reading it makes you realize this is the NICEST MAN IN THE WORLD. And he's English, so I imagine he's even nicer if he doesn't like you, because he feels he should make up for it. This made me realize that my only goal in this life or any other is t...more

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Nov 06, 2012 Doug Clark rated it 5 of 5 stars

I recently finished an excellent book by Dr. Richard Fortey, a British paleontologist who specializes in the study of trilobites, an extinct class of arthropods. Fortey is the author of several books on fossils and the age of life including Life: A Natural History of the First Four Billion Years of Life on Earth, Trilobites! Witness to Evolution, Earth: An Intimate History among others. His new book is Horseshoe Crabs and Velvet Worms: The Story of the Animals and Plants that Time Has Left Behin...more I recently finished an excellent book by Dr. Richard Fortey, a British paleontologist who specializes in the study of trilobites, an extinct class of arthropods. Fortey is the author of several books on fossils and the age of life including Life: A Natural History of the First Four Billion Years of Life on Earth, Trilobites! Witness to Evolution, Earth: An Intimate History among others. His new book is Horseshoe Crabs and Velvet Worms: The Story of the Animals and Plants that Time Has Left Behind. Having read several of Fortey other books (the three listed above), I enjoy his writing and viewpoints. This book proved to be no different. The structure of the book is to pick out living fossils (a term he doesn't like for reasons he explains) and discuss their physiology and compare it to the fossil record. The organization of the book is he starts with the Horseshoe Crab dating back to the Permian and then moves backwards in time with representative species who have ancestors still surviving, if only just barely. Then reaching the beginnings of life he moves forward up to the great Ice Age mammals of recent memory (Woolly Mammoths, etc.). In all cases, he tries to actually see the living species in their natural habitat.

As a side note, I should point out he discuss the aurochs, an extinct breed of wild cattle that led to our domestic cattle. In this, he talks about the attempts to breed back to the ancestral cattle. The reason I mention this is that a new film about Hurricane Katrina and its devastation on New Orleans, Beasts of the Southern Wild, actually has aurochs as the beasts in the title.

Of course, as Fortey stresses several times in the book, current species are not actual duplicates of the animals and plants from millions,hundreds of millions, or billions of years ago. Evolution has changed us all. There is no plant or animal that has remained exactly as it was all those years ago. I should also note that probably the most famous living fossil, the coelacanth (discovered still surviving in 1938), is not discussed at length in the book. This is for a couple of reasons. One, the coelacanth has been extensively written about since it's rediscovery. And secondly, the coelacanth lives in the deep ocean, making a trip to see one in its natural habitat very difficult.

I certainly recommend the book if you have an interest in paleontology, or even a fascination with how some of our current species relate to their ancestors.
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Mar 21, 2013 Bill Leach rated it 4 of 5 stars

Good story on some of the survivors of ancient lineages that are still living today.

Start
Ma BP Era Period

0 Quaternary Holocene
1.64 Pleistocene
5.2 Tertiary Pliocene
23 Miocene
34 Oligocene
56 Eocene
65 Palaocene
145 Mesozoic Cretaceeous
- first mammals
- Archaeopteryx
- flowering plants
199 Jurrassic
- Gnetophyta - Welwitschia
- montremes
251 Triassic
- Araucarias - monkey puzzle, Wollemi
299 Upper Palaeozoic Permian
359 Carboniferous
- ferns, cycads, ginkgos
- first reptiles
416 Devonian
- fish & amp...more

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Aug 12, 2012 Max Carmichael rated it 4 of 5 stars

What a pleasure to read a book about evolution that was written with such humility and respect for non-human life! Fortey acknowledges and furthers the legacy of Lynn Margulis and gets in some subtle digs against the overweening patriarch of evolutionary science, Richard Dawkins. Fortey's rambling, self-effacing style of storytelling, and his avoidance of pedantic advocacy, underscore the fact that evolution is just another creation myth, albeit an entertaining one. The legend is best told by pe...more

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Feb 03, 2013 Steve Van Slyke rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fortey Fans, fossil & evolution lovers

Shelves: geology, kindle, evolution

I believe the British title of the book was "Survivors," which is a much better encapsulation of what the book is about, namely those forms of extant life that are far down on the tree of life, and therefore long term survivors, with very little evolutionary change over huge spans of time and yet having the ability to adapt to a myriad of changes in their environment.

Fortey tells the story of these creatures in the form of a travelogue as he wanders the globe to see in person not only the title...more

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Aug 09, 2012 Nick rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction, science

I gave this latest exploration of our planet's past, present and future by Richard Fortey three stars because it felt a bit programmatic, less spontaneous, than other of his books I have read. I am being unfair to Fortey, because like his other books, this one is well-written, almost poetry in some passages, and fascinating. He writes a kinder, gentler brief for evolution by focusing on species that seem from the fossil record to have survived unchanged for millions of years and discussing ways...more

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Dec 10, 2012 Heather rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: library-books, nonfiction

Horseshoe Crabs and Velvet Worms (which was originally published by HarperCollins in the UK in 2011, as Survivors) was an extraordinarily slow read for me, though I'm not sure how much I can blame the book for that. I started reading it while I was in England for work, which meant I started it at a time when I didn't have my normal twice-a-day subway ride as built-in reading time. Then I was back from England, but it was the week of Thanksgiving: a short work week, a last-minute trip to the Phil...more Horseshoe Crabs and Velvet Worms (which was originally published by HarperCollins in the UK in 2011, as Survivors) was an extraordinarily slow read for me, though I'm not sure how much I can blame the book for that. I started reading it while I was in England for work, which meant I started it at a time when I didn't have my normal twice-a-day subway ride as built-in reading time. Then I was back from England, but it was the week of Thanksgiving: a short work week, a last-minute trip to the Philadelphia area for a long weekend, and more time being social than reading. The weekend after Thanksgiving, I went to San Francisco for another long weekend, and again, didn't read much (I did basically catch up on back issues of The New Yorker on the plane!). Back in New York, nearly a month after starting it, I was able to give this book my attention again, and finally finished it.

The distractions of travel aside, this might have been a slow read for me anyway. The book's title is "The Story of the Animals and Plants That Time Has Left Behind," but it sometimes feels less like a single story than a bunch of related stories, as Fortey jumps between continents and geological eras and kinds of organisms, focusing on the different sorts of creatures that are evolutionary survivors from the deep past. He uses the phrase "living fossils" but also explains that it's maybe not ideal: it implies a stasis that isn't necessarily true. (Even if a given plant or animal has been present on the planet for thousands and thousands of years, it's not unchanging: it's still evolving on a genomic level.) The shifting settings and focuses of the book sometimes made it hard for me to stay engaged, as did the fact that it was more science-y than I expected: Fortey is good at explaining key facts and concepts in a way that's understandable to those of us who never studied biology after tenth grade, but there are a whole lot of genus/species details and Latin names in this book that I knew, even as I was reading, that I was unlikely to remember.

But there are things I appreciated about Fortey's style: his dry humor works for me, and when he's describing the experience of being in a particular place or observing a particular creature, his prose can be really interesting and/or elegant: "I am there with my notebook and a fluttering heart," he writes, when he talks about going to Delaware Bay to see mating horseshoe crabs (3). And then comes this, which I love for how it combines a description of what a horseshoe crab looks like, in general, with the very specific experience of a particular night of listening to and looking at them:

The shoreline seems to heave with gentle movements.

First, I notice some very odd sounds. There is a general hollow clattering, a tapping and grinding sound, somewhat like that made by knocking coconut shells together (once used on the radio to imitate horses' hooves) but altogether less rhythmic, and with a kind of underlying push. Then, as my eyes get used to the darkness, low shelly mounds the size of inverted colanders can be seen slowly pushing and jostling all along the shore and perhaps six metres up onto the sands. Their bumping and clambering together is the source of those tap-tapping percussive sounds. The flash of an infrared torch reveals more details. The head-shield of the horseshoe crab is domed upwards and carries a few weak spines; at its back end a hinge marks a jointed boundary with a second large plate, spiny at the edge, which can flap downwards; and beyond that again projects a stout triangular spoke as long as the head, which can waggle up and down. (4)

Other highlights of the book for me were the bits about stromatolites because I hadn't known anything about them previously (they're aquatic mounds made up of layers and layers and layers of cyanobacteria) and the passages that are more travel-writing or nature-writing than science-writing, like this:

Sugar gums are the prettiest trees with their clustered crowns of leaves resembling so many stacked, pale green parasols. All along the Rocky River the landscape is airy and full of light, because eucalyptus has dangling foliage that does not challenge the sun: the shade made by the tree is always dappled. (216)

Or this:

We follow one of the paths leading off from the Centre into the bush. One of these soon leads into regenerating mallee country, where the vigorously sprouting scrub is interspersed with the occasional surviving big tree. The sounds of bells and whistles keep us company. Birds with gently curved bills, honeyeaters, flit through the branches, calling as they go. There is always a species of Eucalyptus somewhere in flower to satisfy their thirst. It is hot, and there is a kind of dreaminess about the walk, a feeling I remember from wandering along hill paths on Greek islands. A feeling anything could happen. (217-218)

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Jan 24, 2013 Michelle Jones rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction

I really enjoyed this book. The writing was good, and the information was fascinating. Richard Fortey details the lives of many "primitive" life forms that still exist today, and ties them back to prehistoric creatures, showing how varied evolutionary processes can be.

To be honest, I wasn't sure how exciting a book about such "simple" creatures could be, but Fortey's enthusiasm keeps up interest even in the most minuscule of species. He presents many creatures I have never even heard of, and ma...more

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Aug 23, 2012 Michael rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A beautifully written book by a scientist who writes like a fiction or travel writer. Chapters are "Bio"graphies of plants and animals that have clear ancestors millions of years old. Not exactly a page turner, but beautifully written--something I'll probably read again some day. Wish I had bought the hard copy instead of the e-book cause there are pictures that don't look so good on a Kindle.

The book says there have been six disasters where most of the plants and animals on the planet have died...more

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Apr 28, 2013 Mark Fallon rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

How many books by a paleontologist can make you laugh? How many books on science and evolution contain references to Edward Scissorhands and Piglet? For me, the answer is one – Horseshoe Crabs and Velvet Worms.

Richard Fortey tracks down animals that closely resemble the fossils of their ancestors from 50 million, 100 million, a billion years ago. From the titular animals to bacteria that form on the edge of geyser springs, these “living fossils” help us better understand how life has developed...more

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Jun 10, 2012 Marty rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is amazing. It examines a number of species that have survived various extinctions in the past. The author's writing exudes his affection for the plants, animals, bacteria, etc. that have survived millions or even billions of years. I found myself interested in the history of tiny sea creatures, sponges, ginko trees- an incredible variety of organisms that have their roots far back in time. He ends with a plea to extend our protection to these species, arguing that their long history o...more

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May 22, 2012 David R. rated it 3 of 5 stars

Once one gets past Fortey's writing style -- it's a little too dry and his thoughts wander too much -- there's some fascinating material on a wide range of species which have endured for many millions of years. Fortey visits examples in all of the kingdoms: plants, mammals, birds, reptiles, etc., and does have passion for these obscure creatures. But take time first to adjust to this eccentric naturalist.

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Aug 12, 2012 William Vann rated it 4 of 5 stars

Very enjoyable read if you like delving deep into the science of an evolving planet. I will say that I was glad to be reading this on my I-pad as I was able to electronically switch back and forth to research and clarify for myself much of the paleontology and geology central to the theme. I have read Dawkins, Gould, and Krauss without too much independent research but this was a bit more interactive. I will be downloading more from this author.

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Sep 13, 2012 Michael rated it 4 of 5 stars

A great book that gives credit to many types of living creatures that have withstood the test of time. Although the author does a good job describing his jaunts to find these animals his references to the different prehistoric time periods they fell under was hard for me to keep straight.

This is totally random, but on the last page that talks about the typeface of the words, if you are from Lancaster, PA you will enjoy it. :)

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May 11, 2012 Mary rated it 3 of 5 stars

I initially enjoyed the somewhat meandering and folksy approach to the twisting paths of evolutionary biology, but since the subjects the author chose were personally interesting to him, but without a strong connecting framework, it eventually lost my interest.

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Dec 16, 2012 Jamie Gaughran-Perez rated it 4 of 5 stars

Among the best science writers I've read -- from a writing standpoint (especially once you forgive his love of an extended vocab / thesaurus). The subject matter of this book makes for a great romp through the history of life on the planet and will reset a good number of scientific concepts that have grown and matured I the past couple decades since I was in school. Great stuff -- I'm glad this book occupied a space in my year of rediscovering non-fiction.

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Oct 08, 2012 Mary rated it 3 of 5 stars

Interesting look at the evolution of life on earth by visiting plants and animals that have existed for eons or are similar descendents of species from eons ago. The writing style sometimes made it hard to follow which kept me from ranking this as a 4 star.

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Aug 02, 2012 Daniel Farabaugh rated it 3 of 5 stars

Whew. This was a difficult read. It was dense and very science heavy. I had to take breaks from it and read other books. The author truly knows his stuff and has a very compelling narrative. Especially in the earlier time periods when he is discussing the various types of bacteria I had to stuggle to follow in places. But I am very glad that I finished the book as it came to a very satisfying conclusion and it became much eaiser to follow when discussing more complex organisms.

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Jun 12, 2012 Bob Peake rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: natural-history

An excellent book, written in a very conversational, forthright manner. Learned a lot of really interesting things, giving me a greater appreciation of a variety of living things!

The book would be improved if the photos were placed within the appropriate areas of the text, rather than all at the end. This is especially difficult with an e-reader. Instead, I would look up the various animals/plants under discussion in Wikipedia, which worked quite well.

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May 21, 2012 Meghan Tracy rated it 3 of 5 stars

To be honest, I didn't finish this book, but that had more to do with everything else I was reading and less to do this this. It's a little slow, I'll grant you. The author does blather on a bit in a way that left me with the utter conviction that he must be British. However, as a bit of a biology nerd, I found this book to be lovely. Sure you have to dig for the pieces that are enjoyable, but when does one really get to read about Archea post-college?

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Apr 19, 2013 Corinna Bechko rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: nonfiction, zoology

This is the third Richard Fortey book I've read, and like the others it's top-notch science writing. The author unravels the life histories of life forms great and small, allowing us to discover what makes each of them special and to marvel at how deep into the history of life on earth each of them roots. This book is for anyone interested in ecology, paleontology, or even conservation. One can't but feel awestruck when contemplating even the simplest of these organisms with Fortey as their guid...more

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Sep 11, 2012 Christopher rated it 4 of 5 stars

No Such Thing As "Living Fossil"

I guess I'm stuck on natural history books written by:

1.)British
2.)Dotty
3.)Humorous
4.)Pedantic

authors, cuz' this fits right in. An account of many organisms on this planet that have survived the trials and tribulations of history to still thrive in the present day. He gets a bit preachy near the end, as he recounts our current human-driven wave of extinctions, but it's to be expected. I love how Fortey imbues his narrative with the sense that everything lives and...more

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Feb 18, 2013 Shannon rated it 3 of 5 stars

Fascinating topic on so called "living fossils." The author did wander a bit and use an overblown writing style from time to time but overall the book was good.

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Sep 09, 2012 Clare rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction

Taking a look at some plants and animals who trace their antecedents back millions of years, Richard Fortey marvels us with details of the flora and fauna themselves and the journeys he takes to view some of the rarest lifeforms. He also peppers the text with some soft humor, making this a most enjoyable read. Whether it was a matter of having a long lifespan, a fairly sedentary life, or just being at the proper place when catastrophe struck, all the creatures and plants whose stories are in thi...more

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Jun 27, 2012 Carl-Eric rated it 4 of 5 stars

Very interesting journey across the world, looking at species that have seen a lot and are still with us. As usual, Fortey adds his own personal touch with anecdotes of his travels and experiences. Not quite as amazing as Dawkins' "Ancestors' Tale", but still highly recommended. That comparison may not be entirely fair, since it is a somewhat different type of book. Just read both :-)

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Jun 22, 2012 Shadowspawn is currently reading it

So far this is excellent if you're a biology or paleontology geek, which, of course, I am.

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May 07, 2012 Erin rated it 3 of 5 stars

very interesting. a couple of non-science relted inaccuracies that kind of irked me but overll pretty good for any biology/paleantology-minded nerds like mysef!

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May 12, 2012 Ivy rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a great book. The author expresses such passion for each of his examples of "living fossils" that you can't help but be swept up with him on his journey to find examples of plants and animals that are true survivors of time.

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Apr 17, 2012 Sue is currently reading it

Shelves: nature-science

Fascinating subject...a little history; a lot of science! GREAT FUN learnings!

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Mar 21, 2013 Streator Johnson rated it 2 of 5 stars

Long winded and pompous. It could have been so much more.....

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About Richard Fortey

Richard Fortey is a senior paleontologist at the Natural History Museum in London and a Fellow of the Royal Society. He was Collier Professor in the Public Understanding of Science and Technology at the Institute for Advanced Studies at the University of Bristol in 2002. His books have been widely acclaimed: Life: A Natural History of the First Four Billion Years of Life on Earth (Knopf) was short...more

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Books by Richard Fortey

Life: A Natural History of the First Four Billion Years of Life on Earth

Dry Store Room No. 1: The Secret Life Of The Natural History Museum

Survivors; the Animals and Plants that Time has Left Behind

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“I confess that the idea of taking off one's boots in a howling squall to safeguard fossils that had survived since the Precambrian had its funny side.” — 2 people liked it

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