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Life's Solution: Inevitable Humans in a Lonely Universe
Life's Solution builds a persuasive case for the predictability of evolutionary outcomes. The case rests on a remarkable compilation of examples of convergent evolution, in which two or more lineages have independently evolved similar structures and functions. The examples range from the aerodynamics of hovering moths and hummingbirds to the use of silk by spiders and some...more
Paperback, 464 pages
Published
November 8th 2004
by Cambridge University Press
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Quite a fascinating book about evolution. Mostly about convergence, the consistent tendency of life to find the same solution through various pathways, as for example the camera eye, which has evolved independently multiple times in various creatures. Conway Morris' point is that life does not have infinite and random possibilities; evolution is highly constrained by the viable possibilities of its environment. Thus there is a direction to evolution, and sentient creatures very like us are an in...more
This book argues for the provocative thesis that the course of biological evolution, and indeed the course of cosmological evolution, is in a direction of unmistakable progress culminating with human society. We indeed may be the only intelligent civilization in the Milky Way, or even in the entire universe, but that does not detract from the fact that the eventual emergence of intelligent beings like ourselves (quite possibly even including our overall biochemistry and physical form) was inevit...more
This thing is incredibly dense with evidence and examples, but I can't help getting past this guy's abiding interest in demonstrating that faith is somehow self-evident in the array of evolutionary convergence. Morris makes some pretty strident suggestions about how life would or will or could evolve elsewhere in the universe, though, with absolutely no evidence at hand. It's a hefty wager for a thinker to make, and I don't think I can defend it as speculative science when it's so clearly intend...more
From my lay reader, non-scientist perspective, the basic theme of the book is that there is a huge universe of biological space for evolution to act within. However, there are many constraints on what paths or spaces are viable, and since life began it has adapted to following those constrained paths which still are incredibly diverse. And because these various constraints exists various forms of life have adapted in similar ways, converging on similar solutions to life's challenges, whether tha...more
Fascinating tour of biodiversity and evolution, from one of the most prominent palaeontologists in the world. A core idea is the ubiquity of convergence, where similar structures and behaviours evolve numerous times in separate lineages, in response to similar pressures from the environment. A simple example is the body shape of sharks and dolphins, but Conway Morris goes into a huge variety of diverse convergences in things like brain function, vision and social organization.
Intriguing look at evolutionary convergence. Not what I'd call light reading, but interesting. Touches on topics ranging from abiogenesis and biochemistry to cosmology and theology. Highly critical of Gould's view of evolution as a contingent process; instead looking to convergence for evidence of inevitability (or at least high probability) for certain adaptations. Not a book for people who dislike big words and long sentences.
This is a poorly written book on a fascinating topic. However, the author convinced me that the traditional Darwinian camp, represented by Dawkins, is reductive and inadequate, and that the gene isn't the fundamental agent of evolution. The theological ideas towards the end of the book are unconvincing though. I hope that scientists continue to pursue these ideas of convergent evolution because it has important implications for understanding "the meaning of life," but it's obvious that this area...more
its not so easy to read, very scientific at some points, but still, the large picture is very interesting. although you will get it completely in the first and last to chapters.
I read this a while ago and very sadly didn't write anything down!
Jul 12, 2007
Krishan
marked it as to-read
i think this book is examining the question : Is intelligent life an inevitable consequence of natural selection??
May 20, 2013
Celeste
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May 19, 2013 04:45pm