Summary
Stephen Jay Gould's "The Panda's Thumb" argues that imperfections, exemplified by the panda's "thumb" and the sea turtle's perilous migration, demonstrate the evolutionary rule. This collection of 31 essays on natural history explores wonders and mysteries of evolutionary biology through specific examples. Gould addresses questions such as why nearly equal numbers of males and females are born and examines historical theories, like Dr. Down's, which carried racist undertones.
Readers will learn about evolutionary biology from a celebrated natural history writer. The book uses concrete examples like the panda's thumb and sea turtle migrations to illustrate evolutionary principles and challenges. It also touches upon historical scientific theories and their societal implications.
Key concepts
- Panda's thumb — A specific anatomical feature of the panda that serves as an example of evolutionary imperfection.
- Sea turtle's perilous migration — A natural phenomenon used to illustrate evolutionary processes and challenges.
- Dr. Down's theory of mongolism — A historical scientific theory examined for its racist implications.
From the book
Description: "Gould is a natural writer; he has something to say and the inclination and skill with which to say it." —P. B. Medawar, New York Review of Books With sales of well over one million copies in North America alone, the commercial success of Gould's books now matches their critical acclaim. The Panda's Thumb will introduce a new generation of readers to this unique writer, who has taken the art of the scientific essay to new heights. Were dinosaurs really dumber than lizards? Why, after all, are roughly the same number of men and women born into the world? What led the famous Dr. Down to his theory of mongolism, and its racist residue? What do the panda's magical "thumb" and the sea turtle's perilous migration tell us about imperfections that prove the evolutionary rule? The…
Snippet: The wonders and mysteries of evolutionary biology are elegantly explored in these and other essays by the celebrated natural history writer Stephen Jay Gould.