`Excellent and imaginative ... full of surprises ... a fascinating book for anyone interested in life and evolution' Lewis Wolpert, NatureHow did life invent itself? Where does DNA come from? Why do we die? Over the last decades. groundbreaking new research has provided vivid insights into the makeup of life.Drawing on this wealth of new scientific knowledge. biochemist Nick Land reconstructs the history of life by describing the ten greatest inventions of evolution, considering how each - from DNA to sex, from hot blood to consciousness and finally death - transformed life and often the planet itself.With clarity and vigour Lane smoothly pulls in evidence to show how the critical components and mechanisms of complex life could have developed' New York Times`If Charles Darwin sprang from his grave, I would give him this fine book to bring him up to speed' Matt Ridley`A science book that doesn't cheat: the structure is logical, the writing is witty, and the hard questions are tackled head on' Guardian
Describes the ten greatest inventions of life, including DNA, sex, sight and consciousness, based on their historical impact, role in living organisms and relevance to controversies. This book explains how these findings have come about, and the extent to which they can be relied upon.