Review by Choice Review
Why are the larvae of so many animals so different from their adult stages. Caterpillars metamorph into butterflies, tadpoles metamorph into frogs, bilaterally symmetrical echinoderm larvae metamorph into pentamerous adults, etc. Evolutionary biologist/physician/writer Ryan (Darwin's Blind Spot, CH, May'03, 40-5218; Virus X, CH, Jul'97, 34-6311, etc.) takes on these mysteries in this four-part, 26-chapter work. In part 1, the author sets up the question (seven chapters); in part 2, he explores the classical answers (eight chapters); in part 3, he examines some of the underlying genetics (four chapters); in the final section, he brings readers up to date with the molecular underpinnings (seven chapters). The epilogue examines the Cambrian explosion, and how an understanding of that episode in the history of life might elucidate the metamorphosis question. Although many individuals appear in the volume, much of the focus is on insect physiologist Vincent B. Wigglesworth and marine biologist Don Williamson. Other than the small figures at the start of every chapter, there are no illustrations--a real shortcoming. The book concludes with chapter-by-chapter references, a brief bibliography and list of further readings, and a suitable index. Summing Up: Recommended. All academic and general readers. L. T. Spencer emeritus, Plymouth State University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
Anyone who has contemplated the awe-inspiring transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly understands that nature is capable of many enchanting yet baffling surprises. Indeed, the phenomenon of metamorphosis, common in insects and sea life, appears to defy Darwinian natural selection, in which wholesale anatomical changes mostly happen slowly over eons. In describing the intricacies and theories behind this ancient natural mystery, former physician and science writer Ryan introduces the reader to some fascinating dramatis personae, including aptly named entomologist Vincent Wigglesworth and marine biologist Don Williamson. Wigglesworth's major contribution to solving the metamorphosis riddle involved identifying the hormones that trigger it while studying a South American insect known as th. kissing bug. More controversial is the theory proposed by Williamson, suggesting that such dramatic differences between pulpy infant larva and multi-appendage adult can only be explained by gene-swapping between radically dissimilar species. While some of these overviews veer into jargon-laden explanation, overall Ryan provides the reader with an engrossing survey of one of nature's most transfixing puzzles.--Hays, Car. Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Metamorphosis, or the dramatic physical change from one life stage to another (such as with insects and amphibians), is one of nature's most fascinating enigmas. As Ryan (Virolution, Darwin's Blind Spot) so movingly notes, "even in its scientific exploration, metamorphosis remains both awesome and beautiful." In his attempt to unwrap the mystery of metamorphosis, Ryan explores some of the field's most important players, summarizes some of the complex biological phenomena, and discusses its implications for disease prevention. But much of Ryan's material is so technical that it will likely be accessible to only scientifically sophisticated readers. Ryan hypothesizes about how controversial ideas on the subject may cause us to rethink some basic evolutionary principles. In particular, he examines the work of Don Williamson, a marine biologist, who believes that metamorphosis is due to the hybridization of very distinct life forms. If correct, this means that dramatically different species, from widely diverse phyla, occasionally come together and create completely new life forms. Readers willing to fight their way through the technical developmental biology presented will be left with more questions than answers. (May) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
