Improbable Destinies

Is evolution a story foretold? Or is it little more than the rolls of DNA's dice? In Improbable Destinies, Jonathan Losos tackles these fascinating questions not with empty philosophizing, but with juicy tales from the front lines of scientific research. Drunk flies, fast-evolving lizards, mutating microbes, and hypothetical humanoid dinosaurs all grace the pages of this wonderfully thought-provoking book -- Carl Zimmer, author of 'A Planet of Viruses' and 'The Tangled Bank' This is a wonderfully serious book with a light-hearted voice. Is evolution predictable or contingent? Big question. Why do adaptations converge? Big question. Why is the platypus unique? Smaller question, but fun! Read, enjoy, think -- David Quammen, author of 'The Song of the Dodo' and 'Spillover' Compelling -- Adrian Woolfson * Science * A rich, provocative, and very accessible book, Improbable Destinies is an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the ecological theater and evolutionary play of life, expertly guided one of its most insightful observers. Jonathan Losos has shone a light on a largely unheralded cast of fascinating creatures and ingenious scientists who are reshaping our view of why life is the way it is -- Sean B. Carroll, author of 'The Serengeti Rules' and 'Brave Genius' Improbable Destinies is one of the best books on evolutionary biology for a broad readership ever written. Its subjects - the unfolding of Earth's biological history, the precarious nature of human existence, and the likelihood of life on exoplanets - are presented in a detailed, exciting style expected from an authentic scientist and naturalist -- Edward O. Wilson, University Research Professor Emeritus, Harvard University Deep, broad, brilliant, and thought-provoking ... [Losos[ is one of the premier writers in biology today -- Kevin Padian * Nature * [A] fascinating and beautifully written book -- Tom Whipple * The Times *