A Natural History of Shells

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A Natural History of Shells Author: Format: Paperback / softback First Published: Published By: Princeton University Press
string(3) "236"
Pages: 236 Illustrations and other contents: 131 b/w illus. Language: English ISBN: 9780691229249 Categories: , , , ,

From “one of the master naturalists of our time” (American Scientist), a fascinating exploration of what seashells reveal about biology, evolution, and the history of life Geerat Vermeij wrote this “celebration of shells” to share his enthusiasm for these supremely elegant creations and what they can teach us about nature. Most popular books on shells emphasize the identification of species, but Vermeij uses shells as a way to explore major ideas in biology. How are shells built? How do they work? And how did they evolve? With lucidity and charm, the MacArthur-winning evolutionary biologist reveals how shells give us insights into the lives of animals today and in the distant geological past.

Weight0.374976 kg
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"Vermeij provides an elegantly written and beautifully illustrated account of shell construction, function and evolution, while showing how these molluscan houses give us insights into ecology and the history of life. A book that will be treasured by scientists and lay readers alike." * Nature * "A fascinating biological view of shells as the products of living organisms. . . . We come to appreciate and understand the diverse wonders of economy, function and construction that can be seen in shells."---Douglas Palmer, New Scientist "This is a pleasingly different book. Most other popular books on shells help one to identify them. In this book Vermeij uses shells to help understand the ecology, evolution, and history of snails, clams, and other Mollusca, the phylum of animals that construct 'shells.' . . . This book uses both contemporary and fossil shells to explore many ideas and processes in general biology. . . . I have been seeking this book for years." * Quarterly Review of Biology * "I was swept away by the world of molluscs and found myself fascinated and informed. . . . By the end of the book I was convinced that anyone with a passion for their subject would enjoy and be educated by Vermeij's obvious passion for his." * Biologist * "Vermeij writes with flair and clarity, providing deep insights into the animal life both of the present-day and stretching back through to ancient geological eras."---Emma Becque, World of Interiors