I, Mammal: The Story of What Makes Us Mammals by Liam Drew
Summary: Humans are mammals. Most of us
appreciate that at some level. But what does it mean for us to have more in
common with a horse and an elephant than we do with a parrot, snake or frog?
After a misdirected football left new father Liam Drew clutching a
uniquely mammalian part of his anatomy, he decided to find out more.
Considering himself as a mammal first and a human second, Liam delves into
ancient biological history to understand what it means to be mammalian.
In his humorous and engaging style, Liam explores the different
characteristics that distinguish mammals from other types of animals. He charts
the evolution of milk, warm blood and burgeoning brains, and examines the
emergence of sophisticated teeth, exquisite ears, and elaborate reproductive
biology, plus a host of other mammalian innovations. Entwined are tales of
zoological peculiarities and reflections on how being a mammal has shaped the
author's life.
I, Mammal is a history of mammals and their
ancestors and of how science came to grasp mammalian evolution. And in
celebrating our mammalian-ness, Liam Drew binds us a little more tightly to the
five and a half thousand other species of mammal on this planet and reveals the
deep roots of many traits humans hold dear.
Angie’s comments: Full of humor and personal stories, this is a fun popular
science read. It is easy to understand, written for non-biologists.
Recommended for readers interested in biology
and animals.
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