Here on Earth
by Tim Flannery
2020-07-11 12:10:54
From the internationally acclaimed scientist, explorer, and conservationist comes an awe-inspiring account of earthâs evolution. Beginning at the moment of creation with the Big Bang, Here on Earth explores the evolution of Earth from a galactic...
Read more
From the internationally acclaimed scientist, explorer, and conservationist comes an awe-inspiring account of earthâs evolution. Beginning at the moment of creation with the Big Bang, Here on Earth explores the evolution of Earth from a galactic cloud of dust and gas to a planet with a metallic core and early signs of life within a billion years of being created. In a compelling narrative, Flannery describes the formation of the Earthâs crust and atmosphere, as well as the transformation of the planetâs oceans from toxic brews of metals (such as iron, copper, and lead) to life-sustaining bodies covering seventy percent of the planetâs surface. Life, Flannery shows, first appeared in these oceans in the form of microscopic plants and bacteria, and these metals served as catalysts for the earliest biological processes known to exist. From this starting point, Flannery tells the fascinating story of the evolution of our own species, exploring several early human speciesâfrom the diminutive creatures (the famed hobbits) who lived in Africa around two million years ago to Homo erectusâbefore turning his attention to Homo sapiens. Drawing on Charles Darwinâs and Alfred Russel Wallaceâs theories of evolution and Lovelockâs Gaia hypothesis, Here on Earth is a dazzling account of life on our planet. âYouâll discover why Tim Flanneryâs books have made him the rock star of modern science.â âJared Diamond, Pulitzer Prizeâwinning author of Guns, Germs, and Steel
Less
