Life Ascending: The Ten Great Inventions of EvolutionHow did life invent itself? Where did DNA come from? How did consciousness develop? Comparing gene sequences, examining atomic structures of proteins, and looking into the geochemistry of rocks have helped explain evolution in more detail than ever before. The author of this book reconstructs the history of life by describing the ten greatest inventions of evolution (including DNA, photosynthesis, sex, and sight), based on their historical impact, role in organisms today, and relevance to current controversies. Who would have guessed that eyes started off as light-sensitive spots used to calibrate photosynthesis in algae? Or that DNA’s building blocks form spontaneously in hydrothermal vents? |
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actin actin filaments aerobic capacity amino acids animals answer archaea atoms bacteria benefit biology birds black smokers blood brain carbon dioxide cent Chapter chromosomes cloning codons common ancestor complex consciousness Crick cyanobacteria cynodonts cytoskeleton death dinosaurs disease earth electrons energy enzymes eukaryotic cells evolution evolutionary evolved exactly example feelings fibres field finally find finding firing first flow flowering fly fossil gene sequences genetic genome happens hot-blooded human hydrothermal vents idea jumping genes Krebs cycle lens letters lifespan light living lizards mammals membrane metabolic rate million years ago mitochondria molecular muscle mutations myosin naked retina nanometres natural selection neural neurons nucleus oceans organic molecules origin oxygen parasites perhaps photosynthesis Photosystem plants population problem prokaryotes proteins reaction reflects replication respiration retina rhodopsin scientific sexual shrimp significant similar simple single species specific structure theropods tion vertebrates