In 'The Serengeti Rules', Sean B. Carroll unveils the fundamental principles governing ecosystems, revealing how five key rules can explain the complex interactions within nature. Through captivating stories from the Serengeti to the coral reefs, he intertwines science and narrative, highlighting the delicate balance that sustains life. Readers will be fascinated by how insights from ecology can resonate in fields as diverse as medicine and economics. Carroll challenges us to see our role in the environment, suggesting that understanding these rules is crucial for the future of our planet. Prepare to embark on a journey that not only enlightens but also inspires action towards ecological harmony.
By Sean B. Carroll
Published: 2017
"In the intricate web of life, the rules that govern nature are not just about survival; they reveal the profound interconnectedness of all living things, and how the balance of ecosystems influences our very existence."
Now the subject of an Emmy Award–winning film the New York Times calls "spellbinding" How does life work? How does nature produce the right numbers of zebras and lions on the African savanna, or fish in the ocean? How do our bodies produce the right numbers of cells in our organs and bloodstream? In The Serengeti Rules, award-winning biologist and author Sean Carroll tells the stories of the pioneering scientists who sought the answers to such simple yet profoundly important questions, and shows how their discoveries matter for our health and the health of the planet we depend upon. One of the most important revelations about the natural world is that everything is regulated—there are rules that regulate the amount of every molecule in our bodies and rules that govern the numbers of every animal and plant in the wild. And the most surprising revelation about the rules that regulate life at such different scales is that they are remarkably similar—there is a common underlying logic of life. Carroll recounts how our deep knowledge of the rules and logic of the human body has spurred the advent of revolutionary life-saving medicines, and makes the compelling case that it is now time to use the Serengeti Rules to heal our ailing planet. A bold and inspiring synthesis by one of our most accomplished biologists and gifted storytellers, The Serengeti Rules is the first book to illuminate how life works at vastly different scales. Read it and you will never look at the world the same way again.
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“In the intricate web of life, the rules that govern nature are not just about survival; they reveal the profound interconnectedness of all living things, and how the balance of ecosystems influences our very existence.”
The Serengeti Rules
By Sean B. Carroll
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Sean B. Carroll is a renowned American evolutionary biologist, author, and educator, celebrated for his ability to blend science with engaging storytelling. He has authored several impactful books, including 'Endless Forms Most Beautiful: The New Science of Evo Devo,' which explores the evolution of developmental biology, and 'The Serengeti Rules: The Quest to Discover How Life Works and Why It Matters,' which elucidates key principles of ecology. Carroll's writing is characterized by its clarity and accessibility, making complex scientific concepts understandable and relatable to a broad audience. His contributions span both academic and popular literature, advocating for the importance of evolutionary science in understanding the natural world.
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In 'Gathering Moss', Robin Wall Kimmerer invites readers into the intricate world of moss, revealing its profound ecological significance and its role in the interconnectedness of life. Through personal anecdotes and scientific insights, she intertwines indigenous wisdom with modern science, showcasing the beauty and resilience of nature. Kimmerer's poetic prose evokes the sensory experience of the natural world, making the humble moss a symbol of broader themes such as growth, regeneration, and the lessons we can learn from nature. Each chapter unveils fascinating moss species, sparking curiosity about their habitats and adaptations. This captivating blend of storytelling and science will inspire readers to view the wilderness with fresh eyes and a deeper understanding.