Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Biologist and illustrator Sardet (Plankton) delivers a dazzling illustrated overview of the origin and evolution of living things, from the first protocells to complex multicellular organisms. Sardet's history of evolution and biodiversity begins with Charles Darwin's first sketch of the tree of life and proceeds through Lynn Margulis's depiction of five kingdoms of life and the most recent mapping of relationships between organisms through genetic sequencing. Elsewhere, readers learn about LUCA, the elusive "last universal common ancestor," the strange biology of viruses and their outsize influence on evolution and ecosystems, and the astonishingly complex inner machinery and dynamic lives of cells. Sardet details no shortage of strange and fascinating creatures, like the "blob," an amoeba that can solve mazes. The eye-catching imagery includes period drawings and lithographs, images of cells from under the microscope, stunning photographs of trilobite fossils and exploding stars, and the author's own colorful drawings of cells inspired by Guillaume Apollinaire's "calligrams," poems in which words are arranged to form an image. Throughout, QR codes guide readers to computer animations of molecular processes. This is an informative and entertaining exploration of the building blocks of life. Illus. (Dec.)
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Review by Library Journal Review
In the early 19th century, the study of cell biology began to flourish as scientists realized that all living things are made up of cells. It continues to thrive with the relatively recent and unparalleled advances in technological tools. Award-winning French scientist Sardet (Plankton: Wonders of the Drifting World) takes readers through the history of how we came to understand cells as the basis of all living things and even explains the interesting origin of the term "cell." As readers start the book, some knowledge of basic biological terms will be helpful. As the work progresses, however, the terms become meaningful, and the story flows plainly and effortlessly. Sardet's hand-drawn illustrations are easy to understand, almost telling the story on their own. VERDICT This work creates a deeper understanding of biological concepts amongst those already familiar with them and stimulates interest in learning for science novices. Recommended for all academic libraries and larger public libraries.--Steve Dixon
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A colorful look at basic biology by a French researcher and artist. Life as we know it emerged some 4 billion years ago in conditions radically different from today's world. Chemical elements created in the stars somehow assembled into complex molecules able to absorb and use energy from the external environment. At some point there emerged a creature that became the last universal common ancestor--LUCA--of modern life. LUCA's descendants--bacteria and archaea--radically transformed their environment by excreting oxygen, methane, and other gases that filled Earth's atmosphere and altered the climate. In this new environment, more complex organisms arose--eukaryotes, the result of mergers and combinations of simpler cells. These were the ancestors of today's plants, animals, fungi, and algae, multicellular life-forms that first appeared some 600 million years ago. Sardet gives detailed explanations of the processes taking place inside cells, with particular focus on the biological "machines" they use to exploit energy sources and transport proteins and other molecules for use or disposal within or beyond the cell. The book explores the mechanisms of heredity and reproduction, with emphasis on the roles of DNA and RNA. The author credits the many scientists who discovered parts of the story of life, including women whose work was neglected at the time they made their contributions. Illustrations make up nearly half of the book, ranging from portraits of scientists and microscopy photos to the author's own drawings of cells and their processes. The book is probably too technical for the casual reader, but those with some background in biology will find it well worthwhile. A vibrant exploration of the history of life and how it works at the most basic level. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
