Synopsis (from book cover):
Why have creatures evolved as they are? which species have had the biggest impact on the world we live in? Where does humanity fit in?

Christopher Lloyd leads us on an exhilarating journey, from the birth of life on the early Earth to the present day, as he seeks answers to these fundamental questions. Along the way he reveals the extraordinary stories of the fifty most successful species that have evolved in the wild – such as slime, sea scorpions, dragonflies and dung beetles – followed by fifty species that have thrived as a result of man’s interference – from dogs, cats and camels to yeast, coffee and bananas.

The 100, species are finally scored and ranked in order of their impact on the planet, life and people. Which species comes top? How do life forms adapt to a world dominated by nearly 7 billion humans? What on earth evolved? exposes the struggle between the forces of nature and the mind of mankind for control of life, and the earth itself.

Review:
What on Earth Evolved? is the follow on volume from What on Earth Happened?, you can see my review of the first book here.

The book takes a unique approach to science, history, geography and nature by looking at 50 species that evolved in the wild without intervention and 50 species that have thrived due to man’s intervention.  All types of species from large to small are included such as – algae, virus, fish, plants, animals and insects.

The book which is full of interesting and surprising facts is accessible and educational and will appeal to both the young and the old.  The aim is to give an enriched understanding of history through the eye of the natural world and I think it achieves this aim.  I found it very readable from cover to cover, but it is also a book you can just dip into or refer back to using the index and chapter headings.  Most  pages have colour illustrations which for me added to the enjoyment of the book.

The final part of the book where it lists the rank of impact of the 100 species chosen into a table of influence is designed to stimulate thought and debate.  I can imagine sitting up late into the night with my friends discussing some of the species included in the book.  One such topic may be the how the export of roses from the heart of Kenya has reduced a lakes’ water level  3 meters below minimum safety levels.  Water accounts for 90% of a cut flower and these roses are being exported from one of the driest places on the planet to the worlds wettest countries in Europe.

I was lucky enough to be able to attend the fascinating lecture that launched the book, you can see my review of the launch here.

More information can be found on the book’s dedicated website, where you can also access the list of the 100 species ranked in order.

Note:  The review is based on the hardback version, an abridged paperback version has recently been published.

On the way to the Royal Institution, I found myself in a military book shop and ended up buying a military history book, which is most unlike me.  A visit to the museum in the Ri was a must and, amongst other things, I learned that 10 elements were discovered in the institute and also that 14 Nobel prize winners conducted research there.  Just inside the museum there was a visual display of the periodic table showing the 10 elements that were discovered and which lit up in time to the Tom Lehrer song Elements.  I still can’t get the tune out of my head.

The real reason for the Ri visit, the launch of Christopher Lloyd’s new book “What on Earth Evolved“, was great fun. The theatre was small and intimate and the people attending were diverse; from the adorable school girls all dressed neatly in their uniforms complete with hats to the obvious older and wiser Ri regulars.  The atmosphere was vibrant and Chris gave a fascinating talk summarising the themes and ideas behind his new book.

Chris explained that 100 species feature in the book.  The first 50 evolved naturally in the wild before the age of man but the second 50 had evolved because of man’s intervention.  The talk was complete with props, audience participation and overhead visuals.  The 100 species are all ranked in order of their impact and survival on the planet.  So where does man feature in the list?  He comes in at number 6, the number one slot is taken by the humble earthworm.  I am able to confirm personally that earthworms are very resilient but we won’t go into that further!

One fascinating fact I learned is that when individual bits of green slime were put into a maze with food placed at each entrance, the pieces joined up, found the shortest route between the entrances of the maze and shared the food.

Following the talk there were questions from the audience such as ‘Is reason enough to stop global warming?’ and ‘How does God fit into all of this?’

David Haines of Singtastic had been asked by Chris to write a song especially for the book launch.  He wrote two because he didn’t want to go along the patter patter route of the elements song.  I noticed as I went to the Singtastic site to get their link that I appear in one of the photos!!!

Chris has a great depth of knowledge, understanding and insight.  It was a privilege to hear him speak and also lovely to be able to have a quick chat with him during the book signing after the event.

Now I need to finish reading Chris’s book so I can tell you what I think about it

I will leave you to enjoy the songs from the evening, along with the artwork from the book…