In The Blink Of An Eye
How Vision Sparked The Big Bang Of Evolution
by Andrew Parker
Apr 13, 2004
Paperback
US
$15.00
CAN
$20.95
ISBN: 9780465054381
ISBN-10: 0465054382
Published by
Basic Books
Description
About 550 million years ago, there was literally an explosion of life forms, as all the major animal groups suddenly and dramatically appeared. Although several books have been written about this surprising event, known as the Cambrian explosion, none has explained why it occurred. Indeed, none was able to. Here, for the first time, Oxford zoologist Andrew Parker reveals his theory of this great flourishing of life. Parker's controversial but increasingly accepted "Light Switch Theory" holds that it was the development of vision in primitive animals that caused the explosion. Drawing on evidence not just from biology, but also from geology, physics, chemistry, history, and art, In the Blink of an Eye is the fascinating account of a young scientist's intellectual journey, and a celebration of the scientific method.
Reviews
"[Parker's] clarity will thrill science fans, as will his revolutionary theory."
—
Booklist
"A well-written book, containing much really interesting science and a good strong hypothesis."
—
Washington Post Book World
"A young, brash zoologist...Parker makes a compelling case."
—
San Diego Union Tribune
Selling Territory
World Excluding UK & Commonwealth, European Union
