Endless Forms Most Beautiful: The New Science of Evo Devo and the Making of the Animal Kingdom Audiobook (Unabridged)

" A very interesting read, with insight into the evolutionary process from the perspective of evolutionary development (Evo Devo, or embryonic development). It does get rather technical for the non-biologist at times, something that is necessary to gain a proper understanding, but results in a difficult, slow read. In retrospect, I've forgotten most of the specifics of this book, but the overall impression whilst reading was one of complete awe, and left me with a better understanding of the science as a whole. "

" This is the best kind of science book, one written by a leading scientist to make new ideas available to non-scientists. This was a dense book, and I had a hard time following it in places. But it was well worth the effort. "

" Boy, did I enjoy this book! It describes the field of evolutionary developmental biology very clearly for the general reader. The author, a researcher in this field, is a good writer and he gives fascinating explanations of how a single cell becomes a body of very diverse cells, even though all the cells have identical DNA (its largely the genetic switches). Also, in exploring the relations among creatures in the animal kingdom, he emphasizes the deep evolutionary and genetic unity, much deeper than biologists expected, among members of the entire kingdom that recent comparative embryonic and genetic research has revealed. I like that he goes into enough detail about research findings so that you get some feeling for the data as well as the mechanisms behind evolution. Highly recommended. "

" The new science of evolutionary developmental biology finally exposed the molecular toolkits life uses to build species, whether fish or termites or us. Wildly important book, in spite of his acceptance of 1 quoted study I find incorrect. "

" Elegantly written book exploring evolutionary developmental biology to explain what might be mystifying human behaviors. A bit heavy in spots but a definite "re-read". "

" Nice supplement to Origin of Species, but not a substitute, nor a recent best thing on the subject. "

" Brilliant book. Easy to read and yet doesn't skimp on the science. I understand Evo Devo about 400% more than I did before reading it. "

" If you like books on Evolution, try this one! In the style of Steven Jay Gould, Carroll brings together the latest molecular biology breakthroughs with fossils and development. "

" Good treatment of evo devo for newbies. Caroll is a science writer, so is easy to understand. Recommend for beginners. "

" Evo-devo is a very interesting subject, but this book got a bit boring. "

" I think this is a really good evo devo book, even if it is pretty heavy going at times, mostly because it is so information dense. "

" I didn't finish this, unfortunately. Still enjoyed what I read. "

" Very good introduction to Evo-Devo, which is the place where the theory of evolution meets embryology. Definitely worth a read if you are interested in that area. "

" Excellent readable review of one of the leading areas of our knowledge of evolution. Shows how little changes in genes can lead to the greater changes that we now know. My 8th graders read a section of it, and liked the photo of the drosophila mutants and the cyclops lamb. "

" Awesome book! Although there is one chapter that would go above just about anyones head (except for perhaps the authors) this is an accessible and fascinating book and the must read on the topic of Evo devo "

" Truly well written and a fascinating read! Highly recommended!! "

" interesting education on the evolutionary development. some fascinating parts describing the near infinite variability influencing how we grow and what we become. "

" This book was exactly what I wanted. It was a fascinating and descriptive introduction into the field of Evo Devo. I love how Carroll was able to relate childhood interest in animal forms to modern scientific inquiry. I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in genetics or evolution. "

" Been a long time since my undergraduate bio classes - makes me wish I would have continued to follow the developmental bio field. The writing was ok. Not as interesting and as captivating or engaging as I was hoping. "

" There was a lot of interesting information in here but the way it was presented, I found it difficult to get through the book. "

" I couldn't quite follow the details of the specific genetic triggers for spots vs stripes, but developmental biology adds some details to the mechanisms used in species evolution. "

" Evo-devo is a very interesting subject, but this book got a bit boring. "

" Brilliant book. Easy to read and yet doesn't skimp on the science. I understand Evo Devo about 400% more than I did before reading it. "

" interesting education on the evolutionary development. some fascinating parts describing the near infinite variability influencing how we grow and what we become. "

" Most exciting book on evolution for the general public since Stephen J Gould's work. "

" Very accessible science writing about a devloping field of biology. Anyone interested in evolution should read this book. "

" The new science of evolutionary developmental biology finally exposed the molecular toolkits life uses to build species, whether fish or termites or us. Wildly important book, in spite of his acceptance of 1 quoted study I find incorrect. "

" Sean Carroll has proven to be interesting and informative with every reading. He provides interesting research to back up his ideas in evo devo. Carroll is one of my personal favorites in the scientific community. "

" Half way through, but incrediby stimulating. Particularly the small portion on fate mapping. Sadly, only a small whetting of one's whistle. "