{"product_id":"9780316418393","title":"Consider the Platypus","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003e*FINALIST FOR THE 2020 GENERAL NONFICTION MINNESOTA BOOK AWARDS*\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eInterested in the origins of the species? \u003ci\u003eConsider the Platypus \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eu\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eses pets such as dogs and cats as well as animal outliers like the \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eaxolotl and naked mole rat\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e to \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003ewittily tackle mind-bending concepts about how evolution, biology, and genetics work.\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003ci\u003eConsider the Platypus \u003c\/i\u003eexplores the history and features of more than 50 animals to provide insight into our current understanding of evolution. Using Darwin's theory as a springboard, Maggie Ryan Sandford details scientists' initial understanding of the development of creatures and how that has expanded in the wake of genetic sequencing, including the:\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeppered Moth, which changed color based on the amount of soot in the London air;\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCalifornia Two-Spotted Octopus, which has the amazing ability to alter its DNA\/RNA not over generations but during its lifetime;\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eminiscule tardigrade, which is so hearty it can withstand radiation, lack of water and oxygen, and temperatures as low as -328°F and as high 304 °F;\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eand, of course, the platypus, which has so many disparate features, from a duck's bill to venomous spur to mammary patches, that scientists originally thought it was a hoax. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eSurprising, witty, and impeccably researched, Sandford describes each animal's significant features and how these have adapted to its environment, such as the zebra finch's beak shape, which was observed by Charles Darwin and is a cornerstone of his Theory of Evolution. With scientifically accurate but charming art by Rodica Prato, \u003ci\u003eConsider the Platypus\u003c\/i\u003e showcases species as diverse as the sloth, honey bee, cow, brown kiwi, and lungfish, to name a few, to tackle intimidating concepts is a accessible way. \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Sandford, Maggie Ryan","offers":[{"title":"Hardback (Nature)","offer_id":47794741280992,"sku":null,"price":23.4,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0330\/3125\/8248\/files\/BNCImageAPI_efb91c8d-9951-41d7-bcf4-d5435671bdf4.jpg?v=1759000482","url":"https:\/\/agricola-street-books.myshopify.com\/products\/9780316418393","provider":"Agricola Street Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}