David Attenborough

LIFE ON EARTH by David Attenborough (and read by him as well) was a good pick to listen to during finals week - not so engaging that I keep listening to find out what happens next at the expense of getting my grading done, but engaging enough to take my mind off my grading and other responsibilities when I needed a break, or was cooking, etc. I will say that I found it more relaxing to listen to in the chapters when he's describing things that I'm somewhat familiar with, but don't know well (i.e. the chapters on plants and invertebrates.) The chapters on vertebrates, however, were somewhat less relaxing to listen to, as I spent the whole time listening very carefully for any mistakes.

One thing Attenborough does very well in this book is connect the evolution of traits together, helping explain why certain traits evolved when they did. For example, as vascular plants evolved, there was a selective advantage for getting taller in order to better compete for light. But then, once plants started getting taller, there was a selective advantage to herbivores that could reach the tasty parts of the plants, which led to the evolution of flying insects, which in turn contributed to the evolution of the flowering plants to use those insects as targeted pollinators vs. relying on wind pollination. Some of it is almost certainly adaptationism / just-so-story-ism, but he does an excellent job of connecting various pieces together into a coherent whole.

He does get some stuff wrong -- some factual details that may have just gotten missed in the 40th anniversary update of the text, but also other places where the way he frames evolutionary history is... antiquated at best. The most egregious (in my opinion) is that he repeatedly refers to various living organisms as "primitive", and refers to non-mammalian synapsids (everything that is more closely related to mammals than any other living organism, but is not technically a true mammal -- includes things like Dimetrodon, the sail-back "dinosaur") as "reptiles". Which: No. Absolutely not. Synapsids split from the branch that would become reptiles over 200 million years ago. (He also calls early tetrapods like Tiktaalik "amphibians", which: they were almost certainly amphibious, but they were absolutely not the same as modern amphibians.)

But overall: Enjoyable to listen to Attenborough's narration even without the amazing visuals of a nature documentary.… (mer)

"Zoo Quest to Guiana" is a captivating travelogue written by David Attenborough, the renowned British naturalist and broadcaster. Published in 1956, the book documents Attenborough's expedition to the remote and unexplored wilderness of British Guiana (now Guyana) in South America.

The narrative takes readers on a thrilling adventure as Attenborough and his team set out to capture and bring back exotic animals for the London Zoo. As the leader of the Zoo Quest television series, Attenborough combines his passion for wildlife with a quest for discovery, immersing himself in the vibrant ecosystems of the Guianan rainforest.

Attenborough vividly describes the awe-inspiring biodiversity he encounters, from the colorful birdlife to elusive mammals, reptiles, and insects. He showcases his deep appreciation for the natural world, sharing his insights into the unique adaptations and behaviors of the species he encounters.

As the expedition progresses, Attenborough delves into the cultural and historical aspects of the region, exploring the indigenous communities and their relationship with the natural environment. He sheds light on their customs, traditions, and knowledge of the local flora and fauna, offering readers a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between humans and their surroundings.

Throughout the book, Attenborough's passion for conservation shines through. He highlights the importance of preserving these diverse ecosystems and the need for responsible wildlife management. His observations and experiences provide readers with an educational and entertaining glimpse into the world of animal collection and the efforts to learn more about and protect the planet's biodiversity.

"Zoo Quest to Guiana" showcases Attenborough's engaging storytelling style, infused with humor, curiosity, and reverence for the natural world. The book not only captures the spirit of adventure but also serves as a valuable resource for nature enthusiasts, highlighting the importance of conservation and the wonders that await in remote corners of the globe.… (mer)