Scott Richard Shaw

This is an interesting look at the evolution and rise of insects from the Cambrian to the present day. Professor Shaw details the roles that arthropods, and more specifically insects, have played in evolution and how these creatures affected the evolution of plants and other animal species. He takes a look at why oil was was only formed during the Carboniferous era? Why dinosaurs grew wings (to catch insects!)? Why insects don't live in the ocean? Why the age of fishes is a misnomer? I also found the author's "Buggy Universe Hypothesis" rather interesting.

The book is easy to read but makes extensive use of scientific insect terminology, so if that bothers you, this is not a book for you.… (mer)

The evolutionary story of insects - Its something that is quite amazing. The author goes from the proto-insects, explains bugs changed into different species, and how specialization happened.

Some of the bugs features are just weird, others, like the parasitizing wasps, actually will make you a bit uncomfortable, once you learn how they use their host species.

It also points out that outside of bacteria, insects are the largest group of living things around - and that in each age (Eg Age of fishes, etc) should really be called "Age of dragonflies", etc.

Its a good book. Highly recommended. It is written in an accessible manner, while not exactly easy reading, it is meant for a general audience. Highly recommended if you like insects and/or evolutionary biology.… (mer)