Death on Earth: Adventures in Evolution and Mortality - Jules Howard [epub]

As you read these words, Planet Earth teems with trillions of life-forms, each going about their own business: eating, reproducing, thriving . . . Yet, the life of almost every single organism draws nearer to certain death. On the other hand, "suicide" inside the mitochondria that live within us results in the death of millions of cells each second for our own good! Why is death such a universal companion to life on Earth? Why haven't animals evolved to break free of its shackles?

In this wide-ranging exploration of death, Jules Howard attempts to shed evolutionary light on one of our biggest and most unshakable taboos. He visits a salon that's trying to abolish our queasiness over talking about death. He also looks to the nematode, one of the most basic of life-forms, for clues about why near-starvation actually can prolong life. Encountering some of the world's oldest animals, and meeting the scientists attempting to unravel their mysteries, Howard also comes face-to-face with evolution's outliers--the animals that may one day avoid death altogether.

Written in an engaging style, Death on Earth's journey ends with the inevitable question: Can we ever become immortal? And if we could, would we really want to?

**

Review

“You will be as thoroughly won over as a mallard . . . observing her drake's bright yellow bill.” ―Boston Globe on SEX ON EARTH

“It's a pleasure to welcome a writ­er who blends professional expertise in zoology with charm, wit, and a cockeyed sense of humor. What better guide through nature's red-light district could one ask for?” ―Natural History Magazine on SEX ON EARTH

“Howard's wit and clear explanations of the birds and the bees make this volume ideal for all readers. An excellent pick for those who enjoyed Mary Roach's BONK.” ―Library Journal on SEX ON EARTH

“Howard has written with Bill Bryson-like wit about the sex of pandas, dinosaurs, frogs, flamingos, hedgehogs, insects, and other creatures. Readers may laugh while they learn.” ―Booklist on SEX ON EARTH

“Howard demonstrates that there is much to appreciate about the rites and rituals that govern the when, where and how of species perpetuation.” ―Kirkus Reviews on SEX ON EARTH

About the Author

Jules Howard is a zoologist, writer, blogger, and broadcaster. He writes on a host of topics related to zoology and wildlife conservation, and appears regularly in BBC Wildlife magazine. Howard is the author of Sex on Earth and lives in Northamptonshire, United Kingdom.