Evolution and the emergent self : the rise of complexity and behavioral versatility in nature /

This book covers a very long path, from cosmology to humans to religion, and it does so comfortably, without straying too much from basic scientific principles. The study of the evolution of intelligence is difficult, partly because the language of biological evolution is largely concerned with species (organisms), whereas intelligence is often treated simply as a character state that is just one component in the complex picture of metazoan evolution and behavior. Neubauer (Univ. of Texas at Austin) appears to feel otherwise, as the book concludes that God is the manifestation of this evolving intelligence that is seen in humankind today. The text touches on big topics in the evolution of life, and does so in an anthropocentric manner. It begins with a discussion of the immune system and r versus K selection (of ecology fame) as a general evolutionary principle. The author then covers homeostasis; information; brain size, comparing humans and intelligent animals; religion as a consequence of human brain evolution; and the origins of life. He ends with a discussion of the possibility of life on other planets. It is an amazing, well-written account. Summing Up: Recommended. Academic and general readers, all levels. P. K. Strother Boston College

To Neubauer (biology, Univ. of Texas), versatility is more than just a personal virtue: it is the product of a natural evolutionary strategy that leads, perhaps inevitably, toward biological complexity on this or on any other planet where life gains a foothold. For a species to adapt to a changing environment or variable conditions, it must command a great deal of information within itself-not only in its DNA, genes, and neurons but also in its culture and society. As Neubauer shows, this is true for Homo sapiens as well as for other big-brained species like chimpanzees, crows, dolphins, and elephants. If life evolves everywhere in the direction of increased complexity then, he concludes, it is entirely possible that intelligent life must occur wherever in the universe conditions are conducive to its emergence. VERDICT This fascinating, big-picture discussion takes several huge leaps but remains consistent in its basic assessment of how evolution works. On the book's final page, Neubauer writes: "The view of nature presented here proposes that a person stands at the apex of nature." To many evolutionary theorists, this concept is anathema. A book that will likely be controversial among academics, it is sure to find receptive niches among nonscientist readers.-Gregg Sapp, Evergreen State Coll. Lib., Tumwater, WA (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.