In the Blink of an Eye: The Cause of the Most Dramatic Event in the History of Life

Parker, Andrew

ISBN 10: 0743239881 / ISBN 13: 9780743239882

Published by Simon and Schuster, London, England, 2003

About this Item

Softcover, first edition, 498gms, 316 pages. This book explores the 'big bang' of evolution known as the Cambrian Explosion and the theory behind it that is largely centred around the evolution of the eye. Book is in very good condition with only minor general wear and tear and very mild page discolouration, otherwise no other pre-loved markings.

Seller Inventory # 001201

Bibliographic Details

• Title: In the Blink of an Eye: The Cause of the Most Dramatic Event in the History of Life
• Publisher: Simon and Schuster, London, England
• Publication Date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0743239881
• ISBN 13: 9780743239882
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: First Edition
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: Not Applicable
• Seller catalogs:
  • First Editions
  • Science

About this title

Synopsis

1858年，達爾文在《物種源始》中提到：從化石紀錄來看，物種數量在寒武紀左右突然有了爆炸性的成長。在此之前，化石紀錄中僅有單純的單細胞生物、水母等簡單的軟生物留下的痕跡，但在寒武紀開始後，三葉蟲、貝類等等擁有硬質身體結構的生物突然出現，物種數量也有如「大霹靂」一般快速增長。這個物種快速暴增的現象被稱為「寒武紀大爆發」，是演化史上的劃時代事件。今日雖然達爾文的演化學說已經在學術圈站穩腳步，但是寒武紀大爆發為何發生仍舊是一個巨大的謎團。為了解開寒武紀大爆發這個跨越百年的問題，牛津大學動物學家派克全面檢視遠古化石證據，抽絲剝繭一步步重建寒武紀的繽紛世界。從寒武紀初乍現的天光到眼睛的誕生，派克在本書中提出，光與視覺就是開啟寒武紀物種大爆發關鍵的催化劑。派克於2003年出版本書後，立即奠定了古生物學界的大師地位。歷時十三年後，2017年的新版增訂了全書的地質年代，並由作者增補彩色照片與黑白圖說，可說是了解物種演化史相當重要的一本書。

About the Author

Andrew Parker is a Royal Society Research Fellow at Oxford University's Department of Zoology. He has been named by the London Times as one of the three most important young scientists in the world for his work in investigating and answering the great riddle of the Cambrian explosion. He lives in Oxfordshire, England.