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Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid: The Fraught and Fascinating Biology of Climate Change

Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid: The Fraught and Fascinating Biology of Climate Change

by Thor Hanson

Basic Books ·2021 ·280 pages
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I Index
69/99
Near the Top

74/99

Critics' Rating Index

Near the Top

64/99

Readers' Rating Index

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Scholars' Citation Index

51/99

Volume of Reviews

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About This Book

*A New York Times Editor's Choice pick *Shortlisted for the 2022 Pacific Northwest Book Awards A beloved natural historian explores how climate change is driving evolution In Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid , biologist Thor Hanson tells the remarkable story of how plants and animals are responding to climate adjusting, evolving, and sometimes dying out. Anole lizards have grown larger toe pads, to grip more tightly in frequent hurricanes. Warm waters cause the development of Humboldt squid to alter so dramatically that fishermen mistake them for different species. Brown pelicans move north, and long-spined sea urchins south, to find cooler homes. And when coral reefs sicken, they leave no territory worth fighting for, so aggressive butterfly fish transform instantly into pacifists. A story of hope, resilience, and risk, Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid is natural history for readers of Bernd Heinrich, Robin Wall Kimmerer, and David Haskell. It is also a reminder of how unpredictable climate change is as it interacts with the messy lattice of life.


Reviews

"Synthesizing a wealth of recent findings, [Hanson] opens trapdoors onto the vivid lives of other beings in hopes of giving humans a close-grained understanding of our role in habitat change and the varieties of adaptation that may be in store for our species too."

Rebecca Giggs· The Atlantic Read review ↗ Near the Top

"There is now robust science demonstrating pain and emotion in all kinds of fishes, salmon included."

Jonathan Balcombe· The New York Times Read review ↗ Near the Top

"Nature-lovers will be thrilled to see science so vividly described, and will marvel at the incredible ingenuity of creatures across the globe."

Publishers Weekly Read review ↗ Top of the Pile

"The range of species he investigates and the climate responses they exhibit are sometimes dizzying, but some general features emerge ..."

Philip Ball· The Guardian Read review ↗ Near the Top

"This compelling read will spark the interest of everyone who cares about what is happening to the natural world."

Rachel Owens· Library Journal Read review ↗ Top of the Pile

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