The Voyage of the Beetle

Science News,  Nov 24, 2007  

• E-mail
• Print
• Link

THE VOYAGE OF THE BEETLE ANNE H. WEAVER

Darwin scholars may reel at anthropologist Weaver's revelation that a large part of the theory of evolution derived from hints provided by a friendly rose chafer beetle. The younger readers (fourth grade and up) that this generously illustrated book targets may prove more open-minded. Weaver lets Rosie the beetle tell the story. Darwin is still a student when he takes Rosie home. She accompanies him on the HM S. Beagle as he ponders what he calls the mystery of mysteries: why are there so many species on Earth, each fitted to its environment? He and Rosie discuss the wonders they see, illustrating how observations of insects, sea slugs, and such led to the idea of natural selection. Rosie feeds Darwin clues in gentle bits, predicting that readers will understand evolution before he does. Univ. New Mexico, 2007, 80 p., b&w and color illus., hardcover, $16.95.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

COPYRIGHT 2007 Science Service, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning