Title
Life Sculpted: Tales of the Animals, Plants, and Fungi That Drill, Break, and Scrape to Shape the Earth,Used
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There is much to love between this books covers. . . . There are many eureka moments in Life Sculptedand some truly beautiful ones.'Eugenia Bone, Wall Street JournalMeet the menagerie of lifeforms that dig, crunch, bore, and otherwise reshape our planet.Did you know elephants dig ballroomsized caves alongside volcanoes? Or that parrotfish chew coral reefs and poop sandy beaches? Or that our planet once hosted a fiveton dinosaurcrunching alligator cousin? In fact, almost since its fascinating start, life was boring. Billions of years ago bacteria, algae, and fungi began breaking down rocks in oceans, a role they still perform today. About a halfbillion years ago, animal ancestors began drilling, scraping, gnawing, or breaking rocky seascapes. In turn, their descendants crunched through the materials of life itselfshells, wood, and bones. Today, such bioeroders continue to shape our planetfrom the bacteria that devour our teeth to the mighty moon snail, always hunting for food, as evidenced by tiny snailmade boreholes in clams and other moon snails.There is no better guide to these lifeforms than Anthony J. Martin, a popular science author, paleontologist, and codiscoverer of the first known burrowing dinosaur. Following the crumbs of lichens, sponges, worms, clams, snails, octopi, barnacles, sea urchins, termites, beetles, fishes, dinosaurs, crocodilians, birds, elephants, and (of course) humans, Life Sculpted reveals how bioerosion expanded with the tree of life, becoming an essential part of how ecosystems function while reshaping the face of our planet. With vast knowledge and no small amount of whimsy, Martin uses paleontology, biology, and geology to reveal the awesome power of lifes chewing force. He provokes us to think deeply about the past and present of bioerosion, while also considering how knowledge of this history might aid us in mitigating and adapting to climate change in the future. Yes, Martin concedes, sometimes life can be hardbut life also makes everything less hard every day.
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This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
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- Q: How many pages does 'Life Sculpted' have? A: This book contains three hundred sixty pages. It provides an in-depth exploration of the lifeforms that shape our planet.
- Q: What is the binding type of 'Life Sculpted'? A: This book is bound in hardcover. Hardcover bindings offer durability and a premium feel.
- Q: What are the dimensions of 'Life Sculpted'? A: The dimensions of this book are six inches in length, one point four two inches in width, and nine point zero two inches in height.
- Q: What age group is 'Life Sculpted' suitable for? A: This book is suitable for adult readers and older teens interested in science and nature. Its content is informative and engaging for those with a curiosity about ecology.
- Q: How can I use 'Life Sculpted' effectively? A: You can use this book for educational purposes or personal interest. It's ideal for readers wanting to understand the role of various lifeforms in shaping ecosystems.
- Q: Is 'Life Sculpted' appropriate for children? A: No, this book is primarily targeted at adults and older teens. Its themes and scientific content may be complex for younger children.
- Q: How should I store 'Life Sculpted' to keep it in good condition? A: Store this book in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This helps preserve the binding and pages.
- Q: Can I clean the cover of 'Life Sculpted'? A: Yes, you can gently wipe the cover with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using any liquids that could damage the cover.
- Q: What is the return policy for 'Life Sculpted'? A: Most retailers have a return policy of thirty days for unopened items. Check with the specific retailer for their exact terms.
- Q: What if 'Life Sculpted' arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact the retailer immediately for a replacement or refund. Keep the original packaging for reference.
- Q: How does 'Life Sculpted' compare to other books in the science genre? A: This book stands out for its unique focus on bioerosion and the impact of various lifeforms on Earth's landscapes. It's a captivating read for nature enthusiasts.
- Q: Is 'Life Sculpted' written by a reputable author? A: Yes, it is authored by Anthony J. Martin, a well-known paleontologist and science writer. His expertise lends credibility to the book.
- Q: What themes are explored in 'Life Sculpted'? A: The book explores themes of bioerosion, ecology, and the interdependence of lifeforms in shaping the environment. It combines paleontology with contemporary ecological issues.
- Q: Is 'Life Sculpted' a good gift for science lovers? A: Yes, this book makes an excellent gift for anyone passionate about nature and science. Its engaging writing and rich content will appeal to many.
- Q: What type of illustrations or visuals are in 'Life Sculpted'? A: The book features various illustrations and diagrams that enhance understanding of the concepts discussed. Visual aids complement the written content effectively.