The Dominant Animal
Human Evolution and the Environment
In humanity’s more than 100,000 year history, we have evolved from vulnerable creatures clawing sustenance from Earth to a sophisticated global society manipulating every inch of it. In short, we have become the dominant animal. Why, then, are we creating a world that threatens our own species? What can we do to change the current trajectory toward more climate change, increased famine, and epidemic disease?
Renowned Stanford scientists Paul R. Ehrlich and Anne H. Ehrlich believe that intelligently addressing those questions depends on a clear understanding of how we evolved and how and why we’re changing the planet in ways that darken our descendants’ future. The Dominant Animal arms readers with that knowledge, tracing the interplay between environmental change and genetic and cultural evolution since the dawn of humanity. In lucid and engaging prose, they describe how Homo sapiens adapted to their surroundings, eventually developing the vibrant cultures, vast scientific knowledge, and technological wizardry we know today.
But the Ehrlichs also explore the flip side of this triumphant story of innovation and conquest. As we clear forests to raise crops and build cities, lace the continents with highways, and create chemicals never before seen in nature, we may be undermining our own supremacy. The threats of environmental damage are clear from the daily headlines, but the outcome is far from destined. Humanity can again adapt—if we learn from our evolutionary past.
"This sparkling book is a great guide to what's essential about humans, the world, and how they affect each other. Along the way, you'll pick up delicious tidbits such as what Mussolini's basic problem was, and why we are so sure that tiny sequoia seeds grow into 300-foot sequoia trees even though no one has ever seen it happen."
“No other scientific couple could produce a book of this brilliance on where we came from and where we're going. The Ehrlichs, who have been at the cutting edge of the science, have interwoven evolutionary history and our environmental dilemma into a compelling and vital story.”
“This is a grand tour of the current state of ecological science, and a tour de force of observation, insight, and suggestion.”
"This is a brilliant and fascinating account of how we became the planet's ruling species and now the major force determining the future of evolution. The Ehrlichs' broad perspective and lucid prose bring fresh understanding to what's going on in the world today. Everyone should read this book.”
Chapter 1: Darwin’s Legacy and Mendel’s Mechanism
Chapter 2: The Entangled Bank
Chapter 3: Fossils and Our Distant Past
Chapter 4: Cultural Evolution – It’s Not All in the Genes
Chapter 5: Cultural Evolution: How It Works
Chapter 6: Perception: How Much Of The Outside Gets In?
Chapter 7: Differences: How We Deal With Them
Chapter 8: Births, Deaths, and Migrations: The Dynamics of Populations
Chapter 9: History as Cultural Evolution
Chapter 10: Cultural Change, Diversification, and Conservatism
Chapter 11: Our Biophysical Environment
Chapter 12: Ecosystems and Human Domination of Earth
Chapter 13: Population, Consumption, and the Environment
Chapter 14: A New Imperative
Chapter 15: Altering the Global Atmosphere
Chapter 16: Energy: Are We Running Out Of It?
Chapter 17: Saving Our Natural Capital
Chapter 18: Governance: Tackling the Unanticipated Consequences
Epilogue
You may purchase this title at fine bookstores across the United States. Outside the USA, see our international sales information.
