It has been a while since I posted a #StevesLibrary update, and a lot has happened since then! Thankfully, I am now reading regularly again after taking a break while I focussed on getting my PhD thesis past the finish line. The Tangled Tree by David Quammen is probably the book that has taken me the longest to read, just because when I started to read it back in July last year, my life became extremely manic with the ever looming PhD deadline, and the subsequent stress/insanity. The Tangled Tree is a fascinating exploration of the field of molecular biology, specifically the history of the study of the evolution of life on Earth through the lens of DNA analysis. The book is a captivating journey through the scientific discoveries and controversies that led to the development of the field of molecular phylogenetics.
Quammen’s writing is engaging and accessible, and he manages to make complex scientific concepts understandable to the layperson. He weaves together the stories of the scientists who contributed to the development of molecular phylogenetics, including Carl Woese, Lynn Margulis, and Peter Gogarten, among others. Quammen’s attention to detail and his ability to make connections between seemingly disparate subjects make this book a joy to read. I’ve read a few of Quammen’s books now, but it was Spillover that really made me fall in love with his writing style, and the way that he is able to deliver information with such ease.
One of the central themes of the book is the idea that the tree of life is not a simple, straightforward concept, but rather a tangled web of relationships between organisms that have evolved over millions of years. Quammen explores the various challenges and controversies that have arisen in the study of the evolution of life, including the debate over the validity of the three-domain system, the controversy over the origin of eukaryotes, and the ongoing debate over the role of horizontal gene transfer in evolution. Overall, “Tangled Tree” is an excellent book that will appeal to anyone interested in the history of science, biology, or evolution. Quammen’s writing is engaging and informative, and he manages to convey complex scientific concepts in a way that is both accessible and entertaining.
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