THIS book鈥檚 aim is to put biogeography 鈥� the study of the distribution of biodiversity over time 鈥� centre stage as a unifying principle of modern biology, establishing it as both a key discipline that led to modern evolutionary theory and as an elucidator of evolution鈥檚 processes. It succeeds nobly.
Along the way, Dennis McCarthy reveals fascinating facts, including the location of the ancient map that says 鈥淗ere be Dragons鈥�. There are a few historical wobbles, but the science is firm and buttressed with a pleasant combination of painstaking detail and infectious enthusiasm. Even McCarthy鈥檚 lack of references and his slightly strident anti-creationist tone cannot detract from the fresh approach he brings to an aspect of evolutionary theory that has long been neglected.
Oxford University Press