Customer Reviews

The End of Evolution

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The End of Evolution is a survey of geologic time presented through the research and viewpoint of a successful and well-respected paleontologist. Dr. Peter Ward presents in depth analysis of each period of the earth's past as revealed through the fossil record and modern scientific theory. The book focuses on the events leading up to and following the two major mass extinction's of the past, and presents detailed arguments that point towards human impacts as the cause of a current third event. Ward's first hand experience and knowledge of the constantly changing and highly debated scientific theories of evolution and extinction are combined with an extremely presentable writing style. The book begins with a background of evolution throughout the Paleozoic era (570-245mya) ending at the Permian-Triassic boundary in which climatic change and the lowering of the earth's ocean levels brought about for the first time a collapse in the pyramid of life. These changes resulted in the extinction of 90% of the earth's inhabitants and left the world open for new species to evolve to greatness in the wake of disaster. Ward presents ideas, theories, and many views of a variety of respected scientists. One such debate deals with the second mass extinction 65 million years ago, also known as the KT boundary. Ward reveals information about the great discoveries of evidence convincing scientists of a second great climatic and oceanic change. These changes followed by an untimely asteroid impact led to a new hope for mammals and a tragic end for possibly the world's most successful rulers, the dinosaurs. Finally, Ward brings together similarities of earlier extinction's and provides extensive evidence proving that a third extinction is currently underway. Siting research from many scientists regarding the great mammalian extinction's of North and South America and the tragic impact of human habitation on the ecosystem of Hawaii. The book's contents are at times presented in a reference style, while at other times as stories and warnings. The End of Evolution is a primer of biological and geological thought and Dr. Ward maintains a respectfully unbiased approach at presenting a highly debatable and sophisticated topic.

The End of Evolution is one of the best books I have read. As a geologist, I appreciated the attention to detail and his ability to draw corollaries between past extinction events and the current global situation. The message in this book is clear and well presented, whereas our planet has seen a host of extinction events, the one we are currently in the midst of is different. The difference being that this one is largely anthropogenic in nature. I think Peter Ward did a great job of sounding the alarm and providing a compelling case for reassessment of how we interact with our environment. I have recommended this book countless times over the years, and continue to do so. It may be tedious to the non-earth scientist, but is a great read none-the-less.

An interesting linkage can be made to scattered comments by Stephen Hawking on why we have not yet found compelling evidence of life on other planets. His thesis is that perhaps the 'human intelligence' we so highly prize, may actually be a non-beneficial evolutionary development. That is, our self-awareness and ability to mold our environment may actually lead to degradation of the environment (to a lethal level) and a subsequent self-inflicted extinction. Could it perhaps be that PW has given us documentation of the path to this end on Earth?

END OF EVOLUTION MASS EXTINICT & BIODIVERSITY by WARD,PETER is a brilliant look into the history of planet Earth and the life that once inhibited this planet. Throughout the history mass extinctions have occured resulting in the destruction of old world also resulting in the evolution of a new world. Throughout the book Dr. Ward describes these mass extinctions and warns of another mass extinction that may take place if Human Beings are not careful. I strongly advice anyone who is remotely interested in Geology or in any sciences to read this book!

END OF EVOLUTION MASS EXTINICT & BIODIVE by WARD,PETER is a brilliant look into the history of planet Earth and the life that once inhibited this planet. Throughout the history mass extinctions have occured resulting in the destruction of old world also resulting in the evolution of a new world. Throughout the book Dr. Ward describes these mass extinctions and warns of another mass extinction that may take place if Human Beings are not careful. I strongly advice anyone who is remotely interested in Geology or in any sciences to read this book!

END OF EVOLUTION MASS EXTINICT & BIODIVERSITY by WARD,PETER is a brilliant look into the history of planet Earth and the life that once inhibited this planet. Throughout the history mass extinctions have occured resulting in the destruction of old world also resulting in the evolution of a new world. Throughout the book Dr. Ward describes these mass extinctions and warns of another mass extinction that may take place if Human Beings are not careful. I strongly advice anyone who is remotely interested in Geology or in any sciences to read this book!

Peter Ward tells of the past mass extinctions of Earth, in a very fascinating way. Once and a while it seemed a bit of a slow read, but overall it was a great book. It shows evidence that the third mass extinction on Earth is already underway. And mankind could very well be the catalyst of this extinction. It's a wake-up call to humanity that we must try to avert this catastrophe as soon as possible. For the fate of countless species is at stake, including our own.

This would definitely be the book for someone to read if they have the time and want to know just about everything from the Paleozoic to the Mesozoic, along with issues of extinctions facing humans today. Mr. Ward goes quite in-depth with all his information to give a very full picture of how our predecessors lived when they graced the Earth, along with the cause of their demise and eventually ours if we don't slow the destruction being done to the environment. The language is easy to read and understand, with the exception of the occasional not so well explained term (KT boundary, etc.). Interesting overall if you have an interest in the life from the start of the Paleozoic to current times and have time to spare.

Ten years ago, Mr. Ward was predicting some of the weather-related occurrences we have seen in the past few months. He blames it on certain atmospheric disturbances which multiply and may cause another extinction of life on earth.

Ozone is a form of oxygen which blocks the sun's damaging ultraviolet radiation. This thinning of the world's ozone level was first detected in 1985, twenty years ago, and is being destroyed by man-made compounds leaking into the atmosphere. CFCs were polluting and destroying ozone molecules. If the ozone continues to be depleted due to the rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, increased amounts of ultraviolet radiation will bombard the earth continuously, and cause a higher rate of cancer in humans.

It's because of the changeds of levels of critical gases such as CO2 (carbon dioxide) and water vapor. Our planet stays warmer in large part known as the greenhouse effect called global warming. It will increase the spread of deserts and cause droughts and reduce water supplies.

In 1995, Mr. Ward predicted that this global warming is sure to lead to massive environmental changes over much of the earth. Even if detailed understanding of global warming still defies prediction, generalities emerge. It will cause the seas to rise to dangerous depths. The ice caps will melt and increase sea levels. The rate and extent will decide mankind's fate.

The faster the oceans rise and erode land, the greater incidence for loss of life. We've seen this already in New Orleans, where most of the occupants were forced to leave this historic town for a time, and Thailand where land lose and deaths were terrifically tragic.

Twice in distant past, catastrophic extinction caused the end of evolution. Our first mammalian ancestors survived, some 250 million years agao. The second great mass extinction occurred 65 million years ago when the dinosaurs perished. It was thought to have been caused by earth's collision with an asteroid.

He declares tht the signs for a third mass extinction have alrady started on our planet. We need to find some way to save the rich diversity of life and birds now endangered by changes and climate. We must strive to preserve life as we know it before our own extermination by poisoning from the air we pollute.

Peter D. Ward is a paleontologist in Seattle (where the 'think tank' for intelligent thinking exists) and is associated with the University of Washington. In 1991, he wrote ON METHUSELAH'S TRAIL: LIVING FOSSILS AND THE GREAT EXTINCTION. He follows this END OF EVOLUTION with FUTURE EVOLUTION in 2001). In 2004, his mastrepiece was GORGONS: PALEONTOLOGY, OBSESSION, AND THE GREATEST CASTROPHE IN EARTH'S HISTORY. They are all parts of this book, which is a bit over my head.