Life's Solution: Inevitable Humans in a Lonely Universe

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Cambridge University Press, Sep 4, 2003 - Science - 464 pages
In response to the seemingly utter randomness of nature, Einstein once responded, "God does not play dice." Conway Morris (Cambridge) champions this notion in presenting a deterministic view of the evolutionary process. Beginning with the emergence of life, statistical laws delineate what Morris calls the "biological hyperspace," which contains an ostensibly infinite array of outcomes for the evolution of carbon-based life. According to Morris, life exists today as a very sparse sample of that hyperspace. Did the evolutionary process arrive at intelligent humans by a "roll of the dice?" According to Morris, the ubiquitous character of evolutionary convergence suggests that this hyperspace, although very large, contains very few navigable pathways. If one could rewind the tape and let it replay, one would arrive once again at a sentient being questioning the luck of its existence. Morris argues that although human existence may be inevitable, the conditions for the emergence of life may be unique to this planet. People possess the ability to question their existence, but they may be lonely in doing so. Morris richly supports his arguments with examples of evolutionary convergence. Using illustrations, photographs, and numerous references and notes, he has produced a valuable resource for students of evolution and for academic libraries. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and above. J.A. Hewlett Finger Lakes Community College--Choice Review

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