Dan’s Comments (group member since Mar 30, 2012)

Dan’s comments from the Science and Natural History group.

Same here Jason... I'm constantly reading excerpts to my high school science students from this book!

Dan
Jason wrote: "Hope this isn't too general for the group but the book is a modern classic in my opinion. I talk to people about this book more than any other I have read. It's truly wonderful. Enjoy"

I'm still working on SotD also Gill. It is well worth your time and I'm really enjoying it.

Dan
Gill wrote: "I've finished it now, I find it very sad that we knew all this 20 years ago and didn't do much about it. I'm glad I read it, it feels like an important book and puts down in academic terms somethi..."

Hi Everyone,

I am currently taking a grad class in Biogeography so I had started reading this a few weeks ago. I was really enjoying the first 100 pages or so and nominated it for Feb.'s read. Glad to see others are interested in the topic as well... I think you'll really enjoy it!
Dan

The Song of the Dodo: Island Biogeography in an Age of Extinction

Loved the last part of the book. Quamman calls for individual action to combat the spread of zoonotic infectious diseases. The more different we all are, not just genetically, but also in behaviors, diets, daily routines, travel, etc. can help us combat the spread of these diseases. The more similar we all are, the easier it is for a well adapted strain of virus or bacteria to spread from person to person.

I read this a few years ago... great read. If you haven't learned about Tiktaalik yet, you will. Here's a funny video made that goes with the book:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9h1tR...

Hi Steve,

I am about 3/4 the way through Spillover. Some other virus/pandemic books (The Hot Zone, etc.) read more like an action novel, but Quamman's book is different. He consistently puts himself in dangerous remote locations to learn more about a variety of virus/bacteria caused diseases, their natural reservoirs and factors affecting their transmission and evolution. It is a call on the human race to consider how our activities bring us in closer contact with zoonotic diseases. I am loving the book and the message he gives for conservation.

Spillover: Animal Infections and the Next Human Pandemic