Tom Wakeford

(posted on my blog: http://davenichols.net/liaisons-life-how-unassuming-microbe-has-driven-evolution)

I've been on a kick lately learning about Dawkin's Extended Phenotype and the idea that genetics can drive a complex system in ways that aren't solely isolated to a single body vehicle. I thought this book might take up that idea and run with it, but the author doesn't quite make that connection to dawkins. However, he comes very close with Liaisons. This book is a quick read and includes examples of microbes that have joined larger plants or animals to become symbionts. Most of the examples are of mutually beneficial relationships between the microbes and their hosts, including lichen, angler fish, legumes, and many others.

This is an area of science that is fascinating, quickly changing, and can be mind boggling at times, but I felt Wakeford did an excellent job conveying his points and explaining the complex relationships without overburdening with deep science. There is good detail in the book, and it is not for the very casual science reader, but still approachable by curious readers. Recommended for anyone seeking an extention of the Phenotype idea or general science readers. Four stars.… (meer)