Overview

In Animal Weapons, Douglas J. Emlen takes us outside the lab and deep into the forests and jungles to explain the processes behind the most intriguing and curious examples of extreme animal weapons--fish with mouths larger than their bodies and bugs whose heads are so packed with muscle they don't have room for eyes. As singular and strange as some of the weapons are, we learn that similar factors set their evolution in motion. Emlen looks at everything, from our armor and camouflage to the evolution of the rifle and the structures human populations have built across different regions and eras to protect their homes and communities. Animal Weapons brings us the complete story of how weapons reach their most outsized, dramatic potential, and what the results we witness in the animal world can tell us about our own relationship with weapons of all kinds.

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Reviews

"Emlen's excellent writing will draw in readers intrigued by astonishingly powerful weapons, both in the wild and in the military, and how they have evolved owing to selective pressures.-- ""Library Journal Starred Review"" ""A skilled storyteller, Emlen takes the reader to Panama to observe dueling Harlequin beetles; to Tanzania to collect elephant excrement--and other dung beetles that live on it; and to tropical forests, where stalk-eyes flies defend their harems of females."" -- ""Science"" ""Outstanding...Emlen's book on animal warfare reveals a world far more fascinating and intriguing than one we could summon with our imagination."" -- ""Seattle Times"" ""Sean Runnette narrates in a warm voice that infuses life into Emlen's anecdotes while projecting authority when explaining the scientific elements of animal and human weaponry. Most importantly, Runnette consistently captures Emlen's awe and curiosity--whether he's exploring the world of elephants, dung beetles, or humans. Runnette's consistent tone clearly ties the book together and helps listeners understand the value in studying animal weaponry to better appreciate human weaponry."" -- ""AudioFile"""

Author Information

Douglas J. Emlen is the recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award in Science and Engineering from the Office of Science and Technology Policy at the White House. He has also earned multiple research awards from the National Science Foundation, including their five-year CAREER award. His research has been featured in such outlets as the New York Times. Douglas is a professor at the University of Montana. Sean Runnette, a multiple AudioFile Earphones Award winner, has produced several Audie Award-winning audiobooks and has also narrated works by John Steinbeck and Richard P. Feynman. Of his performance of The Courage to be Free, AudioFile Magazine wrote Runnette's tender approach to every sentence and paragraph helps the author's wisdom glow. Along with the understated power of the author's writing, Runnette's performance makes this one of the most arresting and thought-provoking audiobooks available today. He is a member of the American Repertory Theater company and has toured internationally with Mabou Mines, an avant-garde theater company. Sean's television and film appearances include Two If by Sea, Copland, Sex and the City, Law & Order, Third Watch.

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