Evolution Under Pressure: How We Change Nature and How Nature Changes Us

Evolution Under Pressure focuses on the interconnectedness of all living things and the huge impact that human behaviour has had on evolution, driving changes in the environment. The book covers a variety of topics in its five chapters and provides plenty of examples to reinforce concepts. In the first chapter, readers will learn about gene mutation, natural selection, and what the author calls “not-so-natural selection” which refers to how animals and plants adapt to humans. Other major topics in the book include the effects of hunting and poaching, farming and agrotechnology, pollution and climate change, and how increasingly larger cities affect changes in animal and plant populations. Each chapter ends with some examples of projects and initiatives around the globe which are helping to ensure the survival of native plant and animal species. For instance, wildlife bridges along the Trans-Canada Highway in the Banff area offer a safe way for bears, cougars, elk and other animals to cross the road and have reduced car-wildlife collisions by more than 80 per cent. There are also fun facts, additional text boxes related to the topic and some suggestions for changing human behaviour (one example is planting gardens with compatible plants next to one another to eliminate the need for pesticides).

Though the text is engaging and provides plenty of examples, it can be a bit repetitive, and some of the concepts (e.g. gene mutation) might be slightly confusing for readers at the lower end of the target age group. On the whole, however, the concepts will be quite easy for readers to grasp. There is much food for thought in this title: readers will be very much aware that their present actions influence the future and that even the loss of one type of animal or plant has consequences for the web of life.

The illustrations, rendered in a limited colour palette, are quite lovely. Thibeault’s choice of colours and his drawing style work well in this book as they seem to evoke a reverence for the world of nature.

Serving as yet another wake-up call, Evolution Under Pressure is a stark reminder to humans that the health of the planet is what will sustain them.