Life Ascending

Nick Lane, a biochemist and science writer, draws on cutting-edge research in biology to construct the mosaic of life’s astounding history. How did life invent itself? Where did DNA come from? How did consciousness develop? Lane expertly reconstructs the history of life by describing the ten greatest inventions of evolution (including DNA, photosynthesis, sex, and sight), based on their historical impact, role in organisms today, and relevance to current controversies. Who would have guessed that eyes started off as light-sensitive spots used to calibrate photosynthesis in algae? Or that DNA’s building blocks form spontaneously in hydrothermal vents?