{"product_id":"consider-the-platypus-by-maggie-ryan-sandford-9780316418393","title":"Consider the Platypus","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eConsider the Platypus\u003c\/em\u003e explores the history and features of more than 50 animals to provide insight into our current understanding of evolution. Using Darwin's theory as a springboard, Maggie Ryan Sandford details scientists' initial understanding of the development of creatures and how that has expanded with the advent of genetic sequencing, including the:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePeppered Moth, which changed colour based on the amount of soot in the London air;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCalifornia Two-Spotted Octopus, which has the amazing ability to alter its DNA\/RNA not over generations but during its lifetime;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMinuscule tardigrade, which is so hardy it can withstand radiation, lack of water and oxygen, and temperatures as low as -328°F and as high as 304°F;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAnd, of course, the platypus, which has so many disparate features— from a duck's bill to a venomous spur to mammary patches—that scientists originally thought it was a hoax.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSurprising, witty, and impeccably researched, Sandford describes each animal’s significant features and how these have adapted to its environment, such as the zebra finch's beak shape, observed by Charles Darwin, which is a cornerstone of his Theory of Evolution. With scientifically accurate but charming art by Rodica Prato, \u003cem\u003eConsider the Platypus\u003c\/em\u003e showcases species as diverse as the sloth, honey bee, cow, brown kiwi, and lungfish, to name a few, to tackle intimidating concepts in an accessible way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46854299549932,"sku":"9780316418393","price":44.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/17666933482300.jpg?v=1759240073","url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/products\/consider-the-platypus-by-maggie-ryan-sandford-9780316418393","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}