On the Backs of Tortoises - Darwin, the Galapagos, and the Fate of an Evolutionary Eden (Hardcover)

An insightful exploration of the iconic Galapagos tortoises, and how their fate is inextricably linked to our own in a rapidly changing world The Galapagos archipelago is often viewed as a last foothold of pristine nature. For sixty years, conservationists have worked to restore this evolutionary Eden after centuries of exploitation at the hands of pirates, whalers, and island settlers. This book tells the story of the islands' namesakes-the giant tortoises-as coveted food sources, objects of natural history, and famous icons of conservation and tourism. By doing so, it brings into stark relief the paradoxical, and impossible, goal of conserving species by trying to restore a past state of prehistoric evolution. The tortoises, Elizabeth Hennessy demonstrates, are not prehistoric, but rather microcosms whose stories show how deeply human and nonhuman life are entangled. In a world where evolution is thoroughly shaped by global history, Hennessy puts forward a vision for conservation based on reckoning with the past, rather than trying to erase it.

General

Imprint:	Yale University Press
Country of origin:	United States
Release date:	2020
Authors:	Elizabeth Hennessy
Dimensions:	235 x 156 x 29mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Hardcover - Cloth over boards
Pages:	336
ISBN-13:	978-0-300-23274-5
Categories:	Books > Science & Mathematics > Science: general issues > History of science Books > Humanities > History > American history > General Books > Sport & Leisure > Natural history, country life & pets > Wild animals > General Books > Science & Mathematics > Biology, life sciences > Zoology & animal sciences > Vertebrates > Fishes (ichthyology) Books > Science & Mathematics > Biology, life sciences > Zoology & animal sciences > Vertebrates > Amphibians Books > Earth & environment > The environment > Conservation of the environment > Conservation of wildlife & habitats > Endangered species & extinction of species Books > History > American history > General
LSN:	0-300-23274-8
Barcode:	9780300232745

Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate? Let us know about it.

Does this product have an incorrect or missing image? Send us a new image.

Is this product missing categories? Add more categories.

Review This Product

No reviews yet - be the first to create one!