  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 04/15/2017 In this informative introduction to the curiosities of convergent evolution—when animals adapt “the same traits separately”—Heos showcases the shared shells, spines, tongues, and tusks of unrelated animals worldwide. After an opening overview of adaptive traits, Heos presents adaptations of 10 discrete duos in a series of two-page spreads. Leading with spines, the “spiky defense system” of both porcupines (rodents) and echidnas (monotremes native to Australia), Heos details the development of wings in birds (direct descendants of dinosaurs) and bats (mammals), the luring lights of fireflies and anglerfish, and the bills and webbed feet of ducks and platypuses. The accessible text, peppered with engaging appeals to readers—for example, our ears, like a bat’s wings, are made of cartilage—and fun facts aplenty, is further enhanced by glossy, brightly colored pages and up-close photos of discussed animals. With a concluding rundown of the persistence of repeated traits, a bibliography, and an index, this fine first glimpse at evolution is sure to spark the interest and imaginations of little ones far and wide. - Copyright 2017 Booklist. School Library Journal - 05/01/2017 Gr 1–4—Evolution encourages the development of traits that help animals to eat and avoid being eaten. Convergent evolution is the development of the same traits by different species, often located geographically far apart, in order to survive in their specific environment. On facing pages, animals with beaks, shells, or tusks are paired with others that have exhibited similar adaptations. For example, both the shell of a turtle (a reptile) and that of a snail (a mollusk) protect the more tender parts of the animals' bodies from harm. Black-and-white camouflage helps the penguin escape detection from the orca and allows the orca to sneak up on the penguin. A parrot and an octopus both use beaks to get at their food. High-quality, full-color, close-up photographs illustrate the concepts discussed and spotlight some more unusual animals from a variety of geographic regions. Heos suggests the possibility of discovering many other animals that arose through convergent evolution. VERDICT A beautiful presentation of a complicated concept, and a great selection for classroom use.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly at Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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