Human Errors: A Panorama of Our Glitches, From Pointless Bones to Broken Genes

We are not evolution's greatest creation, as we have retinas that face backward, must find vitamins and nutrients in our diets, and millions of us cannot reproduce successfully without help from modern science.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 28 May 2020
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

We often consider ourselves to be highly evolved creatures, but if we are indeed the pinnacle of evolution, why are we so flawed? Our bodies exhibit a range of design quirks, such as backward-facing retinas, the necessity of seeking specific vitamins and nutrients in our diets, and the challenges many of us face in reproducing successfully without the aid of modern science. These are just the tip of the iceberg.

In his captivating book, "The Perfect Human: The Quest for Evolution's Greatest Creation," biologist Nathan H. Lents takes us on a fascinating and enlightening journey through our four-billion-year-long evolutionary history. Through his expert insights, Lents reveals how each of our perceived flaws holds a unique story about the history of our species.

For instance, our backward-facing retinas may seem like a mere inconvenience, but they actually serve a crucial purpose. These eyes evolved to allow us to see in low-light conditions, which was essential for our survival in ancient environments. However, the trade-off is that our vision is less precise in daylight, making tasks such as reading or driving challenging.

Similarly, our reliance on specific vitamins and nutrients in our diets is a reflection of our evolutionary past. Our ancestors, who lived in diverse environments, developed adaptations that allowed them to extract nutrients from certain foods. Over time, these adaptations became fixed in our genetic makeup, leading to our requirement for these nutrients. However, it also means that we may be susceptible to deficiencies if we do not consume a diverse range of foods.

The challenges we face in reproducing successfully without modern science are another testament to our evolutionary history. Our bodies have evolved to require intricate reproductive processes that involve multiple stages and require the cooperation of many different organs and systems. However, these processes can be disrupted by various factors, such as environmental pollution, genetic mutations, and lifestyle choices.

Lents' book also delves into the fascinating interplay between evolution and culture. He argues that our cultural practices, such as clothing, technology, and social structures, have shaped our evolutionary development. For example, the development of clothing provided protection from the elements and helped to regulate body temperature, which in turn influenced the evolution of our sweat glands and other bodily functions.

Furthermore, Lents explores the concept of "design optimization" and argues that our bodies are not necessarily flawed but rather designed to be efficient and effective in their respective environments. He uses examples such as the wings of birds and the fins of fish to illustrate how these structures have evolved over millions of years to maximize their efficiency in their respective habitats.

In conclusion, "The Perfect Human: The Quest for Evolution's Greatest Creation" is a thought-provoking and illuminating book that challenges our assumptions about evolution and human nature. By exploring the flaws and quirks of our bodies, Lents provides us with a deeper understanding of our species' history and the forces that have shaped us. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in biology, evolution, and human nature.

Weight: 228g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474608350