Book Review - One Step Sideways, Three Steps Forward: One Woman's Path to Becoming a Biologist - Princeton University Press

 

     In 2005 I acquired a copy of Peter Grant's Ecology and Evolution of Darwin's Finches and was deeply moved by the research and its conclusions, and no less impressed with the scholarship. Then, in 2009, I eagerly devoured Jonathan Weiner's Pulitzer Prize-winning account of Grant's work, The Beak of the Finch, and applauded the fact that a wider readership would gain an appreciation of this monumental, long term study. The two volumes are nestled side-by-side on my bookshelf.

     It was a great pleasure in 2023 to come full circle, so to speak, when I had the honour of reviewing Peter Grant's autobiography Enchanted by Daphne, a fine book and one that permitted me to get to know this great scientist a little better. Well, perhaps not quite full circle. Grant's wife, Rosemary, has been a full and equal partner throughout it all, and now she has written her own account of her life with Peter. The circle has closed!

      May I confess to a slight bout of chauvinism when I rejoice in the fact that the Grants have a long association with Canada, and it is evident that they harbour great affection for us.

      If there is such an exalted condition as a perfect marriage, one cannot help but conclude that the Grants have found it. They have been at all times an intellectual foil for each other, great soulmates and dedicated, loving parents. 

      Rosemary has achieved more in life as a scientist than most can ever dream of, and it should be noted that she started out in a time when female scientists were not easily accepted, nor welcomed into the academic fraternity. She was even advised when filling out applications never to use her first name, but only her initials, to avoid automatic rejection. Thank goodness we have moved far beyond that kind of medieval thinking!

     In her book, Rosemary recounts the successes that mark her life, but does not dwell on them in any self-serving fashion. Instead the pages are filled with commitment to humanity writ large, and the fervent hope that one day we can get beyond our never-ending capacity for war, discrimination and hatred of the other. This great scientist is patently also a great humanitarian.

     Immediately upon retirement honours were bestowed upon the Grants from around the world, enabling Rosemary and Peter to indulge their passion for museums, music, art and the finer aspects of life they enjoy in addition to science. In a world where  sports figures can earn salaries we can barely imagine, it was exilherating to see scientists fêted in this way. It was in fact a very fitting continuation of two very distinguished careers.

     I realize that I have enmeshed Rosemary and Peter together, but it is hard to separate the two. They are in some respects like two pockets in the same shirt!

     Permit me if you will to quote Rosemary's own words from the book:

"By far the most important part of my life has been the thrill of sharing ideas and experiences with my husband, Peter, and together raising our two daughters in Canada, Galápagos and the United States. The bouncing of unconstrained spontaneous ideas off each other daily, while respecting our many differences without reservation, not only led to more rigorous scientific research, but was throughout my life an inspiration - whether when exploring nature, in an art gallery, listening to music, sitting with a glass of red wine by a log fire, or having a picnic by the lake. Going through life , in all its complexities, with such a companion, I treasure above all else." 

     I have to remind myself that I have just reviewed the life of one the world's premier evolutionary biologists.

      Somehow she seems like a friend to all of us.

One Step Sideways, Three Steps Forward: One Woman's Path to Becoming a Biologist - Princeton University Press

B. Rosemary Grant

Hardcover - US$29.95 - ISBN: 9780691260594

328 pages - 5.5 x 8.5 inches (13.75 x 21.25 cm) 

21 black-and-white illustrations

Publication date: 04 June, 2024

   

Catching up.....Episode 2

02 March, 2024

Mike Schout Wetland Reserve, New Hamburg, ON

     This is a great location for a walk even if the wildlife is not prolific, as is generally the case in early March.

     American Robins (Turdus migratorius), recently returned from their winter sojourn farther south, were there to greet us.

     I have no doubt that Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) occupied the wetland as soon as there was open water.

      Running Crab Spiders (genus Philodromus) do not build webs and hunt their prey in foliage and on tree bark.

     Male Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), fresh from the south, were already defending territories.

     A Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) always brings great pleasure.

     As we left a Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) perched on the roof of a house.....

     ..... and a Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) came to bid us farewell.

11 March, 2024

Country Drive, Region of Waterloo

     The Conestogo River is a prominent natural feature in our area, and it's always pleasant to be alongside it.

     We often see Common Mergansers (Mergus merganser).

     Canada Goose is even more frequently observed.

     It's always a delight to spot a Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris).

     Eastern Bluebird (Sialis sialia) numbers have rebounded in recent years, aided by human intervention, and it is no longer unusual to come across them.

12 March, 2024

Benjamin Park - Waterloo, ON

     The early settlers had no idea the grief they would cause when they introduced Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) into Ontario.

     It dominates woodlands everywhere, sometimes to the complete exclusion of native species, and is virtually impossible to eradicate once established.

     Yellow Archangel (Lamium galeobdolon), sometimes referred to as Yellow Dead-nettle, was introduced into North America and is considered invasive in many regions, sometimes classed as a noxious weed.

      Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum) on the other hand will be delightful when it blooms.

     Pussy Willows (Salix discolor) were "bustin' out all over", as Oscar Hammerstein, II might have said.

     American Robin, too, is equally a sign of spring.

     Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) is both beautiful and prolific.

     It often has blue and pink flowers on the same plant, prompting some to refer to it as the boy-and-girl flower.

     A Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) has the ability to stop people in their tracks and cause them to issue rhapsodic phrases unused before!

     Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) is undeniably pretty but does not elicit the same reaction.

     Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) are usually quite sedate, and bear an aura of quiet dignity.

     A Mallard (Anas platyrynchos) by contrast is feisty and argumentative by nature.

     This pair seemed quite serene - for the moment, at least!

     A carpet of Pachysandra (genus Pachysandra) was doing well, with the potential to do even better.

     There's more catching up to do but I think that's enough for this time.

Book Review - The Lives of Spiders: A Natural History of the World's Spiders - Princeton University Press

      As I begin this review a small Common House Spider is scurrying across my desk and it seems serendipitous that s/he and I should meet this morning. Perhaps it is to celebrate another winner in the PUP 'Lives of" series of books, this one being no less spectacular and packed with information, and glorious images, than those that have gone before.

     I was not familiar with Ximena Nelson, but following on works by Sarah Rose and Helen Smith, one cannot but applaud the contribution of woman scientists to the literature on spiders. 

     Nelson has produced a splendid work from every angle. When you have finished this book you will really have a full understanding of arachnids and their world, and you will marvel at the jaw-dropping diversity of species.

     There is just so much information packed into these pages. If you have seen spider webs (and who hasn't?) it's reasonable to conclude that web design is geared to the lifestyle of the spider, but it may come as a revelation that different kinds of silk serve different purposes. Myths are dispelled about the severity of spider bites and the effect of venom on humans. While there are a few species that are capable of causing serious injuries, even death on rare occasions, it is a statistically remote possibility that you will ever be injured by a spider. Spider sex is a lesson in cautionary behaviour we might all do well to emulate!

     Many spiders are beneficial to humans, consuming insects that eat our crops and pillage our gardens.

     And spiders are intelligent - not in a trifling way, but in ways previously not recognized in arthropods, and in some aspects rivalling human capabilities. Permit me to quote (page 202) - "Knowledge of spider behaviour over the past three decades has completely overturned previously held assumptions that spiders are rigid, instinct-driven animals with little cognitive capacity. Spiders are now among the best animals in which to explore topics pertaining to cognition, decision-making, learning, numerical competence, and the associated physiological and phenotypical traits, or other observable implications that these abilities may entail with minute brains, even comprising sleep."  

      Spiders hold the possibility of  phrophylactic intervention in human affairs - in various ways - and while this is significant, it should not override the simple truth that spiders have an inherent right to share the planet with us, and are not here only to serve human needs.

     It's a terrific book, readable, a fountain of knowledge, brilliantly illustrated, leaving one thirsting for more.

     So get out today and find a spider or two. Take a few pictures and challenge yourself to identify them and get to know their lifestyle. You'll never view spiders the same way again.

The Lives of Spider: A Natural History of the World's Spiders - Princeton University Press

Ximena Nelson

Hardcover - US$35.00 - ISBN: 9780691255026

288 pages - 7.5 x 9.5 inches (18.75 x 23.75 cm)

150+ colour illustrations

Publication date: 04 June, 2024

    

Catching up........

      Over the past while I have been posting mainly about my recent visit to Cuba, so this post will comprise a miscellany of items.

At Home, Waterloo, ON

     Miriam's crows continue to be faithful and appear regularly knowing that they will be fed.

     Eastern Chipmunks (Tamias striatus), freed from hibernation, enliven the backyard by chasing each other all over.

     As mentioned above pampered crows come to be fed, and occasionally Miriam makes peanut butter sandwiches for them and cuts them into bill-sized squares.

     Sometimes, however, the squirrels get to it first.

The Mill Race, St. Jacobs, ON

07 March, 2024

     As might be expected, Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) were out in full force.

     It was exceptionally pleasant on this occasion to be joined by Mary Ann Vanden Elzen and Janet Ozaruk.

     Now that's a pair of joyful faces!

29 April, 2024

     

     A chipmunk and a Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) obligingly consented to appear in the same shot - and neither demanded royalties!''

     It's prime spring migration time for Zontrichia sparrows and the first to put in an appearance was a White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis).

     It was followed in short order by its kissing cousin, White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys).

     Red-winged Blackbirds were common and not at all shy, especially males doing their best to entice females into their harem.

     Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is both common and delightful - and beautiful too.

     In wetlands around southern Ontario, Marsh Marigolds (Caltha palustris) decorate the area in a most agreeable fashion. I look forward to their emergence every year.

     Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis) graces us with its presence quite early in spring.

     Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) has been exceptionally prolific this year and barely a day goes by without seeing several of them.

     It was great to see Spotted Sandpipers (Actitis macularius) back in all their familiar haunts.

     Even though I had no seed with me I "cheated" a little and stretched out my hand for a friendly Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) to land on.

     White-breasted Nuthatches (Sitta carolinensis) were not shy either.....

      ..... and it wasn't long before one visited my fingers.

     How lucky we are to have this intimate association with a wild creature, and how wonderful it is that they do not flee from humans, fearing for their lives.

     A male Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is always a show-stopper.

     A chipmunk is probably the most common mammal on our walks at this time of year.

     Later in the year they will feed on Woodland Strawberry (Fragaria vesca).

     American Robin (Turdus migratorius) foraged on the ground, searching for tasty morsels of every description, both animal and vegetable.

     It's hard to rank the star of the show, but a frenzy of mating American Toads (Anaxyrus americanus americanus) was a candidate for the title. 

     At times it seemed like the single strategy was to jump aboard anything that moved!

     It was indeed a toad bacchanal, an orgy of lust.

     Whew!

     A White-throated Sparrow revealed itself nearby, but I doubt that it was interested in the super-charged goings on.

     Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) is a great favourite of mine, and it was prolific.

     It seemed appropriate somehow that a cardinal should be the bird to wish us goodbye.

     There is much more to catch up and I will intersperse those posts between other events of interest - and several book reviews.

     Life is never dull, I can tell you that!