Liaisons Of Life: How The Microbe Has Driven Evolution

From Hornworts to Hippos, How the Unassuming Microbe has Driven Evolution

Microbes have long been considered dangerous and disgusting - in short, "scum". But by forming mutually beneficial relationships with nearly every creature, microbes have in fact been innovative players in the evolutionary process.

Now award-winning science writer Wakeford presents this extraordinary process at work in underwater volcanoes, African termite mounds, the belly of a cow and even the gaps between our teeth. In doing so, he justifies the courage and vision of a series of scientists - from a young Beatrix Potter to Lynn Margulis.