Naming Nature The Clash Beteen Instinct and Science [Paperback]

Biologist Carol Kaesuk Yoon explores the historical tension between evolutionary biology and taxonomy. Carl Linnaeus struggled in the eighteenth century to define species in light of their mutability while still relying on intuitive, visual judgments. As taxonomy modernized, it moved into labs, yielding results counterintuitive to humanitys innate predisposition to order the world. By conceding scientific authority to taxonomists, Yoon argues, weve contributed to our own alienation from nature.A beautiful riddle of a book.Impossible to put down.Starred Review: Superb.A sensuous delight to read.Starred Review: Optimistic, exhilarating, and revolutionary.Bracing and brilliant.Ingenious . . . compelling.Finalist for the 2009