Why did Darwin find tortoises so interesting? Are humans really descended from ancient apes? How did the peacock get its tail? What might life look like elsewhere in the universe? In this fascinating and highly-illustrated book, science writer Gerard Cheshire tells the story of evolution, and plots the various devices by which we have all become the organisms we are today. With sections on convergence, sexual selection, epigenetics, and full appendices showing the tree of life. WOODEN BOOKS are small but packed with information. \"Fascinating\" FINANCIAL TIMES. \"Beautiful\" LONDON REVIEW OF BOOKS. \"Rich and Artful\" THE LANCET. \"Genuinely mind-expanding\" FORTEAN TIMES. \"Excellent\" NEW SCIENTIST. \"Stunning\" NEW YORK TIMES. Small books, big ideas.