The book explores the polar regions' significant influence on Earth's environment and human evolution, highlighting unexpected discoveries like the ancient polar bear fossil and the vast amounts of fresh water and carbon locked in ice. The narrative emphasizes the importance of understanding these regions for our future.
In 'Ends of the Earth,' Neil Shubin takes readers on a journey to the polar regions, revealing their profound impact on our planet. The book delves into the surprising findings from these remote areas, such as the fossil of an ancient polar bear that suggests these creatures may have adapted to warmer climates in the past. Shubin also discusses the vast amounts of fresh water and carbon stored in the polar ice, which play crucial roles in shaping our environment. The narrative underscores the importance of studying these regions to understand our past and prepare for our future. The book is a compelling exploration of the polar world, blending science, history, and a sense of wonder about the natural world.
Quick quotes
Locked in the soils and ice of the poles are clues to our past and things that will shape our planetary future.
Although polar regions only make up 8 percent of the total surface of the Earth, their influence is far greater than one might expect.
Every milestone of human evolution, from the origin of our species to the establishment of our social structures and technologies, arose during a time of ice at the poles.