 | A major contributor to this article appears to have a close connection with its subject. (April 2021) |
 Cover of the hardback edition of The Zoologist's Guide to the Galaxy | |
| Author | Arik Kershenbaum |
|---|---|
| Subject | Evolutionary biology Astrobiology |
| Genre | Popular science |
| Publisher | Viking-Penguin |
Publication date | 2020 |
| Publication place | UK |
| Pages | 368 |
The Zoologist's Guide to the Galaxy. What Animals on Earth Reveal about Aliens – and Ourselves is a 2020 popular science book by the Cambridge University zoologist Arik Kershenbaum. It discusses the possible nature of life on other planets, based on the study of animal life on Earth.
The book argues that the evolutionary processes that are observed operating on Earth are universal, and a necessary requirement for the presence of complex life on any planet. As a result, many aspects of animal behavior are likely to be present in the equivalent lifeforms on alien planets. This includes certain features of social behavior, communication, and movement, the evolutionary origin of which on Earth is underpinned by universal processes.
The book has been praised by critics for its accessibility and engaging conversational tone,[1] and described by Richard Dawkins as "A wonderfully insightful sidelong look at Earthly biology".[2]
- ^ "The Zoologist's Guide to the Galaxy". Retrieved 21 January 2021.
- ^ "Richard Dawkins". Retrieved 21 January 2021.