In ten weeks, one female fruit fly can produce more descendants than there are people on Earth. Some fruit flies are born without genitals - scientists call these mutants 'Ken and Barbie' - whereas others are born with their legs on their heads. They can be trained by punishment and reward, and have a work-and-rest schedule based on the 24-hour clock. They can become addicted to crack cocaine. Males have toxic semen, which is bad news for females: too much sex can kill them. And there are more than 1,000 species living in ...
Read More
In ten weeks, one female fruit fly can produce more descendants than there are people on Earth. Some fruit flies are born without genitals - scientists call these mutants 'Ken and Barbie' - whereas others are born with their legs on their heads. They can be trained by punishment and reward, and have a work-and-rest schedule based on the 24-hour clock. They can become addicted to crack cocaine. Males have toxic semen, which is bad news for females: too much sex can kill them. And there are more than 1,000 species living in Hawaii. The amazing fruit fly is, in fact, an unsung hero in the history of science. No popular account exists of the fruit fly or its pioneering role in many of this century's greatest discoveries. This book corrects this poor public image by telling the story of modern biology - from genetics to evolution, physiology to ecology, medicine to psychology - through the life of the fly. In a highly original and entertaining style, Martin Brookes takes us through successive stages in the life cycle of the fly, each illustrating an important concept in biology. From the incredible journey from embryo to adult, to the nature of memory and learning and theories of ageing, this book reveals how one short and seemingly insignificant life has informed almost every aspect of human existence. The result is a broad introduction to biology, evolution and genetics based around the personality of the fly, and a 'warts and all' insight into the practical realities of science. Often dismissed as irrelevant, the fruit fly will, through this unique synthesis, come to be recognised for what it really is: an icon of modern science and a window on our own biological world.
Read Less
Add this copy of Fly: an Experimental Life to cart. $1.99, good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Dallas rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2001 by Weidenfeld & Nicolson.
Add this copy of Fly: an Experimental Life to cart. $1.99, good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Baltimore rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Halethorpe, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2001 by Weidenfeld & Nicolson.
Add this copy of Fly: an Experimental Life to cart. $2.99, very good condition, Sold by Redux Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Wyoming, MI, UNITED STATES, published 2001 by Weidenfeld & N., London, Unite.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very Good. Previous owner's name on end paper, pages are otherwise clean, crisp and unmarked.; 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed! Ships same or next business day!
Add this copy of Fly: an Experimental Life to cart. $4.00, very good condition, Sold by HPB Inc. rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2001 by Weidenfeld & Nicolson.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Fly: an Experimental Life to cart. $4.37, very good condition, Sold by Wonder Book - Member ABAA/ILAB rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Frederick, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2001 by Weidenfeld & Nicolson.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very Good. Very Good condition. Very Good dust jacket. A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also contain a few markings such as an owner's name, short gifter's inscription or light stamp.
Add this copy of Fly: an Experimental Life to cart. $5.00, very good condition, Sold by Abacus Bookshop rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Pittsford, NY, UNITED STATES, published 2001 by Weidenfeld & Nicolson.
Add this copy of Fly: an Experimental Life to cart. $5.00, good condition, Sold by Dunaway Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Saint Louis, MO, UNITED STATES, published 2001 by Weidenfeld & N., London, Unite.
Add this copy of Fly: an Experimental Life to cart. $7.50, like new condition, Sold by Mt. Baker Books rated 1.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Bellingham, WA, UNITED STATES, published 2001 by Weidenfeld & Nicolson Ltd.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Used/As New in Used Fine jacket. Book "In 1900, A Small Band Of Fruit Flies Were Lured Towards A Bunch Of Grapes Left On A Window Sill Outside A Biology Laboratory In Massachusetts. Tucking Into The Grub, The Flies Were Taken By Surprise, Captured And Brought Indoors. It Was The Start Of An Intimate Relationship Between Biologist And Fly That Would Revolutionize Biological Science. Today, The Fruit Fly Can Look Back On A Remarkable Century. The Fly Has Been A Key Ingredient In Some Of The Greatest Biological Discoveries And It Continues To Define Biology's Major Landmarks. Yet The Fly Remains An Unsung Hero In The History Of Science. Outside Academic Circles, Its Achievements Have Gone Largely Unnoticed." The Pages Are Very Tight And Very Clean, We Found No Marks. Our Books Are Guaranteed And Ship The Day They're Sold; From Bellingham, Wa. In The Usa. "Recycle-Buy Used! "
Add this copy of Fly: an Experimental Life to cart. $13.99, new condition, Sold by Alien Bindings rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from BALTIMORE, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2001 by Weidenfeld & Nicolson.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
New in new dust jacket. Hardcover edition. Brand New in a crisp dust jacket. The covers look great. The binding is tight. The interior pages are clean and unmarked. Electronic delivery tracking will be issued free of charge. 192 pages.
Add this copy of Fly: an Experimental Life to cart. $21.00, like new condition, Sold by Brian Bauld (B-Line Books) rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Amherst, NS, CANADA, published 2001 by George Weidenfeld & Nicolson.