Beetle Battles

November 15, 2019
A biologist's thoughts on the causes and courses of arms races--in the natural world and elsewhere. Recasting his adult-oriented Animal Weapons: The Evolution of Battle (2014) for a younger audience, Emlen focuses on dung beetles, which he studied for many years in locales from Panama to the Serengeti. He describes in fascinating detail how he designed studies and experiments that proved not only that horned varieties fought individual duels over females underground, but that they also produced offspring with larger or smaller weapons through a process of natural selection. It's a great account of science in the field and in action...until, that is, he suddenly switches course, trying to extend his findings to the history of human warfare with a claim that "arms races" are effectively the same. This leads to some questionable, not to mention sexist, claims, notably that armored "knights errant" fought each other for "forty or more years of continuous battle" to win "the hand of an heiress" and that the Cold War was, like those battling beetles, a one-on-one duel writ large. More defensibly, he also discusses how weapons systems, natural and high-tech alike, become ever more unwieldy until rendered obsolete by "cheaters," such as, in the case of humans, guerillas and "cyberhackers" who refuse to fight face to face. Maps, paintings, and photos, many drawn from the previous edition, complement the text. Entertaining and instructive, if more than a bit shaky in its historical reaches (source note, index) (Nonfiction. 11-14)

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January 1, 2020

Gr 6-8-Emlen, the author of the award-winning book Animal Weapons: The Evolution of Battle, has adapted the same topic for a children's audience. He initially shares his search for an evolutionary reason for animal weaponry (horns, claws, and tusks) while researching dung beetles in Panama. His daily research routines are interesting; it's fun to vicariously experience his discoveries. The middle of the book derails a bit as Emlen searches for his next discovery. That discovery, the correlation between animal weaponry and military weaponry, brings new excitement to the narrative. The final chapter correlates the evolutionary demise of weapons in nature to the evolutionary demise of military weapons when new technologies emerge, currently reflected in military cyberhacking. The narrative flows well. Color photos highlight the text and provide a visual reference for the animals and the environments encountered while reading. VERDICT This well-written book may not appeal to all, but it is worth considering for bug lovers, military weapon enthusiasts, and those studying evolution.-Katherine Rao, Palos Verdes Library District, CA

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2019
Grades 4-8 Biologist Emlen's study of dung beetles has gone in some truly surprising directions, related here in his first book for young readers. He begins with his initial student research into why some beetles grow very large horns (i.e., weapons) while others do not. His search for the perfect beetle to study took him to South America and then to Panama, where he hunkered down with impressively armed tunneling dung beetles. Emlen capably integrates his personal journey (often frustrated, smelly, and sweaty) and lines of inquiry with foundational scientific concepts. His unexpected breakthrough came in connecting his beetles to military theory pertaining to arms races and duels. The book clearly shows the parallels between humans waging battle and developing weapons and behaviors and adaptations within the animal kingdom. Occasionally, the writing is repetitive, but it is always personable and infused with Emlen's passion for his subject. Illustrations include photos taken by the author and closeup views of armored beetles, ready for action. A unique offering with cross-disciplinary potential.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)