A dazzling tour of evolution in action that sheds light on one of the greatest debates in science The natural world is full of fascinating instances of convergence phenomena like eyes & wings & tree-climbing lizards that have evolved independently multiple times Convergence suggests that evolution is predictable & if we could replay the tape of life we would get the same outcome But there are also many examples of contingency cases where the tiniest change
- a random mutation or an ancient butterfly sneeze
- caused evolution to take a completely different course So are we humans & all the plants & animals in the world today inevitabilities or evolutionary freaks? What role does chance play in evolution? & what could it tell us about life on other planets? In Improbable Destinies renowned researcher Jonathan Losos reveals what the latest breakthroughs in evolutionary biology tell us about one of the greatest ongoing debates in science Evolution can occur far more rapidly than Darwin expected which has opened the door to something that was previously thought impossible experimental studies of evolution in nature Drawing on his own work with anole lizards on the Caribbean islands as well as studies of guppies foxes field mice & others being conducted around the world Losos reveals just how rapid & predictable evolution can be By charting the discoveries of the scientists who are rewriting our understanding of evolutionary biology Improbable Destinies will change the way we think & talk about evolution

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Please note this is a region 2 DVD & will require a region 2 or region free DVD player in order to play Better known in her own day than even Charles Dickens George Sand was the most celebrated writer of the early nineteenth century & possibly its most notorious Bohemian Fredric Chopin was one of the greatest musicians of his age who gained a legendary reputation throughout Europe as both a pianist & a composer Impromptu is the comic & tender tale of how Sand & Chopin meet How pursued by Sand Chopin resists her advances & how despite the best & most mischievous efforts of those around them they eventually fall in love ...

Do you want to be a better roleplayer or GM? Do you want to encourage spontaneous creativity in your gaming group? Do you want to create dynamic compelling characters? If the answer to any of these questions is “yes” Improv for Gamers is for you! Based on the popular workshop series this book provides a selection of fun & easy improv exercises designed to take your tabletop or live-action gaming group to a new level Pick & choose exercises to develop a particular skill or run through a variety of them at random! No improv experience required Improv for Gamers will help you develop the following skills Smoothly building on the information provided by other participants in the game Using one small starting point to build a multi-faceted character Building authentic relationships between characters Interacting with invisible objects in a way that is believable Knowing when & how to end a scene & share the spotlight ...

Does your handwriting reflect the image you want to project? The way you write mirrors your mood & character It is one of the main ways in which you communicate with the world & the clarity & technique of your writing will be interpreted by others in many ways This practical & informative book will help you to improve your handwriting & find a mature attractive & individual style It is specifically written for adults & uses self-diagnosis to identify problems & provides exercises for improving your script In a digital age where writing by hand remains a vital skill this book covers everything from holding a pen & retraining bad habits to the difficulties that left handers face & problems that may be caused by medical conditions It shows how to write quickly & clearly when desired & beautifully when desired Experiment with the way you write & choose the style that suits you best enabling you to write quickly & legibly when it really matters ...

Improve your IELTS Skills is aimed at students between bands 45 & 75 The series has three preparation courses Academic Reading Academic Writing & Listening & Speaking The courses develop language skills & test techniques to help students achieve a higher IELTS score The three books in the series may be used together as a complete course or may be used to target specific skills Or they may be used separately to supplement other coursebooks ...

It will enable you to approach any written task
- whether it be letters essays reports job applications filling in forms even short
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A vast archive of documents unread since the sixteenth century revises the portrait of Spain's best-known king Philip II is not only the most famous king in Spanish history but one of the most famous monarchs in English history the man who married Mary Tudor & later launched the Spanish Armada against her sister Elizabeth I This compelling biography of the most powerful European monarch of his day begins with his conception (1526) & ends with his ascent to Paradise (1603) two occurrences surprisingly well documented by contemporaries Eminent historian Geoffrey Parker draws on four decades of research on Philip as well as a recent extraordinary archival discovery-a trove of 3000 documents in the vaults of the Hispanic Society of America in New York City unread since crossing Philip's own desk more than four centuries ago Many of them change significantly what we know about the king The book examines Philip's long apprenticeship; his three principal interests (work play & religion); & the major political military & personal challenges he faced during his long reign Parker offers fresh insights into the causes of Philip's leadership failures was his empire simply too big to manage or would a monarch with different talents & temperament have fared better? ...

Provide total weather protection for maximum comfort grip & safety Gel padding absorbs shock & vibration & specialised waterproof fabrics protect hands against the elements Reflective print increases visibility in low light conditions Suede thumb & index finger detail for responsive touch Adjustable neoprene wrist with Velcro closure Anatomically positioned protective gel padding ...

Provide total weather protection for maximum comfort grip & safety Gel padding absorbs shock & vibration & specialised waterproof fabrics protect hands against the elements Reflective print increases visibility in low light conditions Suede thumb & index finger detail for responsive touch Adjustable neoprene wrist with Velcro closure Anatomically positioned protective gel padding ...

Provide total weather protection for maximum comfort grip & safety Gel padding absorbs shock & vibration & specialised waterproof fabrics protect hands against the elements Reflective print increases visibility in low light conditions Suede thumb & index finger detail for responsive touch Adjustable neoprene wrist with Velcro closure Anatomically positioned protective gel padding ...