The debut of a female Steve Jones
- likeable literate lucid & laconic. A sprightly lavishly illustrated book on the science of human survival. How do people survive extremes of heat cold depth speed & altitude? This book explores the limits of human survival & the physiological adaptations which enable us to exist under extreme conditions. In mans battle for survival in the harshest of environments the knowledge imparted by physiology the logic of life is crucial. What causes mountain sickness? Why is it possible to reach the top of Everest without supplementary oxygen yet be killed if a plane depressurises suddenly at the same altitude. Why are astronauts unable to stand without fainting when they return to Earth? Why do human divers get the bends but sperm whales dont? Will men always be able to run faster than women? Why dont penguins get frostbite?