Biological Anomalies

Booknews

Largely the product of one person's research into phenomena that cannot be explained by prevailing scientific paradigms, this 17th volume in a unique series is devoted to anomalies associated with birds. Entries range from outrageous heresies to mere curiosities. Each anomaly is rated in terms of substantiating data and the seriousness of the challenge it poses to mainstream paradigms, followed by descriptive examples and a list of scholarly and popular references. The evolutionary paradigm receives special scrutiny, as does the dictum of behaviorists that insists that nonhuman animals are simply unreasoning automatons. The iconoclastic approach of this catalog may offend those used to the reverent attitude adopted by most writers on biology. Includes b&w drawings, plus first author and source indexes. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)