An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Paperback – Import, 29 August 2023

O livro mais recente de Ed Yong não vem sendo sucessivamente premiado (como pela Royal Society, em 2023) por acaso. Trata-se de uma obra simplesmente brilhante, exaustivamente documentada, sem jamais ser cansativa, escrita de forma clara, objetiva e cativante. Descortina para o leitor em geral e pesquisadores que atuam em outras áreas (como no meu próprio caso) um mundo até então pouco conhecido, bastante mais diverso e rico do que supomos, com base em nossa própria experiência sensorial. Ter contato, ainda que indireto, com experiências sensoriais tão diferentes e, por vezes, inusitadas, nos dá a sensação de quão refinada é a vida em nosso planeta, ou, talvez, mais profundamente, a sensação de encantamento, tão bem descrita por Einstein e Spinoza face aos mistérios do universo.

In "An Immense World," Thomas Goetz takes readers on a captivating journey into the sensory realms of the animal kingdom, offering a fascinating exploration of how different creatures perceive and interact with their environments. This book serves as a compelling testament to the intricate and diverse ways in which animals experience the world, revealing hidden dimensions that often elude our human senses.Goetz skillfully navigates through the intricacies of animal perception, weaving together scientific research and vivid storytelling to create an engaging narrative. The book delves into the sensory abilities of various species, shedding light on their unique adaptations and the evolutionary advantages conferred by these abilities. From the echolocation of bats to the magnetic sense of migratory birds, Goetz unveils a world rich with sensory wonders that challenge our understanding of the natural world.One of the book's strengths lies in Goetz's ability to convey complex scientific concepts in an accessible manner, making it suitable for both casual readers and those with a more profound interest in biology and animal behavior. The author's enthusiasm for the subject matter is contagious, and readers will find themselves marveling at the ingenuity of nature as they learn about the incredible ways in which animals navigate and perceive their surroundings."An Immense World" not only educates readers about the intricacies of animal senses but also prompts reflection on our own perceptions of reality. Goetz encourages us to appreciate the vast spectrum of sensory experiences that exist beyond the human realm, fostering a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all living beings.Overall, Thomas Goetz's "An Immense World" is a compelling and enlightening exploration of the hidden dimensions of the animal world. Through its engaging prose and insightful revelations, the book invites readers to reconsider their perspectives on the natural world, ultimately deepening their appreciation for the rich tapestry of life that surrounds us.

This is a fascinating read with a plethora of incredible insights into the differences between individual species of animals and describes in eloquent detail how each interfaces with the world.The language is imminently accessible and although the author delves into the scientific, it is never off-putting nor too laden with polysyllbilic scientific nomenclature so as to be anything but accessible and thoroughly enjoyable.I read quotes of interest to my adult sons & have delighted strangers, acquaintances and friends with situationally appropriate facts.Dr. Huberman was absolutely correct: this is a phenomenally wonderful book.

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Früher dachte man, dass Tiere die Welt so in etwa wahrnehmen wie wir auch. Nichts könnte falscher sein. Hunde sehen farbig, aber sehr viel weniger verscwommener, Einige Fische schmecken mit der Haut, einige Vögel singen in Frequenzen, die man nicht hören kann und Tiere haben z.T. Sinne, die wir nicht haben, wie das Spüren elektrischer Felder oder dem Erdmagnetfeld.Das Thema des Buches ist absolut faszinierend - nicht nur überholt es die meisten "Hier sind besonere Tierefakten"- Bücher durch Präzision und Köhärenz, es überrascht auch bei Tieren die man vermeidlich kennt und ist dabei absolut auf der Höhe der Forschung - vieles weiß man erst seit wenigen jahren. Dabei stellt der Autor auch die Experimente vor, die zu den Erkenntnissen führen (nicht so leicht herauszufinden,w as ein Tier "fühlt") und natürlich auch die Wissenschaftler dahinter. Dabei ist das Buch gut geschrieben und bisweilen durchaus komisch - aber so pickepackevoll mit Wissen, dass man nach der Lektüre praktisch dofort erneut anfangen kann zu lesen. Das man das auch will, zeigt wie gut das Buch ist - für mich ein absolutes Highlight des Jahres.