TEHRAN – “Animal Weapons: The Evolution of Battle” by American evolutionary biologist and professor Douglas J. Emlen has recently been published in Persian.

Translated by Misaq Shayeq, the book has been published by Fatemi Publications in Tehran. 
 
Originally published in 2014, “Animal Weapons: The Evolution of Battle” explores the fascinating world of animal weaponry and its evolutionary significance.

In the book, Emlen delves into the multifaceted and often breathtakingly diverse range of weapons animals have developed to fight for resources, mates, and survival.

Drawing from his extensive research and fieldwork, Emlen uncovers the reasons behind the extraordinary lengths to which animals go to arm themselves. From the colossal antlers of elk to the pincers of beetles, the author unveils the underlying evolutionary pressures that have shaped these weapons over millions of years.

Emlen dissects the complex interplay between natural selection, sexual selection, and the environment, highlighting how these factors have contributed to the stratospheric growth, intricacy, and versatility of animal weaponry. He reveals the trade-offs animals must navigate when allocating energy and resources for both defense and reproduction.

The book explores the concept of exaggerated weapons, studying how these exaggerated traits have evolved and diverged across different species, giving rise to exceptional examples of endurance, strength, and spectacular displays. Emlen sheds light on the intense battles that occur in the natural world, providing readers with gripping accounts of animal contests, ranging from the titanic clashes of big game animals to the microscopic battles between parasites and their hosts.

While Emlen discusses the extraordinary armor, jaws, claws, and other physical weapons that animals employ, he also examines how social behaviors and intelligence can serve as alternative forms of weaponry, illustrating how animals have evolved deceptive tactics and strategic alliances to gain advantage in battles.

Throughout the book, Emlen opens up a window into the captivating world of evolutionary biology, intertwining lucid explanations of complex scientific theories with vivid anecdotes and descriptions. By exploring the striking diversity and extraordinary adaptations of animal weapons, he reveals the intricate processes responsible for shaping life on Earth.

SAB/