Four Fifths a Grizzly, Douglas Chadwick
Four Fifths a Grizzly, Douglas Chadwick
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Four Fifths a Grizzly
A New Perspective on Nature that Just Might Save Us All

Author: Douglas Chadwick

Series: Patagonia

Narrator: Douglas Chadwick

Unabridged: 5 hr 37 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 07/20/2021


Synopsis

What do you think of when you think of Nature? Prolific author and National Geographic writer Doug Chadwick’s fresh look at human’s place in the natural world.

In his accessible and engaging style, Chadwick approaches the subject from a scientific angle, with the underlying message that from the perspective of DNA humans are not all that different from any other creature. He begins by showing the surprisingly close relationship between human DNA and that of grizzly bears, with whom we share 80 percent of our DNA. We are 60 percent similar to a salmon, 40 percent the same as many insects, and 24 percent of our genes match those of a wine grape. He reflects on the value of exposure to nature on human biochemistry and mentality, that we are not that far removed from our ancestors who lived closer to nature. He highlights examples of animals using “human” traits, such as tools and play. He ends the book with two examples of the healing benefits of turning closer to nature: island biogeography and the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative.
 
This audiobook is a reflection on man’s rightful place in the ecological universe. Using personal stories, recounting how he came to love and depend on the Great Outdoors and how he learned his place in the system of Nature, Chadwick challenges anyone to consider whether they are separate from or part of nature. The answer is obvious, that we are an indivisible from all elements of a system that is greater than ourselves and should never be neglected, taken advantage of, or exploited. This is a fresh and engaging take on man’s relationship to nature by a respected and experienced author.

About The Author

Douglas H. Chadwick is a wildlife biologist who carried out research on mountain goat ecology and social behavior atop the Rockies for years and has assisted other scientists studying harlequin ducks, wolverines, grizzly bears, and whales. He is also a natural history journalist who has produced 14 popular books and hundreds of magazine stories. Many of his articles have been for the National Geographic Society on subjects from snow leopards high in the Himalayas to lowland rainforests and the underwater kingdoms of coral. A founding Board member of the Vital Ground Foundation, a conservation land trust (www.vitalground.org), Chadwick serves as well on the Board of the Liz Claiborne Art Ortenberg Foundation, which supports wildlife research and community-based conservation programs throughout the world (www.LCAOF.org.). He lives in Whitefish, Montana. 


Reviews

Goodreads review by L.G. on January 02, 2022

A must read for inquisitive, objective minds. A very readable book that takes a thorough look at our relationship with nature and all of the bonds that tie us to it. Not just the genes we have in common with other life forms, but also our physical selves [the microbes we are endowed with]. It also di......more

Goodreads review by Jammin Jenny on May 20, 2021

I really enjoyed this non-fiction science book that described how alike all mammals are to one another. I especially enjoyed the anecdotes the author includes describing his time exploring and observing nature. I highly recommend this for all nature lovers and science inclined readers. I received an......more

Goodreads review by Justin on July 09, 2021

This book could have been called 4/5s a strawberry ;) *spoiler You learn a lot about strawberries. The book is entertaining but also like many books about our environment, incredibly depressing. Chadwick brings it back around but sadly this book is a reminder that humans are dangerously ruining this......more

Goodreads review by Grace on February 23, 2022

Realllllly enjoyed, my eyes glazed over during the science parts tho but that’s just because I’m a little dumb......more

Goodreads review by Sascha on July 14, 2021

This review first appeared on: [URL not allowed] One of the quotes that author Douglas Chadwick provides in a later section of his new book Four-Fifths a Grizzly is from another book, The Twelves Steps to Happiness by Joe Klass: “The truth shall set you free . . . but first it......more