Includes bibliographical references (pages 183-188) and index.

The enigma of the star -- Pasteur was right -- The sting -- The mystery of worm grunting -- Tiny T-Rex -- You had me at 500 volts -- The art of making a zombie.

From star-nosed moles that have super-sensing snouts to electric eels that paralyze their prey, animals possess unique and extraordinary abilities. In Great Adaptations, Kenneth Catania presents an entertaining and engaging look at some of nature's most remarkable creatures. Telling the story of his biological detective work, Catania sheds light on the mysteries behind the heavoirs of tentacled snakes, tiny shrews, zombie-making wasps, and more. He shows not only how studying these animals can provide deep insights into how life evolved, but also how scientific discovery can be filled with adventure and fun. --Inside jacket.