The ecologists and researchers John Theberge and Mary Theberge talk to Joseph Planta about The Ptarmigan’s Dilemma: An Exploration Into How Life Organizes and Supports Itself (McClelland & Stewart, 2010), their new book looking at humans and the species around them through new research in the fields of evolution and genetics.

The Ptarmigan’s Dilemma: An Exploration Into How Life Organizes and Supports Itself by John Theberge and Mary Theberge. (McClelland & Stewart, 2010) Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: The Ptarmigan’s Dilemma

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line. This is THECOMMENTARY.CA.

I’m by no means scientifically interested, nor have the inclination of reading a book on biology. However, a new book that’s hit my desk is one I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading. It’s called The Ptarmigan’s Dilemma: An Exploration Into How Life Organizes and Supports Itself. It’s not a text book at all, and is thoroughly engaging and highly readable to the layman. Its authors, John Theberge and Mary Theberge join me now. They’ve drawn on breakthrough research in evolution and genetics, as well as their many years in the field and lab as wildlife biologists to look at how evolution works. It’s a thoughtful book on how we and the species around us got here, as well it ponders as to where we’re all heading. John Theberge is a retired professor in the faculty of environmental studies at the University of Waterloo. Mary Theberge is a wildlife illustrator and wolf researcher. They join me from here in Vancouver. The book is published by McClelland & Stewart. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, John and Mary Theberge; Good morning, Ms. Theberge; Good morning, Mr. Theberge.

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