Published on the 150th anniversary of "On the Origin of Species," an erudite, original, and lavishly illustrated guide to the most important species in the history of the planet. In our planet's highly competitive history, a few species have been conspicuously successful. Humankind, for one, but also ants, potatoes, tulips, and sheep. Within the stories of these influential species lies the story of life on earth. In this expansive, articulate, and insightful book, C hristopher Lloyd explores the two eras that have defined the planet--Before Man and After Man. T he former was a time of strange creatures and loose bits of genetic code, the latter a sprawling period of invention and cosmic transformation. With remarkable eloquence, Lloyd takes us through both eras, weaving in capsule biographies of the most successful species. All in all, it's a kind of who's who of biology, as well as an innovative picture of the planet's history. Not only a celebration of Darwin's legacy but also a timely reexamination of the evolution of life, "What on Earth Evolved? "is a testament to the lasting influence of a few crucible moments in history--and a reminder that the legacy of humankind is still yet be determined.