Evolution Under Pressure: How We Change Nature and How Nature Changes Us by Yolanda Ridge and illustrated by Dane Thibeault (Annick Press, May 2023) is a new volume for middle grade children and for young adults that explores how humans influence animals’ evolution. It discusses natural selection, as well as the “not-so-natural” selection, which shows the unfortunate ways that human interaction has directly impacted the evolutionary process within recorded history. Various chapters discuss the impact hunting, domestication of animals, pollution, and cities have “pressured” animals to evolve quickly in order to survive.

It is fascinating to me to see how, even in a few decades, an animal population is able to change based on natural selection. Here’s an example. During the early years of the industrial revolution, black peppered moths in coal-polluted England evolved, changing from the predominant white with black spots to moths with a black background and white spots, in order to better blend in with the coal dust coated landscapes. Now that coal pollution is under control, the moths are returning to their original coloring. This change naturally happened because of human decisions. Animals were forced to adapt in order to survive.

The author discusses the various issues (human hunting, domestication, pollution) by focusing first on a particular animal, just as an explanation of the problem of pollution focused on the peppered moth. In addition, she often explains the evolutionary process by naming the animals. So, when discussing the revolutionary impact of human hunting, she names the first hornless rhino Bruno (randomly born with a genetic mutation) in order to explain the reasons for his survival. It gave this nonfiction book a readable and friendly tone.

Evolution Under Pressure is sad when considering the negative impacts of humans over time. But the messages it teaches about how human impact has sped up this evolutionary process of natural selection is a solid concept to study, nicely weaving into lessons on ecology and environmentalism, as well as drawing awareness to contemporary issues. Each chapter provides a “What Do We Do Now?” section and a “Looking Forward” section to help give hope to the reader. Various side bars clarify concepts and an attractive layout with illustrations makes it an inviting read. An extensive bibliography (for adults) and “For More Information” section end the book.

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book.

It seemed like this eARC wasn't quite ready. There were missing illustrations and varying titles. I liked the premise and the illustrations, but the paragraphs seemed dense and weren't very engaging.

What an interesting take on evolution, and how human actions and choices impact the lives of other living creatures and their evolution. It's interesting how the author helps readers connect human actions and urban development with how animals evolve or become extinct. The only not-so-good part is how text-heavy this book is, which makes it less approachable for younger readers.

UPDATE 1/1723: I just finished reading this to kiddo (8) as a break from the series we've been binge-re-reading at bedtime and he was VERY into it. We read it over the course of three nights. He listened, engrossed, each night and then chattered about what he had learned from it to me and his dad the next day. He has always been very into nonfiction, especially science books, and he loves animals, but I suspect many kids his age and a bit older would really enjoy this.
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This is an excellent introduction for kids age 8 and up to evolution and the way humans impact it and the planet. There is a lot of very good information here, and it is presented in a clear and easy-to-understand way. All of the information presented is vital to understanding our world and our place in it and very important for kids and teens to know. It provides specific examples of ways humans have altered the world and animals around us, predictions of what will happen if we continue to do so without thought for the consequences, and ideas for ways to mitigate the damage. It also provides just enough of the relevant science to give a deeper understanding of each point.

It runs the risk of being very depressing, but I think there is enough of a message of hope at the end to alleviate most of that. Definitely something to be aware of though, if your kid is sensitive (like mine). I will be reading it with him and helping to provide context, more information, and reassurance as we read.

Topics tackled include urbanization, poaching, the rise of agriculture and industry, climate change, genetic modification and gene editing, and, of course, evolution and natural selection.

This would be great as an introduction to the topics for elementary students (especially those who are interested in science) and a refresher for older students or to be taught alongside more in-depth material on the subject matter. It would also be great as an introduction for adults who are not well-versed in science.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Annick Press for providing an early copy for review.