The Science in The Fiction Julie Czerneda on Exo-Biology in 'To Each This World'
Marty sits down with Canadian science fiction writer and biologist Julie Czerneda to discuss her book 'To Each This World'. Our conversation is taken in the context of exo-biology, where considerations of universal biological laws may inform our understanding of alien life, if ever we are lucky enough to find it. We talk about whether we are likely to be surprised or bored by how strange or familiar alien life might be. We discuss different kinds of intelligence, the survival costs and benefits that it might bring, the exquisite adaptation of the mantis shrimp and the surprising self-awareness of fish with small brains. We also discuss the evolution and biological consequences of nearly immortal beings, as found in Julie’s Web Shifters series, and consider why our ecosystem has not already been taken over by shape-shifters. Julie also reveals some very special bonus material for her latest book, explaining the origin and capabilities of her portal-building, burrowing aliens in ‘To Each This World’. Throughout the interview Julie recommends a few excellent books about biology: An Immense World by Ed Yong, Parasite Rex by Carl Zimmer and Imagined Life by James Trefil and Michael Summer - see links below.
Julie Czerneda:
Julie E. Czerneda – Science Fiction & Fantasy Author
All Book Series by Julie E. Czerneda (goodreads.com)
Julie Czerneda - Wikipedia
To Each This World:
To Each This World – Julie E. Czerneda
To Each This World by Julie E. Czerneda | Goodreads
To Each This World by Julie E. Czerneda: 9780756415426 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books
Science books recommended by Julie in this interview:
An Immense World by Ed Yong | Penguin Random House Canada
Parasite Rex: Inside The Bizarre World Of Nature’s Most Dangerous Creatures | Carl Zimmer
Imagined Life by James Trefil and Michael Summers | Penguin Random House Canada
Email:
thescienceinthefiction@gmail.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/743522660965257/