Kevin Omland, professor of biological sciences, has spent 25 years teaching and researching evolution. His new book, Understanding the Tree of Life, is the latest in the “Understanding Life” series published by Cambridge University Press. Omland’s contribution challenges what he views as an outdated understanding of evolution and celebrates the interconnectedness of all species. Below, Omland shares the inspiration behind the book, its surprising insights, and why everyone from nature lovers to seasoned biologists should seek it out.

Q: How did this book come about?

A: Cambridge University Press wanted a book diving into the history of life and how all species are connected. A few of my colleagues recommended me based on my prior work, including a 2007 article called Tree Thinking for All Biology from my sabbatical in Australia, and a chapter I wrote for The Princeton Guide to Evolution emphasizing how understanding evolutionary trees is central to understanding evolution. My research on bird plumage and birdsong has also given me a fresh perspective on evolution, so I was happy to accept the opportunity to write this book. 

Q: You’ve been teaching at UMBC since 2000—did that shape the book at all?

A: Absolutely. Teaching “Foundations of Biology: Ecology and Evolution” for 25 years at UMBC played a huge role. I’ve had so many smart students come in with big misconceptions about evolution—like thinking humans are the top of an evolutionary “ladder.” The book is packed with examples I’ve used in class to show that we’re all cousins, with no “higher” or “lower” organisms. I wouldn’t have been in a position to write this without all of those classroom conversations, so I want to thank my students for their indirect contributions to this book. 

Q: Who is this book for, and why should they pick it up?

A: Anyone who finds evolution fascinating or loves nature should read it for a fresh angle on how every species on the planet is interconnected. It surveys the tree of life, including everything from primates to invertebrates, challenging outdated concepts like “primitive” species. Even biologists might find some ideas that challenge their understanding—I’d guess that up to half of them might be surprised by what they learn! Ultimately, it’s for general readers and scientists alike who want to think accurately about evolution as a branching tree, rather than a straight line toward ever-more complexity. 

Q: What were you hoping to achieve with this book?

A: My main goal is to debunk misconceptions, like human superiority or labeling species as “old” or “living fossils.” Using DNA sequencing and modern genomics, we can now see evolution as continuous, with no clear start to any species, including humans. I want readers to move beyond ideas like the great white shark as ancient or humans as a recent arrival. The book emphasizes shared ancestry—we’re all cousins, from our fellow mammals, to trees, to bacteria—and encourages caring for our interconnected world.

Q: Can you give us an example from the book that flips a common evolution myth?

A: Sure—the platypus is my go-to. People call them “primitive” because they lay eggs, a trait inherited from our ancient tetrapod [four-legged] ancestors. But that’s biased and misleading—the platypus has many recent adaptations like its duck-shaped bill with electro-sensing organs to detect prey in muddy ponds, venomous spurs on males, and webbed feet for underwater swimming. Every organism mixes ancient traits with recent specialized ones matching its ecological niche. This challenges human-centered views: We lack the platypus’s senses, just as it lacks our thumbs or large brains.

Q: How does this book tie into your other research?

A: It ties directly to all the work that my students and I have done on bird plumage and song evolution, which highlights gains and losses of traits; evolution isn’t just accumulation or increasing complexity. For example, tetrapods evolved legs, but many lineages, like snakes and whales, later lost them. Our research shows losses are common and as important as gains, countering dictionary definitions of evolution as “gradual accumulation.” The book extends this lens to the whole tree of life, using genomic insights to reframe how we understand shared ancestry and adaptation.

Q: Where and when can I get my copy?

A: It’s available now! You can order Understanding the Tree of Life from Cambridge University Press, major online retailers or your local bookstore—shops as far away as Norway and Brazil have it on their websites and shelves. Just search for it, as they say, “wherever books are sold.” I hope people enjoy reading it!

Greetings, 

• Friday, September 12th

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All month long, communities across the U.S. are uplifting ASL, celebrating Deaf achievements, and advocating for equal access in schools, workplaces, and public spaces.

How it started:

• 1958: International Day of the Deaf

• Expanded to International Week of the Deaf
  

• Today: Observed all September, with International Week in the last week of the month
  

Here are a few ASL letters you can learn — the image above shows how to sign LOVE.

Learn ASL at UMBC:

• American Sign Language (ASL) will fulfill UMBC’s GEP language requirement.
  

• Courses are offered every semester: fall, winter, spring, and summer.
  

• Courses include: ASL 101, ASL 102, and ASL 201.
  

ASL is a visual language that uses hand, facial, and body movements to communicate. Sign language promotes communication with the Deaf community and can help babies communicate sooner and better. It can also boost effective brain function and link the mind and body in ways that other languages do not. It’s the sixth most common language in the United States.

Let’s celebrate, learn, and advocate—this month and beyond.

  Ever thought about studying abroad while earning credits toward your degree?