The tentacled snake can lead prey straight to its mouth, eels use electricity to control other animals, and emerald jewel wasps can make zombies out of cockroaches. Animals possess extraordinary abilities, and here, Kenneth Catania shows how studying them can provide insights into how life evolved. Enthusiastically sharing his biological detective work, Catania reveals the secret talent of the star-nosed mole, and considers the enigma of worm grunting—a traditional technique in which earthworms are enticed out of the ground.

"By blending accessible writing with cutting-edge science, Catania demonstrates how exciting the process of scientific investigation can be…. The joy Catania takes in the process of exploring the natural world will delight readers."—Publishers Weekly (starred review)