The Violinist's Thumb: And Other Lost Tales of Love, War, and Genius, as Written by Our Genetic Code, By Sam Keen

Answer the following questions:

1. In The Violinist's Thumb, Sam Kean describes a number of important discoveries from various times in the history of genetics. Describe one that you were not previously familiar with. Why was it important? Is this discovery still relevant today? Why? (Answer in two or three paragraphs.)

2. Sam Kean also describes a number of examples of genetics being used to address questions about human biology or history. Describe one that you thought was particularly interesting or unexpected. Did genetics provide insights that would otherwise not have been possible? (Answer in two or three paragraphs.)

3. Did you find reading this book to be worthwhile within the context of this class? Why or why not? (Answer in one or two sentences.)