![]() We may know something of less than 2 million species, but we can only guess if there are 10 million or 100 million more out there (not counting even vaster numbers of unknown microorganisms). We may know about a good fraction of vertebrates on our planet, but the vast majority of invertebrates and plants are as yet unidentified. What is a species, what contributes to their formation and extinctions, what is an ecosystem, and what is known about dependencies between species? I especially appreciated his emphasis of how little we know. Around a dead horse might be gathered the representatives of a full adaptive radiation of scavenging birds: condors, huge condor-like teratorns, carrion storks, eagles, haks, and vultures, dodging and threatening one another …Īlthough Wilson’s book was published in 1992, it is great for expanding my knowledge of the basic science through clear examples. There would be glimpses of sabertooth cats, possibly working together in lionfish prides, giant dire wolves, and tapirs. ![]() I like his portrayal of a virtual American Serengeti awaiting humans:įrom one spot, say on the edge of a riverine forest looking across open terrain, you could have seen herds of horses (the extinct, pre-Spanish kind), long-horned bison, camels, antelopes of several species, and mammoths. For example, the Paleo-Indian invasion of America across the Bering Strait land bridge about 12,000 years ago is linked to the loss of many prominent large mammals (“If this were a trial, the Paleo-Indians could be convicted on circumstantial evidence alone, since the coincidence in time is so exact”). They cover some of the same ground in highlighting how the current ecological catastrophe in modern times is just an extension of human impact on species loss by hunting and habitat destruction everywhere he expanded out from Africa and Eurasia. For me, Wilson’s book makes a great complement to a recent read of Kolbert’s The Sixth Extinction, which balances a journalistic and history of science approach to the same issues relating to the recent age as one comparable to five other mass extinctions in geological time (now termed the Antropocene). But, as with a health threat, a clear diagnosis, prognosis, and comprehensive preventative and treatment plans do wonders in helping one face dark truths. ![]() If you are like me, it’s easy to get struck dumb with hopeless, depressing feelings over facts continually dumped on our heads about species loss linked to the progressive destruction of natural habitats. By coincidence, the Pope just this week presented an Encyclical which exhorted politicians and individuals everywhere to do everything possible to preserve biodiversity. For a scientist, Wilson is surprisingly eloquent and skillful in conveying a lot of information and issues without coming off like a textbook. This represents an outstanding overview of the worldwide threat to biodiversity, an accessible presentation of relevant principles of ecology, and an outline of promising lines of action to save ourselves from our suicidal path. A profound and enduring contribution." ― Alan Burdick, Audubon Color plates Original and fascinating insights." ― John Terborgh, New York Review of Books, front page review "Eloquent. Wilson to describe, as he does here, the grandeur of evolution and what is at stake. No writer, no scientist, is more qualified than Edward O. He calls for an end to conservation versus development arguments, and he outlines the massive shift in priorities needed to address this challenge. Defining a new environmental ethic, Wilson explains why we must rescue whole ecosystems, not only individual species. Unlike the deterioration of the physical environment, which can be halted, the loss of biodiversity is a far more complex problem ― and it is irreversible. ![]() A great spasm of extinction ― the disappearance of whole species ― is occurring now, caused this time entirely by humans. Wilson eloquently describes how the species of the world became diverse and why that diversity is threatened today as never before. The most important scientific book of the year." ― Boston Globe In this book a master scientist tells the story of how life on earth evolved. "A superb blend of lyrical description, sweeping historical writing, lucid scientific explanation, and dire warnings.
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