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Combining theory and basic research, this introductory textbook outlines the connections between conservation biology and fields like environmental economics, ethics, law, and social sciences. The book emphasizes sustainable development and describes the role that the general public, conservation organizations, and governments play in protecting biological diversity. Technical language is kept to a minimum, and numerous graphics (all black and white) are included. Primack teaches at Boston University.Book News, Inc.®, Portland, OR |
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" A superb blend of lyrical description, sweeping historical writing, lucid scientific explanation, and dire warnings. . . . 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. Edward O. Wilson eloquently describes how the species of the world became diverse and why that diversity is threatened today as never before. A great spasm of extinction — the disappearance of whole species — is occurring now, caused this time entirely by humans. 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. Defining a new environmental ethic, Wilson explains why we must rescue whole ecosystems, not only individual species. He calls for an end to conservation versus development arguments, and he outlines the massive shift in priorities needed to address this challenge. No writer, no scientist, is more qualified than Edward O. Wilson to describe,
as he does here, the grandeur of evolution and what is at stake. |
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A Neotropical Companion is an extraordinarily readable introduction to the American tropics, the lands of Central and South America, their remarkable rainforests and other ecosystems, and the creatures that live there. It is the most comprehensive one-volume guide to the Neotropics available today. Widely praised in its first edition, it remains a book of unparalleled value to tourists, students, and scientists alike. This second edition has been substantially revised and expanded to incorporate the abundance of new scientific information that has been produced since it was first published in 1989. Major additions have been made to every chapter, and new chapters have been added on Neotropical ecosystems, human ecology, and the effects of deforestation. Biodiversity and its preservation are discussed throughout the book, and Neotropical evolution is described in detail. This new edition offers all new drawings and photographs, many of them in color. As enthusiastic readers of the first edition will attest, this is a charming
book. Wearing his learning lightly and writing with ease and humor, John
Kricher presents the complexities of tropical ecology as accessible and
nonintimidating. Kricher is so thoroughly knowledgeable and the book is
so complete in its coverage that general readers and ecotourists will not
need any other book to help them identify and understand the plants and
animals, from birds to bugs, that they will encounter in their travels
to the New World tropics. At the same time, it will fascinate armchair
travelers and students who may get no closer to the Neotropics than this
engagingly written book. |
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This volume is a synthesis of existing knowledge about the flora and fauna of Costa Rica. The major portion of the book consists of detailed accounts of agricultural species, vegetation, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, birds, and insects. "This is an extraordinary, virtually unique work. . . . The tremendous amount of original, previously unpublished, firsthand information is remarkable."--Peter H. Raven, Director, Missouri Botanical Garden "An essential resource for anyone interested in tropical
biology. . . . It can be used both as an encyclopedia--a source
of facts on specific organisms--and as a source of ideas and generalizations
about tropical ecology."--Alan P. Smith, Ecology |
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© 1998 World Class Adventures In Education www.educationabroad.com |