Fragile Web: What Next for Nature? - Softcover

  • 4.12 out of 5 stars
    8 ratings by Goodreads
 
9780226757810: Fragile Web: What Next for Nature?
Softcover
ISBN 10: 0226757811 ISBN 13: 9780226757810
Publisher: University of Chicago Press, 2010

Synopsis


Biodiversity is as close as your breakfast table. Your cereal and coffee are the products of at least a dozen species of plants and animals. And believe it or not, you are related to your morning meal—all life on earth is descended from a common ancestor, giving new meaning to the old saying “You are what you eat.”

            Making clear why the future of biodiversity matters, Fragile Web—which takes its name from the delicate mechanism that holds all life together—unites a team of international experts to explore the wonder of the natural world. Drawing on the very latest research, the book explains what biodiversity is and explores its evolution, from 3.5 billion years ago to the present day. It discusses the importance of the world’s ecosystems and how directly or indirectly humans are responsible for the fate of nature. Crucially, it also examines what can be done to protect the natural world and why it matters. Although we cannot undo all that we have done, ignoring the current crisis facing biodiversity could fundamentally change the lives of future generations.

Fully illustrated with color photographs, diagrams, and maps, and edited by celebrated ecologist Jonathan Silvertown, this book is a timely snapshot of the state of life on Earth. From the plant and animal products that make up our breakfast to the ecosystems that help to produce clean water, our very survival depends upon the variety of plant and animal life on our planet. The year 2010 has been declared by the United Nations the International Year of Biodiversity, and The Fragile Web will be an essential guidebook for our time.

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About the Author

Jonathan Silvertown is professor of evolutionary ecology and chair of technology-enhanced science education in biological sciences in the Institute of Evolutionary Biology at the University of Edinburgh. He is the author of numerous books on ecology and evolution.

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Publisher
University of Chicago Press
Publication date
2010
Language
English
ISBN 10 
0226757811
ISBN 13 
9780226757810
Binding
Paperback
Number of pages
192
Editor
Silvertown Jonathan
Rating
  • 4.12 out of 5 stars
    8 ratings by Goodreads

Other Popular Editions of the Same Title

9780565092610: Fragile Web: What Next for Nature?

Featured Edition

ISBN 10:  0565092618 ISBN 13:  9780565092610
Publisher: The Natural History Museum
Softcover