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Life on Earth: An Encyclopedia of Biodiversity, Ecology, and Evolution: Life on Earth [2 volumes]: An Encyclopedia of Biodiversity, Ecology, and Evolution [2 volumes]

by Niles Eldredge (Editor)
5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars 1 rating
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Life on Earth: An Encyclopedia of Biodiversity, Ecology, and Evolution tackles the critical issue for humanity in the 21st century―our ever more menacing impact on the environment. This two-volume, illustrated set, edited by American Museum of Natural History curator Niles Eldredge, begins with biodiversity, the complex planetary web of life that has emerged through three billion years of evolution. How does it work? And why is its continued health critical to the planet and to ourselves?

More than 50 top scholars examine every form of life from amoebae to elephants, from plankton to whales. But Life on Earth is more than a catalog of species. An A–Z survey explores the myriad ways humanity is diminishing that biodiversity, from industrialization to natural habitat destruction, from overpopulation in the developing world to an unsustainable consumer lifestyle in the West. Life on Earth is the essential reference work for anyone curious about our planet's extraordinary diversity of life and the unprecedented threats it faces.

Previous page
  1. ISBN-10
    157607286X
  2. ISBN-13
    978-1576072868
  3. Publisher
    ABC-CLIO
  4. Publication date
    December 13, 2002
  5. Language
    English
  6. Dimensions
    1 x 1 x 1 inches
  7. Print length
    793 pages
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Life on Earth is intended to introduce "younger generations" to biological diversity, "the variety of life on Earth at all its levels, from genes to biogeographic regions, and the ecological and evolutionary processes that sustain it." The encyclopedia's activist perspective and conversational style will appeal to high-school and beginning college students, especially those writing position papers. Eldredge is curator of paleontology at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), and a number of the 60 contributors are AMNH scientists. Most other contributors are associated with major universities and research institutions in the U.S.

Four introductory essays outline the definition, importance, and preservation of biodiversity. Many of the 194 articles are about specific phyla or species (Annelida--the segmented worm, Giant ground sloth, Lagomorpha) or important concepts (Botany, Human evolution, Meteo rology, Soil). Others address issues that will appeal to students and general readers (Ethics of conservation; Medicine, the benefits of biodiversity to; Tourism, ecotourism, and biodiversity). Essays and articles incorporate many tables with sources cited, line drawings, and unremarkable black-and-white photographs. Articles are clearly written, usually define specialized terms, and include bibliographies of books and popular and scholarly periodical articles. An index leads readers to topics mentioned within articles (e.g., deep ecology, ecofeminism, urban sprawl). Rachel Carson is listed in the index as Louise Carson.

The five-volume Encyclopedia of Biodiversity (Academic Press, 2001) set the standard for academic reference works on biodiversity. Life on Earth is an alternate choice for high-school or smaller college and public libraries that cannot afford Encyclopedia of Biodiversity or need a more accessible source. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

"[W]ill appeal to high-school and beginning college students, especially those writing position papers."

―

Booklist



"This two volume set takes an original look at biodiversity and ecology by focusing on how humans contribute, or more accurately do not contribute, to the Earth's delicate balance . . . This volume provides a wealth of information on the effects of human behavior on the ecosystem."

―

American Reference Books Annual

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ ABC-CLIO (December 13, 2002)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 793 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 157607286X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1576072868
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.88 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 1 x 1 x 1 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
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