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. "Engaging and nontechnical prose. . . . Prodigious erudition. . . . Original and fascinating insights." John Terborgh, New York Review of Books, front page review "Eloquent. . . . A profound and enduring contribution." Alan Burdick, Audubon"
- ISBN10 0393319407
- ISBN13 9780393319408
- Publish Date 17 May 1999 (first published 1 January 1993)
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 2 April 2004
- Publish Country US
- Imprint WW Norton & Co
- Format Paperback
- Pages 432
- Language English