This international prizewinner distills the research of hundreds of scientists in this brilliant overview of the interconnectedness of life on Earth. Through breathtaking illustrations and lively narration, readers learn that every organism plays a role essential to the planet and, in surprising ways, to human economies and health. How can we protect these living things and hence our world? The authors weigh the ideas of science and world governments. This publication was named the Scientific Book of the Year in Germany and received a Distinctive Merit award from the Art Directors Clubs of both New York and Germany.
Includes bibliographic references. Published in parallel with : Global biodiversity : earth's living resources in the 21st century (IUCN, WCMC, 010), popular account of the status of global biodiversity. Translated from the German edition published in 2000.