Nature's Fabric: Leaves in Science and Culture

Nature's Fabric: Leaves in Science and Culture

by David Lee (Author)

Synopsis

Leaves are all around us in backyards, cascading from window boxes, even emerging from small cracks in city sidewalks given the slightest glint of sunlight. Perhaps because they are everywhere, it's easy to overlook the humble leaf, but a close look at them provides one of the most enjoyable ways to connect with the natural world. A lush, incredibly informative tribute to the leaf, Nature's Fabric offers an introduction to the science of leaves, weaving biology and chemistry with the history of the deep connection we feel with all things growing and green. Leaves come in a staggering variety of textures and shapes: they can be smooth or rough, their edges smooth, lobed, or with tiny teeth. They have adapted to their environments in remarkable, often stunningly beautiful ways from the leaves of carnivorous plants, which have tiny trigger hairs that signal the trap to close, to the impressive defense strategies some leaves have evolved to reduce their consumption. (Recent studies suggest, for example, that some plants can detect chewing vibrations and mobilize potent chemical defenses.) In many cases, we've learned from the extraordinary adaptations of leaves, such as the invention of new self-cleaning surfaces inspired by the slippery coating found on leaves. But we owe much more to leaves, and Lee also calls our attention back to the fact that that our very lives and the lives of all on the planet depend on them. Not only is foliage is the ultimate source of food for every living thing on land, its capacity to cycle carbon dioxide and oxygen can be considered among evolution's most important achievements and one that is critical in mitigating global climate change. Taking readers through major topics like these while not losing sight of the small wonders of nature we see every day if you'd like to identify a favorite leaf, Lee's glossary of leaf characteristics means you won't be left out on a limb Nature's Fabric is eminently readable and full of intriguing research, sure to enhance your appreciation for these extraordinary green machines.

$38.48

Quantity

9 in stock

More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 512
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Published: 06 Nov 2017

ISBN 10: 022618059X
ISBN 13: 9780226180595

Media Reviews
Leaves come to life in this work by an experienced naturalist and scientist. Lee has a wonderful empathy with leaves, and he weaves together the relevant science, history, and culture in a truly readable and informative presentation. After reading Nature's Fabric, you will be looking at leaves from a different perspective. --Sir Ghillean Prance, FRS, VMH, former director, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Author Bio
For fifty years, David Lee has researched leaves, first in the Asian tropics and later at Florida International University, where he continues his studies as emeritus professor in Department of Biological Sciences. He is the author of many articles and several books, including Nature's Palette, also published by the University of Chicago Press.