The Sixth Extinction: Biodiversity and Its Survival

The Sixth Extinction: Biodiversity and Its Survival

by Roger Lewin (Author), Richard Leakey (Author)

Synopsis

Over the last 530 million years there have been five mass extinctions of species-the last,65 million years ago,when the dinosaurs disappeared.The biodiversity of our planet may now be on the verge,Leakey and Lewin believe,of a sixth extinction,caused this time by the relentless expansion and limitless appetites of human beings. The new science of 'biodiversity',presented clearly and cogently by Leakey and Lewin,combines insights from palaeontology,biology,ecology and even economics.It integrates the role of Darwenian evolution with the increasingly recognised importance of external and unpredictable forces.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 271
Edition: 1st
Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson
Published: 04 Nov 1996

ISBN 10: 1857994736
ISBN 13: 9781857994735
Book Overview: A brilliant explanation of 'biodiversity',informed by the personal and first-hand experience of a world famous scientist Major publicity tour by Leakey in the UK for hardback publication Both Richard Leakey and Roger Lewin are distinguished science writers,authors ofORIGINS,THE PEOPLE OF THE LAKE,ORIGINS REDISCOVERED '[Leakey]has the indomitable character of a hero.Born into a family that has lived in Kenya since the turn of the century,he astonished the scientific world by outstripping the extraordinary palaeontological discoveries of his parents,then went on to rescue Kenya's wildlife service and help save the African elephant'

Author Bio
Richard Leakey, the son of leading paleoanthropologists Louis and Mary Leakey, was Director of the National Museums of Kenya for twenty years and more recently has served his country in a more political role as Director of the Wildlife Service. He made the important discovery of the 'Turkana Boy', a virtually complete skeleton, and his popular books include Origins, The People of the Lake and The Making of Mankind. Sean Barrett narrated the BBC Modern History series, People's Century and appeared in television productions of Twelfth Night and Father Ted.