Protecting Life on Earth: An Introduction to the Science of Conservation

by Michael P. Marchetti, Peter B. Moyle

Written to be accessible to any college-level reader, Protecting Life on Earth offers a non-technical, yet comprehensive introduction to the growing field of conservation science. This multifaceted exploration of our current biodiversity crisis delivers vivid examples throughout, including features on some of nature’s most compelling wildlife. Beginning with a brief introduction to environmental history, the text introduces the central concepts of evolution and ecology, and covers several major issues related to the conservation of biodiversity including extinction, climate change, sustainability, conservation law, and invasive species. It also touches on adjacent disciples such as economics and sociology as they relate to conservation. The text even includes practical advice on the decisions we make every day―how we spend our money, where we live and work, what we eat and buy. Throughout, Protecting Life on Earth underscores the ways in which our future is tied to that of Earth’s threatened species, and demonstrates exactly why conservation is so vitally important for us all.

232 pages, Paperback

First published July 2, 2010

Reviews

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent introduction to the science of conservation. Aimed at non-scientists and students, it addresses the ecological and biological aspects of conservation in easy-to-understand, straightforward language, with plenty of examples. It also brushes the history of conservation in the U.S., conservation law, invasive species, and restoration. Overall, this is a great book for someone who wants a basic understanding of how conservation science works. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in natural history and conservation. While it is clearly aimed primarily at students, it is written in an enjoyable, casual way that anyone can relate to, even those without a background in the sciences.