Customer Reviews

Diversity and the Tropical Rain Forest: A Scientific American Library Book (Scientific American Library Series)

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This is not a "natural history" book cataloging the variety of animals, but rather takes a "conservation biology" approach to trying to understand the exuberance of the tropics, worldwide. The conflicting theories are presented as a compelling mystery. At one point midpoint through the book we are left with the circular argument that there are more animal species because there are more plant species, and there are more plant species because there are more animal species. Fortunately, a following chapter on evolution presents some of the advances out of the quandary.

The book is beautifully illustrated, and some real striking figures are of the mammal diversity (arboreal/terrestrial, and diurnal versus nocturnal) of mammals in Borneo, or the example of convergence in new world and old world tropics. Perhaps the chapter on management of the tropics did not delve deep into looking at the social issues at play (I found Hecht and Cockburn's "The Fate of the Forest" a good look at those dynamics in the Amazon). The application of conservation biology studies on fragmentation and genetic diversity are important conservation issues though. There are sparse mentions of the indigenous people, for example in the Amazon while there were 6-12 million there are now less that 200,000.

Definitely a good crossing between an academic text and a story. Clearly presented in nice, rounded chapters and full of great pictures & diagrams. If you're looking to read about all the different life forms in the tropical forests, this is not the book for you. However, if you want to learn the basics of tropical ecology and biodiversity in general, this is an excellent place to start! Well worth the money.

A beautifull book. Anyone with an interest in the wonder and connectivness of the rainforest should read this book. Dr.Terborgh illistrates beautifully the importance of each living part of the forest. From the towering canopy to the microscopic fungi on the forest floor. Another book worth reading is "Tropical Nature". I learned so much and this book is simple and fun to read. Not to "scientific". More like stories around a campfire. Things are fact not because of scientific proof, but fact because it was witnessed.