This work looks at the practical consequences of declining biodiversity on ecosystem health and function, and on human society. It integrates technical literature and theory on biodiversity, keystone species, invasives, productivity and ecosystems services, elucidating why we should care for the mechanics of natural life support systems.

Preface by: Harold A. Mooney, Jane Lubchenco
Illustrated by: Abigail Rorer
Foreword by: Paul R. Ehrlich