This book review was written by Eugene Kernes
“Every species on Earth has been adapted by thousands to millions of years of evolution to the particularities of the environment in which it lives. Its genotype is different from that of all other species. The traits its genes prescribe are also unique, in biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, and behavior, and in the way it interacts with other species and serves the ecosystem it inhabits. Each species, in short, is a living encyclopedia of how to survive on planet Earth.” – Edward O. Wilson, Preface to the 2010 Printing, Page xi-xii
“Great biological diversity takes long stretches of geological time and the accumulation of large reservoirs of unique genes. The richest ecosystems build slowly, over millions of years. It is further true that by chance alone only a few new species are poised to move into novel adaptive zones, to create something spectacular and stretch the limits of diversity.” – Edward O. Wilson, Chapter 5: New Species, Page 74
“Every country has three forms of
wealth: material, cultural, and biological.
The first two we understand well because they are the substance of our
everyday lives. The essence of the
biodiversity problem is that biological wealth is taken much less
seriously. This is a major strategic
error, one that will be increasingly regretted as time passes. Diversity is a potential source of immense
untapped material wealth in the form of food, medicine, and amenities. The fauna and flora are also part of a country’s
heritage, the product of millions of years of evolution centered on that time
and place and hence as much a reason for national concern as the
particularities of language and culture.” – Edward O. Wilson, Chapter 14:
Resolution, Page 311
Is This An Overview?
Each species is a unique representation of the ability to
survive on the planet. Unique biology,
behavior, interaction with other species, and its impact on the ecosystem. Biological diversity begins with slight
adaptations to environmental niches within a species. Adaptations that start as small divergences,
from which hybrids are possible. But the
differences often grow, leading to reproductive isolation between the
populations. Origin of species is an
evolution of differences that prevent hybrids.
Diverse species are less vulnerable to environmental shocks
as an end to a single species can be overcome by another taking over the
niche. Each species is precious as other
species can depend on it, directly or indirectly. Some species are keystone species, as their
removal would cause drastic changes to the ecosystem. Biodiversity needs expansive geographic
distribution for an appropriate nutrient cycle.
Limited geographic distribution makes diversity vulnerable.
Although there have been mass extinction events before,
humans are responsible for latest mass extinction, in part, by taking over more
land. The problem with the extinctions
are the costs to material wealth.
Biodiversity contains biological wealth in the form of nutrition,
medicine, and amenities. By removing
biodiversity, humans are removing sources of undiscovered wealth. With time diversity can come back, but at
times scales that lack meaning for contemporary humans.
Caveats?
The book is about diversity. Much of the book consists of showcasing
diverse species. But each species does
not get much information. To understand
more about each species would require more research. The descriptions of the diverse species can
be a distraction away from the systematic analysis of diversity.
