Surprisingly entertaining book that discusses the evolution of the world itself, breaking it down by areas and locations, proving that species have a natural tendency to come and go and suggesting that it isn't only the humans who are responsible. That doesn't mean we can simply do what we want though, there is plenty of evidence inside these pages that proves that although nature also destroys habitats and makes drastic changes in order to continue life in all its various forms, so do we. And we are much more unbalanced about doing it.

Far from being a lecture on how to change our lives in order to save everything, this book sees the balance needed in keeping knowledge expanding and understanding what must be done to preserve both a species and the natural way of maintaining life around us. After reading this book I found myself highly reminded about the things we as humans do to the world around us, but I saw it in a slightly different light. Very interesting read that has brought on several discussions among friends. ( )

Leakey is a paleo-anthropologist and has been Director of the kenya Wildlife Service. After describing the previous five mass extinctions caused by natural disasters he sets out his fers for an impending sixth, caused this time by mankind. ( )

shelved in HT Green Library - by Reception - Monograph Library (R)