Wild Solutions

Most of the species on Earth remain unknown to science, which means our understanding of the living planet is far from complete. Ecologists Andrew Beattie and Paul Ehrlich examine biological diversity and the natural systems that support human survival. These systems purify air and water, keep soil productive, break down waste from homes, factories and farms, and guard crops against pests. The book is illustrated throughout.

The authors also show how living things have produced medicines, drugs, building materials, designs and manufactured products. They survey emerging fields that use organisms to restore damaged land, extract minerals, control pests and monitor environmental health. Many of the species behind these services are tiny, hard to observe or strange in appearance, yet their value to people is far greater than most have assumed.

The book makes a case for protecting this biological wealth from the damage caused by human activity.