"A stimulating, authoritative and deeply rewarding read that makes you think about the natural world in a novel way." Dr Ahmed Djoghlaf, Assistant Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme and Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biodiversity "Science for the general reader at its very best - clear, committed, fascinating and laser-focused on the crisis we face." Randal Keynes OBE, great-great-grandson of Charles Darwin and author of Annie's Box: Charles Darwin, His Daughter and Human Evolution "A most thorough coverage of biodiversity from extinct Precambrian fossils to the present-day diversity of oceans, rainforests and other habitats, all made interesting through the personal experiences of the author." Professor Sir Ghillean Prance FRS, VMH, Scientific Director of the Eden Project in Cornwall, and former Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew "His gift for the telling analogy and his clear, lively writing make Biodiversity a pleasure to read." Stephen C. Stearns, Edward P. Bass Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University Biodiversity: A Beginner's Guide combines the most up-to-date scientific thought with a genuine passion for the natural world. From Kyoto to ecotourism, and from mass extinctions to population explosions, John Spicer explores the causes behind and consequences of the current crisis in biodiversity, and urges us to take steps now to ensure that nature's wonders are enjoyed by future generations.

John Spicer is Professor in Marine Biology, University of Plymouth. He is co-author of the best-selling textbooks Biodiversity: An Introduction, (Blackwell Science, 2003) and The Invertebrates (Blackwell Science, 2001).