Offers an overview of evolutionary history showing that cooperation and symbiosis have played a critical role in the growing complexity of life on Earth, up to the complex human societies whose very success now threatens the biosphere.

The fancy computer technology which blends color photographs into a single, fold-out composite landscape of each habitat looks ridiculously artificial, but the nicest thing about this 9x11.5" book is its clear, informative text. Also, the non-computer "enhanced" photographs are superb. Fourteen types of habitat are covered in depth.

The Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth is an illustrated tour of the planet that reveals ecosystems large and small, from reefs, deserts, and rain forests to ponds, backyard gardens, and even a drop of water. Through exquisite drawings, maps, and infographics, author Rachel Ignotofsky makes earth science accessible and entertaining, explaining how our planet works, from its diverse ecosystems and their inhabitants, to the levels of ecology, the importance...