Reviewed by Thomas Brown
Science Teacher
Any teacher who is interested in expanding his or her knowledge of conservation ecology will find this book to be an excellent investment. The book provides a research–based exploration of this important yet often overlooked scientific discipline. It is an excellent resource for biology and Earth science teachers who want to introduce their students to the field of conservation ecology.
The text provides a comprehensive overview of the range of concepts that comprise the study of ecology. The author also shows the ways in which other fields of study, such as economics and sociology, relate to conservation efforts. Throughout the book, a wide variety of illustrations that include maps, graphs, charts, and photographs capture the accomplished research. In many ways, this book provides the reader with “one–stop shopping” to understand how important this scientific discipline will likely be in the future.
Teachers will find it difficult to locate a more comprehensive overview of the discipline of ecology. The author begins by providing a historical perspective to the discipline. Subsequent chapters cover such topics as extinction, population studies, climate change, sustainability, and invasive species. The closing chapter appropriately reviews steps the reader can take to protect life on earth, bringing the title to life for the reader.
One of the strengths of the book is the author’s ability to link the Earth’s future to our future, helping the reader to realize the importance of conservation ecology is important for everyone. At the end of each chapter, the author provides suggestions for further reading and includes an extensive bibliography that could be used to promote additional investigation.
This worthwhile book can be used by teachers to stimulate student interest in the value of protecting our natural world. More importantly, Marchetti and Moyle’s text will enable instructors to help students realize their own personal contributions to making a difference in preserving nature for their futures and beyond.
Review posted on 7/6/2012
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