Science - General & Miscellaneous

Tales from the Underground

Name: Tales from the Underground
Author: David Wolfe
ISBN: 9780738206790

by David Wolfe

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Overview

There are over one billion organisms in a pinch of soil, and many of them perform functions essential to all life on the planet. Yet we know much more about deep space than about the universe below. In Tales from the Underground, Cornell ecologist David W. Wolfe lifts the veil on this hidden world, revealing for the first time what makes subterranean life so unique and so precious. Home to miniscule water bears and microscopic bacteria, mole rats and burrowing owls, the underground reigns supreme as it produces important pharmaceuticals, recycles life's essential elements, and helps plants gather nutrients. An original, awe-inspiring journey through a strange realm, Tales from the Underground will forever alter our appreciation of the natural world around-and beneath-us.

...follow the progress of discovery from Charles Darwin's experiments with earthworms and Lewis and Clark's first encounter with prairie dogs...

About the Author, David Wolfe

David W. Wolfe is Associate Professor of Plant Ecology in the Department of Horticulture at Cornell University, and a member of Cornell's Biogeochemistry Program. Much of his research is focused on soil conservation, and the impact of climate change on plants and soils. He has published many journal articles and academic papers. This is his first book.

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Editorials

From The Critics

In this first paperback edition of a 2001 book, Wolfe (plant ecology, Cornell U.) eclectically views the increasingly endangered biodiversity of backyard habitats and beyond through such lenses as paleobiology, molecular biology, and Darwin's research on earthworms. The book includes b&w illustrations and 187 references. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

Wolfe (plant ecology, Cornell U.) describes life underground, including microbes recently discovered living miles beneath the Earth's surface. Coverage includes a discussion of the origin of the Earth and its soils, the genetic diversity of ancient life forms, the relationship of soil microbes to human and plant diseases, and the impact of human activities on soil resources necessary for food production. Wolfe also explains the work of creatures such as bacteria, fungi, earthworms, and prairie dogs. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)