Product Description

Jonathan Silvertown here explores the astonishing diversity of plant life in regions as spectacular as the verdant climes of Japan, the lush grounds of the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, the shallow wetlands and teeming freshwaters of Florida, the tropical rainforests of southeast Mexico, and the Canary Islands archipelago, whose evolutionary novelties - and exotic plant life - have earned it the sobriquet "the Galapagos of botany." Along the way, Silvertown looks closely at the evolution of plant diversity in these locales and explains why such variety persists in light of ecological patterns and evolutionary processes. In novel and useful ways, he also investigates the current state of plant diversity on the planet to show the ever-challenging threats posed by invasive species and humans.This paperback edition will include an entirely new chapter on the astonishing diversity of plant life in the Western Cape of South Africa that focuses on fynbos, a vegetation endemic to the Cape. Bringing the secret life of plants into more colorful and vivid focus than ever before, "Demons in Eden" is an empathic and impassioned exploration of modern plant ecology that unlocks evolutionary mysteries of the natural world.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #163936 in Books
• Published on: 2008-08-12
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 202 pages

Review
"Jonathan Silvertown has a knack for explaining complex biological concepts in an accessible and engaging way. He deftly uses analogy and example to illustrate his discussions, and often waxes lyrical in his descriptions." - Viveka Neveln, American Gardener "Jonathan Silvertown's enthusiasm for scientific sleuthing is infectious." - Sara Alexander, Science "A delightful series of vignettes about plant diversity and evolutionary biology....It is evident that Jonathan Silvertown is a scientist who can communicate complex scientific ideas to the general public....Highly recommended." - Choice "In this highly readable and pleasantly anecdotal account of the dynamics of the plant world, Jonathan Silvertown suggests that tasting the fruit of evolutionary knowledge may provide us with a ticket for readmission to the Garden of Eden, where we can exercise the privilege by ensuring that biodiversity is conserved. Let us hope that he is right." - Peter D. Moore, Nature"

About the Author
Jonathan Silvertown is professor of ecology at the Open University, Milton Keynes. He is the author or editor of Integrating Ecology and Evolution in a Spatial Context; Plant Life Histories: Ecological Correlates and Phylogenetic Constraints; More Than the Parts: Biology and Politics; Introduction to Plant Population Ecology; and An Orchard Invisible, the last forthcoming from the University of Chicago Press.

Customer Reviews

Biodiversity Unmasked
Demons in Eden is an immensely enjoyable introduction to the world of plant biodiversity. Throughout his book Jonathan Silvertown demonstrates not only his passion for the subject, but also his ability to share his wealth of knowledge in such a way that anyone new to the subject will immediately feel at ease.

Peppered with atmospheric narration, accessible science and field studies in several countries worldwide, Demons in Eden is an eye-opening journey that graphically illustrates the essential role that evolution has played, and continues to play, in maintaining the balance of nature. Conversely, the author also gently reminds us - with his references to `Darwinian Demons' - of the potential danger of interfering with the status quo.

I can think of no other book that approaches this topic with such lucidity and appeal. But don't just take my word for it...on the back cover of the book I noticed glowing reviews from best-selling author, Oliver Sacks, and Peter Crane, director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, as well as several other luminaries in this field.