And Then There Was One: The Mysteries of Extinction - Hardcover

" By the early 1990s, scientists expect, at least one species will vanish every hour ." Facklam does not rely on such dramatic statements to grab readers' attention, but they undergird her thoughtful explanations of the natural and human forces affecting survival and extinction. Citing specific animals as examples, she explains the processes of adaptation, mutation, evolution, and extinction. She discusses the long historical cycles of mass extinction typified by the disappearance of the dinosaurs, noting that although the world is now in the middle of the 26 million year cycle, the massive impact of humans on animal habitats and the global environment has considerably accelerated the rate of extinction. The discussion is sobering, but not heavily didactic, and concludes with examples of successful efforts in saving endangered species. Organized into several chapters of two-column text and complemented by attractive full-page charcoal drawings, the book is similar in style and format to the author's recent volumes on hibernation and symbiosis. Facklam is adept at raising questions and providing clear, smoothly paced, interesting narrative. Her well-crafted blend of information and ideas makes for pleasant read-aloud material--a rare feat for nonfiction. --Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.