How Life Increases Biodiversity: An Autocatalytic Hypothesis

"This science book presents an intriguing theory that all species make their environment better for life. Under natural conditions, organisms work to increase biodiversity and create conditions that improve the habitat for themselves and for other species. For instance, organisms build up the soil, oxygenate the atmosphere, and make the climate favorable to life. This textbook also contains thought-provoking explanations about biological processes, such as plants and fungi emitting (and responding to) chemical signals in order to help other members of their species adapt to their environment. The volume contains engaging discussions about symbiotic relationships such as mutualism and commensialsim. The author asserts that cooperation between species is far more prevalent that supposed in the past, when biological discussions emphasized inter-specific competition. I recommend this fascinating book, which is written in a style intelligible to the layman while also having a depth informative to the specialist." - Reid Stuart, Assistant Manager for the International Institute for the Bengal and Himalayan Basin, April 2024