Why Does the World Stay Green?: Nutrition and Survival of Plant-eaters

Nearly every form of life has the capacity to multiply and increase at a really astonishing rate. Think of plagues of locusts or mice. Clearly, for the vast majority of animals this does not happen, otherwise they would swamp the world and destroy all the plants. So why doesn't it happen, and why does the world stay green? The concept explored in this book contends that animals are not controlled through predation but because plants have outwitted them; they cannot obtain enough of the food they must have to reproduce and grow. Why Does the World Stay Green?explains, in simple terms, how this comes about in nature and describes some of the many fascinating ways in which animals have evolved to cope with this usually chronic shortage of an essential resource. It is fascinating and easy-reading for anyone interested in natural history. The author, TCR White, has acted as a strong influence for the last 40 years on the ecological community, presenting confronting and at times controversial theories on the limiting role that nitrogen plays in the evolution of life. Why Does the World Stay Green? reveals this fascinating and important ecological theory. Features * Explores interesting and controversial theories on ecology * Presents new ways of thinking about the interaction of plants and animals * Filled with examples that will challenge many current ecologists * Written in non-technical language