The lavish array of organisms known as "biodiversity" is an intricately linked web that makes the Earth a uniquely habitable plane. In this book, a noted science writer examines the threats posed to humans by the loss of biodiversity and explains key findings from the ecological sciences. It is the first book of its kind to clearly explains the practical consequences of declining biodiversity of ecosystem hjealth and function and, consequently, on human society.

The field of work psychology investigates the origins of human work behaviour -- and its ramifications for the individual worker, the employing organisation, and those with whom the individual interacts -- both on and off the job. This volume presents new concepts in the field, framing issues and topics in creative ways that encourage the reader to rethink how we study and think about people at work. Part 1 focuses on understanding the meanings we attach to work, a topic that has been neglected by researchers. The chapters in this part reconceptualise the normal entry points for studying work and working and identify new areas to explore. Part 2 highlights advances in theory that help us better understand and integrate important workplace concepts; two chapters explore less traditional topics -- the psychology of greed, and identity issues that are relevant to retirement. Part 3 highlights some key advances in measurement that permit researchers to examine more sophisticated and complex relationships. Part 4 provides insight into bridging the gap between practice and research and making research on the psychology of work relevant and applicable. This volume will be of interest to organisational psychologists, organisational behaviour researchers, and those interested in human resource management, organisational development, and labour relations. The contributors honour the work of Daniel Ilgen and Neal Schmitt, pioneers in the field, whose influence and lifetime contributions have shaped the field of work psychology as it is known today.

Choice Outstanding Academic Title Florida Book Awards, Bronze Medal for General Nonfiction Plants play a critical role in how we experience our environment. They create calming green spaces, provide oxygen for us to breathe, and nourish our senses. In The Nature of Plants, ecologist and nursery owner Craig Huegel demystifies the complex lives of plants and provides readers with an extensive tour into their workings. Beginning with the importance of light, water, and soil, Huegel describes the process of photosynthesis and how best to position plants to receive optimal sunlight. He explains why plants suffer from overwatering, what essential elements plants need to flourish, and what important soil organisms reside with them. Readers will understand the difference between friendly and hostile bacteria, fungi, and insects. Sections on plant structure and reproduction focus in detail on major plant organs—roots, stems, and leaves—and cover flowering, pollination, fruit development, and seed germination. Huegel even delves into the mysterious world of plant communication, exploring the messages conveyed to animals or other plants through chemical scents and hormones. With color illustrations, photographs, and real-life examples from his own gardening experiences, Huegel equips budding botanists, ecologists, and even the most novice gardeners with knowledge that will help them understand and foster plants of all types.

"At One with Nature is an inspiring collection of the latest work of Ken Yeang that further advances sustainable architecture and design. This collection features recent projects as he explores how we can achieve harmony between the natural and our built environments to create a better planet by design. Each project features and highlights not only the systems and devices adopted, but also outlines the intentions and ecological considerations demonstrating best practices for how we can proceed moving forward. The book role models our living Earth and shows how we can behave as stewards of our planet." --Cassia Patel, Oceanic Global Foundation At One with Nature showcases Ken Yeang's latest ideas, built projects designs, research work and advances in the field of designing with nature, a topic that Yeang has pioneered and developed over many decades since receiving his doctorate in ecological design and planning from Cambridge University. His ideas and work are even more pertinent today with the current state of devastation of Earth's natural systems and a biogeochemical cycle that has been extensively and severely impacted by human society. The global environment today is in a state of crisis, but what can society do to address the issues? Yeang's recent projects are presented with instructive diagrams that provide a basis for action for architects, planners, designers, engineers, and anyone whose daily work impinges on the natural environment. Offered in a highly visual, annotated format, with instructive illustrations of Yeang's theoretical books on the topic, At One with Nature is an invaluable resource that students and academics interested in designing with nature will find both informative and relevant.

From cocoa farming in Ghana to the orchards of Kent and the desert badlands of Pakistan, taking a practical approach to sustaining the landscape can mean the difference between prosperity and ruin. Working with Nature is the story of a lifetime of work, often in extreme environments, to harvest nature and protect it - in effect, gardening on a global scale. It is also a memoir of encounters with larger-than-life characters such as William Bunting, the gun-toting saviour of Yorkshire's peatlands and the aristocratic gardener Vita Sackville-West, examining their idiosyncratic approaches to conservation. Jeremy Purseglove explains clearly and convincingly why it's not a good idea to extract as many resources as possible, whether it's the demand for palm oil currently denuding the forests of Borneo, cottonfield irrigation draining the Aral Sea, or monocrops spreading across Britain. The pioneer of engineering projects to preserve nature and landscape, first in Britain and then around the world, he offers fresh insights and solutions at each step.