Deserts: A Very Short Introduction
Deserts: A Very Short Introduction by Nick Middleton, published by Oxford University Press on November 26, 2009, is a concise exploration of the diverse ecosystems that make up a significant portion of the Earth’s land surface. This edition, comprising 135 pages, delves into the common misconceptions about deserts, often viewed as barren wastelands, and instead reveals their rich biodiversity and unique beauty. Middleton, a geographer and popular science writer, presents a nuanced perspective on these environments, highlighting their extraordinary life forms and the history of human habitation.
In this informative work, readers will discover how deserts, characterized by extreme temperatures and drought, can also be vibrant and teeming with life. Middleton emphasizes the distinctiveness of each desert, showcasing their remarkable scenery and the adaptations of the organisms that thrive in such challenging conditions. The book addresses various subjects, including the historical geography of deserts and their ecological significance, providing a comprehensive understanding of these fascinating landscapes.
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Deserts make up a third of the planet’s land surface, but if you picture a desert, what comes to mind? A sandy wasteland? A drought-parched dust bowl? An alien landscape devoid of all life forms? In this marvelous Very Short Introduction, geographer and popular science writer Nick Middleton reveals that deserts are places of immense natural charm and rich biodiversity. Typified by drought and extremes of temperature, they can be harsh and hostile, but Middleton shows that many deserts are also spectacularly beautiful, and on occasion they can teem with life. The author highlights how each desert is unique, describing their frequently fantastic life forms, extraordinary scenery, and long history of ingenious human habitation. Written by a respected scientist who enjoys a wide following for his Going to Extremes television series on National Geographic, Deserts tells you everything you ever wanted to know about these extraordinary places and captures their importance in the working of our planet.
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