Rating: 
Summary: A nice compilation. Timely, but somewhat disappointing
Review: This 1995 book by Leakey and Lewin, although very well written, ultimately proved to be somewhat of a disappointment to me. It is not that I disagree with any particular thesis in the book, as much as that I've read it all elsewhere. Those well read in Stephen Jay Gould, Richard Dawkins, or David Raup will find nothing new here; which is not to say that the message does not bear repeating to the world. Leakey and Lewin observe that the current worldwide extinction rate of species equals that of various Mass Extinctions of geologic history. Their point is that we are experiencing, and will continue to experience a loss of bio-diversity that will have profound consequences for humanity. In order to establish this thesis, they give a brief review of the history of life on this planet, the rise of Darwinism, Uniformitarianism, and now Neo-Catastrophism. The extent and nature of past Mass Extinctions are examined, along with various theories as to their cause. They continue with a discussion on ecology and the current loss of species, bio-diversity, etc. Through the bulk of this book are scattered frequent refernces to the thinking of various authors, pro and con. One gets the creepy sensation that one is reading a college book report. The sole chapter of original contribution by Leakey himself (i.e. not a paraphrase of what he has read elsewhere) is that of today's plight of the modern elephant. While not a matter of pressing concern to the average person, it is symptomatic of the problem at large which is (or should be!) of concern to us all. This book thus serves as a compilation of alarm messages sounded by many others, and as such ought to serve a useful function. Leakey, who has had an active role in efforts to save the elephant, is exquisitely sensitive to the needs of expanding human population; but the book then breaks down in it's concluding pages by viewing the main problem to be that of ecology and species loss. It is that, of course, but the root causes and possible solutions are not simple. While the authors do note the exponential rise in human population, they choose not to discuss the obvious solution (birth control). Nor do they choose to dwell on the gloomy hopelessness of achieving a solution. We have achieved our success in large part by the efficiency with which we breed, and are (alas) slave to our evolutonary past. Unfortunately all the Goulds, Leakeys, and Lewins will not be persuasive enough to enable the uneducated masses to rise above the imperitives of their genes. But they can try, and this book is a grand attempt.
Rating: 
Summary: The Sixth Extinction
Review: This book is a very interesting book. It talks about the past five major extinctions in the past, and how the Earth's organisms that survive rebound. Today, there is more species diversity than ever before, but we find ourselves in another mass extiction: one caused by humans. This book explains how humans are throwing nature into chaos, and Leakey gives insight to get humans back on track to peace with nature.
Rating:
Summary: Bye-bye Biodiversity
Review: This is not a parting that man would ever wish. In fact, we could never utter these words; if the reality of the the demise of biodiversity were to occur, we would also be gone. The extirpation of mankind. Biological diversity is simply the wealth of the world's organisms - inclusive of genes, species, ecosystems - the web of life which supports us. Leakey shows how evolutionary biology and ecology have helped us understand important new facts - the extreme intricacies of ecosystems for example. Ironically, new knowledge coming at the same time that the rate of man made change on these systems is accelerating. Leakey argues that perhaps as much as 50% of known species will be driven to extinction within the next few decades. This is the sobering message of the book; we are headed towards an abrupt and massive loss of plants and animal life - the 'sixth extinction' of the books title. Leakey traces five previous 'extinction pulses' due to factors such as climatic change and asteroid impact; this one will be our doing. A final note of interest for those who may wish to know the epistemology of the book. Leakey and co-author Roger Lewin are supporters of the concept of 'punctuated equilibrium' - a theory that sees evolution progressing in ways other than as a steady, linear process. An idea first espoused by paleontologist Stephen Jay Gould. Gould and supporters of his theory have their critics, a notable one being Edward O Wilson. Academic rivalry and ideological disputes aside, there is no disagreement on the importance of biodersity and the source of the threat to it. "Virtually all students of the extinction process agree that biological diversity is in the midst of it's sixth great crisis, this time precipitated entirely by man" (E.O.Wilson)
Rating: 
Summary: This book was the seventh extinction
Review: We, a group of high school students in North Carolina, read The Sixth Extinction as part of a class assignment. The book starts out very interesting, but progressively becomes very cut and dry. For someone looking for an interestiong story, this is not the book for you. On the other hand, it does give detailed opinions on many different theories. Throughout the book, Leakey bombards the reader with many different theories and also with scientific information. It fully informs the reader of Leakey's opinions, but it is not a leisurely read. It is very slow and it doesn't grasp on to the reader's attention.
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