Earth's astonishing diversity of life - in coral reefs, Arctic tundra, tropical rainforests, deep-sea hot springs, and many others - is amazing for its beauty and for the ecosystem services it provides. People, however, exploit organisms and ecosystems for food, clothing, shelter, medicines, and fuel, damaging or destroying many ecosystems. As a result of human activities, species extinctions are occurring at a rate 10 to 100 times faster than in the planet's recent history. ''Biosphere'' candidly explores these pressing issues in a clear, accessible format. The information covered in this eye-opening new book discusses how ecosystems must be set aside, habitats restored, and global warming thwarted. Readers will learn how organisms can be saved in their native habitats or in zoos, or their genes can be preserved in freezers.