Southern Wonder: Alabama's Surprising Biodiversity

by R. Scot Duncan, Edward O. Wilson Narrated by Chris Abernathy

Overview

When all the species of birds, trees, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, wildflowers, dragonflies, tiger beetles, and ants are tallied, Alabama harbors more species than ninety percent of the other states in the US. The state's 4,533 species, with more being inventoried and discovered each year, are supported by no less than sixty-four distinct ecological systems-each a unique blend of soil, water, sunlight, heat, and natural disturbance regimes.



Although Alabama is teeming with life, the state's prominence as a refuge for plants and animals is poorly appreciated. Even among Alabama's citizens, few outside a small circle of biologists, advocates, and other naturalists understand the special quality of the state's natural heritage. R. Scot Duncan rectifies this situation in Southern Wonder by providing a well-written, comprehensive overview that the general public, policy makers, and teachers can understand and use. Listeners are taken on an exploratory journey of the state's varied landscapes-from the Tennessee River Valley to the coastal dunes-and are introduced to remarkable species, such as the cave salamander and the beach mouse. By interweaving the disciplines of ecology, evolution, meteorology, and geology into an accessible whole, Duncan explains clearly why Alabama is so biotically rich and champions efforts for its careful preservation.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"In this 'surprising' book (to quote the subtitle), Duncan (Birmingham-Southern College) tells stories to 'excite the 10-year-old in all of us.' He lapses into jargon infrequently but only because of the ubiquity of some terms (e.g., r-selected) at the college level. The surprise comes from the high-quality photographs (134 in full color), the easy, breezy writing style, and the rigor of this volume. Somehow Duncan incorporates 665 citations and website links (many of them from Alabama) into accessible flowing prose. He covers all habitats, many fish and mammals (plus a few birds), but sadly no insects. Readers will truly realize the book's scope when they encounter the extensive index with 1,700 entries, 8 pages of chapter notes, and a 46-page reference section at the end. This extensive scholarly apparatus makes it a valuable academic work. Southern Wonder is a must buy for libraries in Alabama and a should buy for any library serving students in North American natural history courses. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readership levels."
—CHOICE
 



“Scot Duncan has delivered one of the most important books ever written about Alabama. Beautifully composed, it is a revelation about one of the most biologically diverse regions in North America and a call to Alabama’s people to treasure and protect the state’s living heritage.”

—Edward O. Wilson, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Social Conquest of Earth

“This book covers almost every nook of biodiversity in the state. It is well-thought-out and delivered. The organization makes it easy for both lay and experienced readers of scientific knowledge to become enthralled in the subject matter.”
—T . Wayne Barger, State Botanist, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

 

 

"Southern Wonder is an amazing and eye-opening book, comprehensive enough to be a field guide as well as a doorway to the natural world."
—Rick Montague, in awarding the 2014 Philip D. Reed Environmental Writing Award from the Southern Environmental Law Center

Product Details

BN ID:	2940192376546
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	08/20/2024
Edition description:	Unabridged

Read an Excerpt

Chapter One.

Sample: "Despite our wondrous technological advances and wealth of knowledge, we are creatures dependent upon our ecosystems for survival. This can be hard to fathom, especially for those of us who spend most of our lives within cities, buildings, and cars. However, trace the production path of the book in your hand, the food on your plate, or the water in your cup, and soon you will find a forest, field, or river where native species and natural ecological processes are essential for its production. The conversion of natural resources to food, fiber, and fuel tightly binds our fate to the land and ocean and is one of the most fundamental relationships on which our civilizations, and our individual lives, are built."