The Game of Species
An Introduction to Biodiversity
Published on 8. July 2025
112 pages
978-1-78427-559-4 (ISBN)
Description
Why is life so diverse? Why are there so many different species? This book explores the origins of biodiversity, its evolution and its continuation, as well as the impact that humans are having on this natural heritage.
Richly illustrated, accessible and engaging, The Game of Species is structured like the instruction manual for a board game whose separate pieces are individual species. Each chapter explores a different aspect of this game: the origin of the pieces, how they interact with each other, the rules of the different types of board on which species exist. This game-based approach guides the reader through the science of biodiversity in a fun and rather addictive way.
We are living in a time of deep crisis in the natural world, with the loss of species and habitats impoverishing the earth for future generations. In order to stop this trend, we need to understand the essential rules that regulate biodiversity. This is a book for everyone interested in how life on earth works and the evolutionary mechanisms that shape it.
Richly illustrated, accessible and engaging, The Game of Species is structured like the instruction manual for a board game whose separate pieces are individual species. Each chapter explores a different aspect of this game: the origin of the pieces, how they interact with each other, the rules of the different types of board on which species exist. This game-based approach guides the reader through the science of biodiversity in a fun and rather addictive way.
We are living in a time of deep crisis in the natural world, with the loss of species and habitats impoverishing the earth for future generations. In order to stop this trend, we need to understand the essential rules that regulate biodiversity. This is a book for everyone interested in how life on earth works and the evolutionary mechanisms that shape it.
Reviews / Votes
This is a really good book and I thank the author for writing it so clearly... A book about all species on the whole of our planet over billions of years can surely be seen as mind-expanding and this book is designed to give you more of a grasp of how life got to where it is now. That's surely worth a read? -- Mark Avery, environmentalist and wildlife campaignerMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Exeter
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
31 Figures
ISBN-13
978-1-78427-559-4 (9781784275594)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
07/2025
Pelagic Publishing
€30.50
Shipment within 10-15 days
Person
Julian Simon Lopez-Villalta is a biologist fascinated by one question: why are there so many species? His wide range of interests, from ecology to evolution and paleobiology, makes him consider possible answers from a broad perspective. He enjoys being in nature, either watching wildlife, doing nature photography, or geologizing; when possible, he takes along his high-school students of biology and geology. Julian lives in Miguelturra (Ciudad Real, Spain) with his wife.
Content
Preface
1. Introduction to the game
2. On the origin of pieces
3. The roles of the pieces
4. About the boards
5. The islands board
6. The Red Queen's board
7. Redux
8. The future of life
Glossary
References and further reading
Illustration credits
Index
1. Introduction to the game
2. On the origin of pieces
3. The roles of the pieces
4. About the boards
5. The islands board
6. The Red Queen's board
7. Redux
8. The future of life
Glossary
References and further reading
Illustration credits
Index
