The family is nature's masterpiece' - George Santayana A compendium of practical advice and reflections on modern family life in the age of computer gaming, ever younger drug and drink problems, educational upheaval and concerns about the way children's freedom, health and personal development are threatened by considerations of safety. Libby also considers the maintenance of marriage in an age of rising divorce and stepfamilies, a balanced approach to sexual threats to children, and the dangers and opportunities for family life caused by dual careers, teleworking, and other trends in the modern workplace. Each subject is treated with wit and brevity to make the book a delight to read as well as providing a fund of useful advice.

Originally published in 1982, The Masterpiece of Nature examines sex as representative of the most important challenge to the modern theory of evolution. The book suggests that sex evolved, not as the result of normal Darwinian processes of natural selection, but through competition between populations or species - a hypothesis elsewhere almost universally discredited. The book also discusses the nature of sex and its consequences for the individual and for the population, as well as various other theories of sex. Since the value of these theories is held to reside wholly in their ability to predict the patterns of sexuality observed in nature, the book seeks to provide an extensive review of the circumstances in which sexuality is attenuated or lost throughout the animal kingdom, and these facts are then used to weigh up the merits of the rival theories. This book will be of interest to researchers in the area of genetics, ecology and evolutionary biology.

This book, "Understanding Humans as Nature’s Masterpiece," explores the many aspects of human nature that make us truly remarkable. From our complex cognitive abilities to our emotional depth and capacity for empathy, this book delves into the many facets of what it means to be human. In the following pages, you will discover the incredible history of our species. You will explore the biological and psychological foundations of human behavior, including our unique capacity for language, self-awareness, and moral reasoning. You will also learn about the many ways in which humans have contributed to the world, from art and literature to science and technology. Our remarkable inventions, from the wheel to the internet, have revolutionized the way we live and interact with each other.

In the vast tapestry of the universe, the human body stands as an intricate and awe-inspiring masterpiece, a testament to the wonders of nature. Within the pages of this eBook, we embark on a journey, delving into the extraordinary complexities and astonishing capabilities that reside within us. The human body, with its myriad systems and functions, has captivated scientists, artists, and thinkers for centuries. Its mysteries have inspired exploration, innovation, and profound philosophical contemplation. In this exploration, we aim to unravel the enigmas that make us who we are: the beating of our hearts, the firing of synapses, the intricate dance of our cells, and the silent language of our genes. As we venture deeper, we will uncover the fascinating stories of our organs, tissues, and cells. From the microscopic world of DNA to the grandeur of our skeletal structure, each page unravels a new layer of understanding. We will discover the body's ability to heal, adapt, and protect itself against the challenges of the environment. But this journey is not only about science; it's a celebration of the human spirit. It's about the resilience of the body in the face of adversity, the exquisite interplay of biological processes, and the marvel of evolution that has sculpted us into beings of immense complexity. Prepare to be amazed, inspired, and enlightened. Whether you are a scientist, a student, a curious mind, or anyone in between, this eBook is your guide to appreciating the intricacies of our existence. Let us embark together on this odyssey through the human body, an adventure that unveils the true nature's masterpiece within each of us.

W.D.Hamilton was responsible for one of the major revolutions in evolutionary thought since Darwin - that of the 'gene's eye view of life'. He was a scientific pioneer, a misunderstood genius: risk-taker, jungle explorer, and uncompromising truth-seeker. This illuminating and moving biography documents Hamilton's extraordinary life and science.

Most of us watch with mild concern the fast disappearing wild spaces or the recurrence of pollution - related crises such as oil spills, toxic blooms in fertilizer-enriched rivers, and the increasing violence in our own country. Joy Williams does much more than watch. With guts and passion, she sounds the alarm over the general disconnection from the natural world that our consumer culture has created. The culling of elephants, electron-probed chimpanzees, and the vanishing wetlands are just some of her subjects. Razor-sharp, controversial, scathingly opinionated, and refreshingly unafraid of conflict, Williams refuses to compromise as she lashes out at the greed of Americans and decries our own turpitude. It is not enough to mourn the passing of the natural world, Ill Nature shouts. Get out of our homes and our cars and our cubicles and do something...now.

Quite a number of books have been published about the zapovedniks of Russia (which are strictly protected State nature reserves) but so far most of those books have been scientific. There are very few colourful popular publications, which can be readily understood by a broad readership. The creators of this book have worked hard to make their contribution to fill this gap. The easy, narrative text immerses readers into the world of preserved nature, giving the feeling that they are travelling within those beautiful areas. At the same time one can get to know the history of the zapovedniks, which was often difficult and dramatic. However, it is not enough to merely read about nature. It is also essential for understanding to see that nature. The wonderful photographs of landscape and wildlife, taken by our leading nature photographers, also form a significant and exciting part of this book. The authors and publishers of this book believe that when readers see and understand the beauty of our Russian Nature Reserves – their forests, mountains and tundra; their steppelands and coastlines – they will feel at one with nature. Realising its riches, they will want to make their own contribution to the good cause of nature conservation.

The author's insights about a variety of natural phenomena contribute to our understanding of some of the great medical puzzles of the era. -- Back cover.