Includes glossary.

"First published in the United Kingdom by Witness Books, an imprint of Ebury Publishing/Penguin Random House UK, 2022"--Title page verso.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 223-264) and index.

Preface -- Setting the Scene: Two Universes -- How many species? -- Unveiling the 'dark matter' of life -- Life in peril -- Part One. Biodiversity : More Than Meets the Eye -- Chapter 1. Species -- Chapter 2. Genes -- Chapter 3. Evolution -- Chapter 4. Functions -- Chapter 5. Ecosystems -- Part Two. The Values of Biodiversity -- Chapter 6. For Us -- Chapter 7. For Nature -- Chapter 8. For Itself -- Part Three. The Threats to Biodiversity -- Chapter 9. Habitat Loss -- Chapter 10. Exploitation -- Chapter 11. Climate Change -- Chapter 12. Other Hazards and Dangers -- Part Four. Saving Biodiversity -- Chapter 13. Large-Scale Solutions -- Chapter 14. What Can We Do? -- Epilogue: Looking Ahead.

"An unforgettable exploration of the natural world and the concept of biodiversity-- what it is, why it matters, and how we as individuals can work to preserve it. We are now living in an environmental emergency. As climate change, habitat loss, and other threats have placed almost one-fifth of all species on Earth at risk of extinction in the coming decades, a deeper understanding of biodiversity has never been more important. Biodiversity encompasses the rich variety of all life on Earth - the building blocks of life that provide invaluable sources of food, medicine, clothing, building materials, and more. Marking the arrival of a bold new voice in popular science, The Hidden Universe shows readers what's at stake in the fight to protect and restore biodiversity, but also what can and should be done now to protect our planet and ourselves for the future. As director of science at one of the world's largest research organizations in plant and fungal sciences, Brazilian-born scientist Alexandre Antonelli is ideally suited to reveal the wonders of biodiversity at a genetic, species, and ecosystem level--what biodiversity is, how it works, and why it is the most important tool in our battle against climate change. Antonelli offers recommendations for large-scale political changes, as well as smaller, practical steps that readers can implement in their own lives and homes. With Antonelli as our guide, The Hidden Universe helps us imagine a future where biodiversity is not just preserved but cherished."--