Book description
The Genius of Trees: How They Mastered the Elements and Shaped the World
Harriet Rix
When you think of trees, you probably picture silent sentinels that simply stand there, absorbing sunlight and turning it into oxygen. Harriet Rix turns that image on its head and invites us to see forests as living, breathing architects-organisms that actively engineer their surroundings in ways most of us never imagined.
From the very first page Rix's voice is engaging yet unpretentious; she lets the trees speak for themselves while weaving a narrative that feels like an adventurous field trip. The book opens with the striking example of oaks in Devon, whose vast root systems and fungal partners create micro-ecosystems that support entire communities of plants and animals. Then we travel to Amedi in Iraq, where certain species change sex as they age-a strategy that maximizes reproductive success-and to laurel rainforests on the Canary Islands, which regulate local water cycles with astonishing precision.
What makes this book truly remarkable is its blend of deep history, cutting-edge biochemistry, and ecological storytelling. Rix shows how some trees deliberately poison small mammals while rewarding large primates that can disperse their seeds far and wide. Others, like certain conifers in California, have the power to split solid rock, turning barren landscapes into fertile grounds capable of sustaining life. These are not just anecdotes; they are evidence of intentional design encoded within the genome of a tree.
The science is presented with clarity. Rix explains how trees manipulate fundamental elements-carbon, nitrogen, water-and even methane, challenging long-held assumptions that forests merely emit greenhouse gases. Instead, she reveals that many species consume methane, acting as natural carbon sinks. This insight reshapes our understanding of the forest's role in climate regulation.
Beyond the facts, Rix's tone is hopeful. She restores trees to their rightful place-not victims of human neglect but ingenious, creative agents shaping ecosystems and even influencing human culture. The book feels like a manifesto for a new ecological perspective: one where we recognize the agency of plants and re-evaluate our relationship with nature.
In sum, The Genius of Trees is an eye-opening journey that will leave you marveling at the quiet power of forests. It is accessible to anyone curious about science or nature, yet it offers enough depth for scholars and environmentalists alike. Rix's masterful storytelling and solid research make this a must-read for anyone who wants to see trees not just as background scenery but as dynamic architects of life on Earth.
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Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience