Reviews

“After an explanation of a lake’s food chain and the place of photosynthesis in the evolution of life on Earth, this book steps out of the sunlight and into dark habitats. Research on hydrothermal vents, caves, aquifers, and rocks has revealed creatures previously unknown to science, including a microbe that appears to live on water and rock, ‘strong evidence that an ecosystem can, in fact, exist without the Sun.’ Stewart’s well-researched book ends with a discussion of the nature and origins of life on Earth. Given the quality of writing and the lack of books for young people on this subject, [librarians should] make room for this intriguing book."

“What do Movile Cave and the Mariana Trench have in common? They are both habitats where unique life forms have developed. Only in the last 50 years have scientists been able to explore the remote ecosystems in caves, the ocean, and underground aquifers. Stewart begins her book with a clear explanation of photosynthesis and the food chain. She then considers how life evolved with little or no light, focusing on specific habitats. The author weaves in information about plate tectonics and animal classification to give a full picture of life below Earth’s surface. She concludes with a discussion of some of the questions raised by these investigations."