Trees clean the air and water, bees pollinate our crops, and the kingfisher inspired the construction of high-speed trains. In the heart of the natural world is a life-support system like no other, one that facilitates food, fresh water, medicine, pollution control, carbon sequestration, erosion prevention, recreation, spiritual health, and so much more. In this utterly captivating book, the author of Extraordinary Insects sets out to explore these interconnected elements, taking a journey through the surprising characteristics of the natural world and relating them to our own lives.