"Many of the findings in the book . . . are classics of ecology. . . .
A rare and delightful insight into timely science."--Jane Lubchenco,
Nature
"Estes's refreshing narrative deftly weaves rigorous science with
personal reflection to create an absorbing and introspective read that
is equal parts memoir, ecological textbook, and motivational guidebook
for young ecologists."--Science
To newly minted biologist James Estes, the sea otters he was studying in
the leafy kelp forests off the coast of Alaska appeared to have an
unbalanced relationship with their greater environment. Gorging
themselves on the sea urchins that grazed among the kelp, these small
charismatic mammals seemed to give little back in return. But as Estes
dug deeper, he unearthed a far more complex relationship between the
otter and its underwater environment, discovering that otters play a
critical role in driving positive ecosystem dynamics. While teasing out
the connective threads, he began to question our assumptions about
ecological relationships. These questions would ultimately inspire a
lifelong quest to better understand the surprising complexity of our
natural world and the unexpected ways we discover it.
Serendipity tells the story of James Estes's life as a naturalist and
the concepts that have driven his interest in researching the ecological
role of top-level predators. Using the relationships between sea otters,
kelp, and sea urchins as a touchstone, Estes retraces his investigations
of numerous other species, ecosystems, and ecological processes in an
attempt to discover why ecologists can learn so many details about the
systems in which they work and yet understand so little about the
broader processes that influence these systems. Part memoir, part
natural history, and deeply inquisitive, Serendipity will entertain
and inform readers as it raises thoughtful questions about our
relationship with the natural world.
