Intertwined: From Insects to Icebergs

by Michael Gross

A compelling call to action to focus on what connects us in nature to solve today's problems.

In nature, everything is from microscopic bacteria and soaring trees to animals struggling for survival amid thriving humanity. Yet many of today's toughest problems, from environmental destruction to divisive politics, stem from fundamental disconnection. In Intertwined, science writer Michael Gross explains how the natural world can act as a powerful reminder of the core truth of our interdependence.

Using examples based on recent scientific discoveries across a broad range of ecosystems and species, Gross shares important—and often surprising—stories about the sophisticated web of connections in nature. From plant cooperation to turtle conversation, he highlights crucial lessons we can apply to solve complex problems caused by human disturbances to these connections. Gross provides ample evidence of the far-reaching impacts of both natural and anthropogenic phenomena, from coevolution and nutrient cycles to species domestication and extinction.

We live in a complex world endangered by simplistic thinking, as the escalating climate crisis and loss of biodiversity demonstrate. To address these issues, we must recognize the wonder and ubiquity of the self-regulating network that enables life on Earth, as well as the threats that endanger its functioning. These thought-provoking stories from nature prove why it is so important to remember the connections that tie us to each other and our world.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Natural History

424 pages, Hardcover

Published October 15, 2024

About the author

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Reviews

[CatReader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Michael Gross is a PhD scientist-turned-science writer. His 2024 book Intertwined is based premise of living organisms being evolutionary attuned to survive in specific environmental niches and coexist with other species, though there are unfortunately many tangents that made me lose interest, and I also found the writing extremely dry. This was a rare DNF (at ~80%, after many attempts at reading further) science book for me.

Further reading: books on similar topics I would recommend
Improbable Destinies: Fate, Chance, and the Future of Evolution by Jonathan Losos
The Genetic Book of the Dead: A Darwinian Reverie by Richard Dawkins

My statistics:
Book 154 for 2025
Book 2080 cumulatively

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know the title should've hinted at it but the book changes halfway through from discussing interesting ecology topics to moaning about climate change. I don't mind a bit of a moan but not half a book. Especially since it really is just hand wringing and not much else.

[Deedee Dohlman · Rating 4 out of 5]

very technical, lots of research presented in this book