Setting the scene: two universes ; How many species? ; Unveiling the 'dark matter' of life ; Life in peril

Part one - biodiversity: more than meets the eye ; Species ; Genes ; Evolution ; Functions ; Ecosystems

Part two - the values of biodiversity ; For us ; For nature ; For itself

Part three - the threats to biodiversity ; Habitat loss ; Exploitation ; Climate change ; Other hazards and dangers

Part four - saving biodiversity ; Large-scale solutions ; What can we do? ; Epilogue: looking ahead.