Biología & Globalización

Species that came to stay in the ecosystems of Northern Argentina. Illustrated book.

In order for a human life to be considered successful, the popular saying goes that "we must have a child, write a book, and plant a tree." However, now the tree has to be "native" in order to be socially accepted. The tree has become the social vessel for this dilemma between the exotic (from outside) and the native (from our country).

A set of plants and animals have always accompanied humans in their long process of colonizing the world. These "domesticated" species have been - and still are - the everyday food security for humanity. Generally, they serve culinary needs, transportation, construction materials, aesthetic satisfaction, and some species simply accompanied humans unintentionally, without human intention or ability to avoid it.

Some of these species became problematic for humans and their activities or interests. Some began to have a bad reputation and were considered pests or objectionable to use. With the growing separation between rural and urban worlds as cities have expanded, their inhabitants advocate for a return to "nature." Paradoxically, some of these already despised species are now considered "exotic," becoming the subject of criticism and (often unsuccessful) eradication attempts. It's almost a xenophobic view of these species that have accompanied us for so long.

Perhaps this change in social criteria is an emerging element of the new paradigms of human beings, who, being more independent from natural elements for their daily lives, rely more on their own abilities and tools to ensure well-being while paradoxically yearning for a return to nature. Of course, the farmer does not have this dilemma, as they do not discriminate among species that are useful to them.

This book raises, through several examples, the human contradiction that has gradually placed in a critical position those species that were considered virtuous for many generations, deserving of the greatest benefits from humans.

Size: 22x15 cm / 68 pages / Publisher: Ediciones del Subtrópico / Softcover / Author: H. Ricardo Grau / Spanish