Coastal ecosystems are the most highly productive in the world. This article discusses seagrasses, major coastal producers, and provides information on their ecology, productivity, position in food chains, and role in sediment stabilization. Recent attempts to restore seagrasses in areas of massive kills are described. (MA)

Presented is a summary of scientific knowledge about the rainforest environment, a tropical ecosystem in danger of extermination. Topics include the current state of tropical rainforests, the causes of rainforest destruction, and alternatives of rainforest destruction. (BT)

Contains articles addressing the need to protect endangered species. Includes an introductory article that stresses the relationships between the loss of species diversity and the future of the human society. Seventeen brief articles follow that deal with specific endangered plants and animals. (TW)