This is a novel about a spacecraft having an accident on a ranch in southern New Mexico, with six small aliens on board. They are here on earth to secure seed for plants, animals, and fish to accelerate life development on young planets. Their mission is to develop islands across the universe that can become homes for an expanding population in other solar systems. The aliens are very powerful, yet peaceful in their intensions. These same aliens have visited this ranch two other times over several generations of the ranching family. They become close friends with the family in past visits and also while repairing their shuttlecraft in the ranchers work shop. They have many adventures while here on earth. The ranchers also have many adventures traveling around the earth with the aliens and on their starship. At the end the aliens are ready to announce their presence and develop trade agreements with the people and governments here on earth.

The papers included in this readings text were selected and are introduced by the authors of Ecology as examples of excellent and insightful research that greatly contributes to our grasp and exploration of ecological questions. These studies span the range of ecological perspectives and are significant reading for every student in the life sciences.