What role does extinction play in the balance of nature?

How does Quammen approach the various scientific debates he writes about? Does he take sides?

Quammen frequently uses sarcasm in his writing. To what degree is this effective?

What kind of book is "The Song of the Dodo?" Is it a science book, travelogue, or autobiography? Does it succeed?

Is the controversy over how Darwin treated Wallace important to Quammen's thesis? Why does he include it?

Does Quammen reach any solid conclusions or suggest any solutions to the questions he asks?

Quammen's book is divided into dozens of very short sections. Is this an effective arrangement? Why or why not?