What Is Death: A Scientist Looks at the Cycle of Life by Tyler Volk, explores the relationship between death and life from various perspectives. Volk, a scientist specializing in earth biology, argues that death is not simply the end but a crucial component of life, influencing its evolution, ecology, and even the development of human consciousness and culture. He examines various phenomena, such as catastrophic senescence in salmon and mayflies, negligible senescence in lobsters and bristlecone pine trees, and controlled cell death in plants and animals, to demonstrate how death contributes to the continuity and diversity of life. Volk also delves into the human experience of mortality, exploring the role of fear and terror management in shaping our worldviews, cultural practices, and even our self-esteem. He ultimately advocates for a deeper understanding of death as an integral part of life, suggesting that embracing the extended self, a concept of interconnectedness with others both living and deceased, can help us find meaning and purpose in our lives.