Biodiversity and Conservation

ISBN-13: 9780415342995 / Angielski / Twarda / 2006 / 236 str.

Mike J. Jeffries

Opis

The value of planet Earth's biodiversity has been estimated at US $16-54 trillion per year. Trillions of dollars of food, raw materials, pharmaceuticals, oxygen production, soil nutrient enrichment, climate regulation and sheer aesthetic delight and wonder. We are reliant on biodiversity to keep the plant healthy and resilient.
The 2nd edition of "Biodiversity and Conservation" continues offers an introductory guide through the maze of interdisciplinary themes that combine under the concept of 'biodiversity.' Using engaging examples throughout the text combines biological sciences with its insights into the origins, variety and distribution of biodiversity, with the analysis of the social and political context, the threats to and opportunities for the survival of natural systems. Whilst retaining its existing structure the new edition reflects advances that have demonstrated the importance of living systems as drivers of environmental services vital to human health and security. The processes driving the creation and distribution of biodiversity have been updated to reflect new research. The final chapter has been revised to tackle more explicitly the contrasting approaches to conservation.
The text remains the only introductory book bringing together the full range of science and social sciences, theory and practice that goes to make up biodiversity and conservation.

Recenzje

'A comprehensive introduction to this relativelty recent concept...a text which is far-reaching in scope and detail...a valuable elementary text' - Environmental Education and Information

'I was struck by the lively, enthusiastic and informative approach which sets this book apart from so many of the same genre...I fully intend to recommend this book to all my undergraduate students.' - Progress in Physical Geography

Spis treści

1. Biodiversity: From Concept to Crisis  2. The Creation of Biodiversity  3. An Inventory of Planet Earth  4. Extinction  5. The Conservation of Biodiversity

O autorze

Michael J. Jeffries is a Lecturer in Ecology and Environment at Northumbria University.