Biodiversity: A Beginner's Guide (Beginner's Guides)

This important book for scientists and nonscientists alike calls attention to a most urgent global problem: the rapidly accelerating loss of plant and animal species to increasing human population pressure and the demands of economic development. Based on a major conference sponsored by the National Academy of Sciences and the Smithsonian Institution, Biodiversity creates a systematic framework for analyzing the problem and searching for possible solutions. Table of ContentsFront MatterThe Current State of Biological DiversityPart 1: Challenges to the Preservation of BiodiversityPart 2: Human Dependence on Biological DiversityPart 3: Diversity at Risk: Tropical ForestsPart 4: Diversity at Risk: The Global PerspectivePart 5: The Value of BiodiversityPart 6: How is Biodiversity Monitored and Protected?Part 7: Science and Technology: How Can They Help?Part 8: Restoration Ecology: Can We Recover Lost Ground?Part 9: Alternatives to DestructionPart 10: Policies to Protect DiversityPart 11: Present Problems and Future ProspectsPart 12: Ways of Seeing the BiospherePart 13: EpilogueIndex The diversity of life forms is one of the greatest wonders of the planet earth. The biosphere is an intricate tapestry of interwoven life forms. This book offers an overall view of this biological diversity and carries an urgent warning about the rapid alteration and destruction of the environments that have fostered the diversity of life forms for more than a billion years. The source of this book is the National Forum on BioDiversity, held in Washington, D.C., on September 21-24, 1986, under the auspices of the National Academy of Sciences and the Smithsonian Institution. The forum featured more than 60 leading biologists, economists, agricultural experts, philosophers, representatives of assistance and lending agencies, and other professionals. Included in this book are 57 papers presented at the forum. Topics include: (1) "The Current State of Biological Diversity"; (2) "Challenges to the Preservation of Biodiversity"; (3) "Human Dependence on Biological Diversity"; (4) "Diversity at Risk: Tropical Forests"; (5) "Diversity at Risk: The Global Perspective"; (6) "The Value of Biodiversity"; (7) "How is Biodiversity Monitored and Protected?"; (8) "Science and Technology: How Can They Help?"; (9) "Restoration Ecology: Can We Recover Lost Ground?"; (10) "Alternatives to Destruction"; (11) "Policies to Protect Diversity"; (12) "Present Problems and Future Prospects"; (13) "Ways of Seeing the Biosphere"; and (14) "Epilogue." (CW) This important book for scientists and nonscientists alike calls attention to a most urgent global problem: the rapidly accelerating loss of plant and animal species to increasing human population pressure and the demands of economic development. Based on a major conference sponsored by the National Academy of Sciences and the Smithsonian Institution, Biodiversity creates a systematic framework for analyzing the problem and searching for possible solutions.

This book calls attention to the rapidly accelerating loss of plant and animal species to increasing human population pressure and the demands of economic development.

This book is a short and simple introduction to biodiversity-- how it arose, where it occurs, why it is important and what should be done to maintain it. Although it will be of interest to conservation and environment professionals, the text is written primarily with undergraduate students in mind. As a result, it provides a timely overview of serious attempts made to quantify and describe biodiversity in a scientific manner, and also acts as a point of entry into the primary literature. I ncorporated into the text are a number of exercises designed to encourage active learning and promote debate of some of the more controversial issues. Biologist John Spicer shows how closely our future is linked with that of biodiversity while navigating readers through some key problems facing our planet, including mass extinctions, population explosions, habitat destruction, and pollution. Along the way, he provides valuable insight into the impact humans have had upon the earth and its inhabitants, whether efforts such as ecotourism really help, and how scientists and economists calculate the 'value' of biodiversity. Passionately argued, this book is a must for anyone who has an appreciation for nature and wants to understand the real issues at stake in preserving it. Cover; Title page; Copyright page; Dedication page; Contents; preface; one the wood among which the trees are found; two all creatures that on earth do dwell; three where on earth is biodiversity?; four diversity, extinction and deep time; five crisis? what crisis?; six no such thing as a free lunch; seven leaving the world as you would like to find it; eight the ring of living beauty; further reading and website references; appendix; index.;In this steadfast and yet witty guide, biologist John Spicer examines biodiversity, giving the reader an insight into the myriad of organisms that surround us. Biodiversity: A Beginner’s Guide combines the most up-to-date scientific thought with a genuine passion for the natural world. John Spicer explores the causes behind the current crisis in biodiversity, and urges us to take steps now to protect and preserve nature’s wonders.

In this steadfast and yet witty guide, biologist John Spicer examines biodiversity, giving the reader an insight into the myriad of organisms that surround us.

Discusses the many different life forms that have existed on Earth, their importance, and how they have changed over time John I. Spicer. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 163-169) And Index.