Biodiversity and Conservation / Edition 2

by Michael J. Jeffries

Overview

This revised second edition provides an introductory guide through the maze of interdisciplinary themes that comprise 'biodiversity.' It combines biological sciences with insights into the origins, variety and distribution of biodiversity, analysis of the social and political context, and the threats to, and opportunities for, the survival of natural systems.

Whilst retaining its existing structure, this updated new edition reflects advances that have demonstrated the importance of living systems as drivers of environmental services vital to human health and security. The final chapter has been revised to tackle more explicitly the contrasting approaches to conservation, and throughout, the book has been updated to reflect new research and developments.

With highly original international case studies and ample illustrations to explain difficult topics clearly, this excellent book remains the only introductory text which brings together the full range of theory and practice of ‘biodiversity’ and ‘conservation’.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415343008
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	12/08/2005
Series:	Routledge Introductions to Environment: Environment and Society Texts , #2
Edition description:	REV
Pages:	254
Product dimensions:	6.88(w) x 9.69(h) x (d)

About the Author

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

Table of Contents

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

Editorial Reviews

'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

From the Publisher

Reviews the conceptual origins of the term biodiversity and the underlying ecological processes, patterns, and evolutionary forces that create it. The author explains life's variety, measurements and patterns, losses and threats, both natural and human, and the causes and consequences of extinction and ecosystem collapse. He also delves into the legislative species/habitat protection and economic approaches to conservation. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Booknews