Language: English
From the preface:
|Biodiversity is considered to be one of the key components of our basic life support systems. It is now widely recognized that the gene, species and ecosystem that are being lost at an increasingly accelerated pace, must be properly investigated, managed and conserved. The Global Biodiversity Assessment published in 1995 by the United Nation Environment Program estimated that about 13-14 million species might exist on our planet. Of this, less than two million species so far has been scientifically described. Taxonomists claim that at least 50 million species of different organisms have become extinct in the long course of evolution. The Global Biodiversity Assessment warns that unless actions are taken to protect biodiversity, we will lose opportunity for forever of reaping their full potential benefit to humankind. So, the world is now on a path to building a future of living in harmony with nature. To build support and momentum for this urgent task, the United Nations General Assembly at its 65th session declared the period 2011-2020 to be "the United Nations Decade on Biodiveristy".
Sscientists and researchers are paying attention towards global warming, pollution, xenobiotic toxicity which are increasing in accelerated pace, but there are few who are talking about the response of genes against changing environment and toxicity.
This book is a collective effort of scientists from different parts of India who support the cause of conservation of biodiversity and protection of environment. National and international collaborations are considered to be important in addressing such issues of global interest. It is our hope that the scholarly discussion in various research articles will promote interest among all concerned in rationally managing imperiled natural resources."