Biodiversity: A Biology of Numbers and Difference

About this book

A series of reviews which seek to explore in depth the primary scientific issues surrounding the concept of biodiversity, and the current status of the `science'. In three parts: measuring biodiversity; patterns in biodiversity; conservation and management.

Contents

What is biodiversity? Part 1 Measuring biodiversity: genetics of biological diversity - from varieties to species; comparing character diversity among biotas; species richness - measure and measurement; measuring relations among biodiversity, ecological function and functional diversity; diversity and higher-levels of organization. Part 2 Patterns in biodiversity: spatial and temporal patterns of genetic diversity within species; spatial patterns in taxonomic diversity; temporal changes in biodiversity - detecting patterns and identifying causes; spatial and temporal patterns in functional diversity. Part 3 Conservation and management: does biodiversity matter? - evaluating the case for conserving species; identifying priorities for the conservation of biodiversity - systematic biological criteria within a socio-political framework; managing biodiversity; biodiversity and global change.

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