Christian Lévêque, Jean-Claude Mounolou

Biodiversity

• Broschiertes Buch

Produktbeschreibung

The title provides an overview of the current knowledge about the diversity of the living world and the various problems associated with its conservation and sustainable use. Covering both the fundamentals of the subject, along with the latest research, "Biodiversity presents key conservation issues within a framework of global case studies. Starting with a summary of the concept of biodiversity, the text then explores such subjects as species richness, ecological systems, the consequences of human activities, diversity and human health, genetic resources, biotechnology and conservation. Comprehensive introduction to key issues surrounding the study of biodiversity. Extensive bibliography and references to numerous relevant websites. Introduces current research in the field within a framework of useful case studies.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: Wiley
• Seitenzahl: 256
• Erscheinungstermin: 16. Januar 2004
• Englisch
• Abmessung: 229mm x 152mm x 18mm
• Gewicht: 490g
• ISBN-13: 9780470849576
• ISBN-10: 0470849576
• Artikelnr.: 21861573

Autorenporträt

Christian Lévêque is the author of Biodiversity, published by Wiley. Jean-Claude Mounolou is the author of Biodiversity, published by Wiley.

Inhaltsangabe

Introduction.

1 Brief history of a concept: why be concerned withbiological diversity?

1.1 What does 'biodiversity refer to?

1.2 The origins of the Convention on Biological Diversity andwhat is at stake.

1.3 What is changing?

2 Biological diversity: what do we know?

2.1 The classification of living organisms - underlyingprinciples.

2.2 The inventory of species.

2.3 Systematics, computer technology and the internet.

2.4 measuring biological diversity.

2.5 The geographic distribution of biological diversity.

3 The mechanisms at work in the diversification oflife.

3.1 What is life?

3.2 Origins and dynamics of intra- and interspecific geneticdiversity.

3.3 How are species born?

3.4 Extinctions.

3.5 Adaptation: a fundamental property of living organisms.

3.6 Major stages in the diversification of the living world.

3.7 Is the evolution of life predetermined?

4 The species richness of natural communities as a result ofe quilibrium/non-equilibrium processes.

4.1 Theories of equilibrium based on interspecificrelationships.

4.2 Theories of succession.

4.3 The dynamic equilibrium of ecosystems and the role ofdisturbances.

4.4 Spatial heterogeneity and temporal variability.

4.5 Are ecological communities governed by niche-assembly ordispersal- assembly rules?

5 Biological diversity and the functioning of ecologicalsystems.

5.1 Biological diversity: a dynamic system.

5.2 The ecosystem approach.

5.3 Functions of species within ecosystems.

5.4 Hypotheses on the role of species in ecosystemfunctioning.

5.5 Neighbourhood relationships between species.

5.6 Food webs and trophic chains.

5.7 The diversity of species and biological production.

5.8 Biological diversity and the 'stability' ofecosystems.

5.9 The role of biological diversity in biochemical cycles.

5.10 The role of biological communities.

5.11 Biological diversity and the dynamics of the biosphere

6 The dynamics of biological diversity and the consequencesof human activities.

6.1 Paleoenvironments and biological diversity.

6.2 Humankind and the erosion of biological diversity.

6.3 Human activities and the dynamics of biologicaldiversity

7 The dynamics of biological diversity and implications forhuman health.

7.1 The complexity of host-parasite relationships.

7.2 Emerging pathologies.

7.3 Environmental change, biological diversity and humanhealth.

7.4 The growing virulence of viral diseases.

7.5 Adaptive strategies of pathogenic agents and theirvectors.

7.6 Substances of medical interest and biological diversity

8 Genetic resources and biotechnology.

8.1 The domestication of nature: an old story.

8.2 Genetic diversity and domestication: creating and selecting'useful' species.

8.3 The management and diversity of genetic resources.

8.4 The biotechnological revolution and genetically modifiedorganisms.

8.5 Property rights and the commercialization of livingthings.

8.6 Patents on life: an open debate

9 'Useful' nature: the value and use ofbiological diversity.

9.1 Benefits and services provided by ecosystems.

9.2 Theoretical bases for assessing the economic value ofbiological diversity.

9.3 Putting a price on biological diversity.

9.4 Uses for biological diversity.

A conclusion of sorts.

References and further reading.

Index.

Rezensionen

"Leveque and Mounolou provide a useful and interdisciplinaryoverview of the issues surrounding biodiveristy conservation andthe sustainable use of biological resources.... Whether acourse companion, ready reference, or guide to structuring yourlecture content, this book will undoubtedly be of interest andvalue and deserves a place on your bookshelf." (Journal ofEnvironmental Quality, July/August 2004)

"...very thorough, precise and up-to-date...clear,well structured and easily accessible..." (Geography,2004)