The title provides an overview of the current knowledge about the diversity ofthe living world and the various problems associated with its conservation andsust... » 

The title provides an overview of the current knowledge about the diversity ofthe living world and the various problems associated with its conservation andsustainable use. Covering both the fundamentals of the subject along with thelatest research Biodiversity presents key conservation issues within aframework of global case studies. Starting with a summary of the concept ofbiodiversity the text then explores such subjects as species richnessecological systems the consequences of human activities diversity and humanhealth genetic resources biotechnology and conservation. Comprehensiveintroduction to key issues surrounding the study of biodiversity. Extensivebibliography and references to numerous relevant websites. Introduces currentresearch in the field within a framework of useful case studies. «