Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the variety of life in a given range. The world today is under tremendous threat of unprecedented loss of biodiversity. Issues like global warming, environmental pollution, recurrent natural calamities, etc. are of major concern for scientists all over the world. This comprehensive text provides a complete coverage of the subject. Beginning with a detailed introduction of biodiversity, its meaning, history and importance, the text discusses the topics such as species diversity, systematics, determination of the status of bioresources, pattern of distribution of global species, genetic biodiversity and ecosystem biodiversity. Proceeding further, the book gives an elaborate account on various drivers that lead to biodiversity loss and the impact of this loss on the global climate. This book also covers the topics of biopiracy and various laws and policies associated with it. Finally, the text describes the importance of indigenous knowledge of several communities that provide clues for biodiversity conservation. The use of biotechnology based methods and various measures to preserve natural resources and conserve biodiversity is the highlight of the text. This book is primarily designed for the undergraduate and postgraduate students of Environmental Science, Zoology and Botany. Besides, it will also be useful to the students pursuing P.G. Diploma or other professional and technical courses in Environmental Science. The text is of immense use to academicians, researchers and for all those who have concern for the environmental issues including its conservation. KEY FEATURES: Illustrated profusely with numerous photographs, flow charts and diagrams. Incorporates a number of tables to acquaint the readers with a quick view of data related to biodiversity. Provides review questions at the end of every chapter to help students check their understanding of the subject. Explains the contemporary topics like green accounting, sustainable management of natural resources, etc. in an easy to understand manner. Gives an elaborate glossary of technical terms to acquaint the students with the terminologies associated with the subject.