This revised second edition provides an introductory guide through the maze of interdisciplinary themes that comprise 'biodiversity.' It combines biological sciences with insights into the origins, variety and distribution of biodiversity, analysis of the social and political context, and the threats to, and opportunities for, the survival of natural systems.
Whilst retaining its existing structure, this updated new edition reflects advances that have demonstrated the importance of living systems as drivers of environmental services vital to human health and security. The final chapter has been revised to tackle more explicitly the contrasting approaches to conservation, and throughout, the book has been updated to reflect new research and developments.
With highly original international case studies and ample illustrations to explain difficult topics clearly, this excellent book remains the only introductory text which brings together the full range of theory and practice of ‘biodiversity’ and ‘conservation’.
Biography
Michael J. Jeffries is a Lecturer in Ecology and Environment at Northumbria University.
'A comprehensive introduction to this relativelty recent concept...a text which is far-reaching in scope and detail...a valuable elementary text' - Environmental Education and Information
'I was struck by the lively, enthusiastic and informative approach which sets this book apart from so many of the same genre...I fully intend to recommend this book to all my undergraduate students.' - Progress in Physical Geography
