ISBN: 9788120353046    Publisher: PHI Learning Year of publishing: 2017     Format:  Paperback No of Pages: 604        Language: English

Biodiversity is the variety of life in a given range. Today, the world is under tremendous threat of unprecedented loss of biodiversity. Issues like global warming, environmental pollution, recurrent natural calamities and human population rise are of major concern for scientists all over the world.

The second edition of the book covers a complete range of the topics pertaining to the subject such as meaning of biodiversity, its history, importance of species diversity, systematics, determination of status of bioresources, pattern of distribution of global species, genetic diversity and ecosystem diversity. It also elaborates on various drivers that lead to biodiversity loss and its impact on global climate. Moreover, the topics on biopiracy, related laws and policies, and the importance of indigenous knowledge of several communities are also described in the text. The use of biotechnology-based methods and various measures to preserve natural resources and conserve biodiversity is the highlight of the text. Moreover, the book provides a detailed account of the conservation measures of biodiversity, especially those implemented by the government.

This book is primarily designed for the undergraduate and postgraduate students of Environmental Science, Zoology and Botany. Besides, it will also be useful for postgraduate diploma or other professional courses in Environmental Science and also for the researchers.

NEW TO THE SECOND EDITION

• 'Project Tiger' and 'Project Elephant' are introduced in the chapter on Conservation Practice.

• Various sections have been revised and updated throughout the book.

• A few figures have been added and many others have been replaced for better illustration.

KEY FEATURES

• Explains the contemporary topics such as green accounting and sustainable management of natural resources in an easy-to-understand manner.

• Incorporates a number of photographs, flow charts, diagrams and tables.

• Provides chapter-end review questions to help students check their understanding of the subject.

• Includes MCQs (with answers given at the end of the book).

• Gives an elaborate glossary of technical terms to acquaint the students with the related terminologies.

Preface • Acknowledgements 1. Biodiversity: Perception and History 2. Systematics and Biodiversity 3. Assessment of Biological Diversity 4. Distribution and Gradients of Biodiversity 5. Biodiversity and Its Components 6. Biodiversity Values 7. Biodiversity in Peril 8. Global Climate Change 9. Biodiversity Laws 10. Indigenous Knowledge, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development 11. Biodiversity and Biotechnology 12. Conservation Practice Glossary Answers to MCQs Index
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PRABODH K. MAITI, PhD, is former Emeritus Scientist and Joint Director of Zoological Survey of India, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, Kolkata. With four decades of research experience, he has published more than hundred articles and research papers in journals of national repute. A Fellow of Zoological Society, Kolkata, and a life member of Executive Committee of Zoological Society, Kolkata, Dr. P.K. Maiti has also authored two books and eight monographs. He had been the Principal Investigator of two research projects of Ministry of Environment and Forests (one on MAB) for more than ten years. |PAULAMI MAITI, PhD, is Assistant Professor, Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata. She has more than twenty years of research experience and fifteen years of teaching experience. Dr. Paulami is the life member of Indian Science Association, Kolkata and member of executive council of the Zoological Society, Kolkata. She has published numerous articles and research papers in journals of national and international repute, and presented many research papers in seminars and conferences.
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