Includes bibliographical references

The Encyclopedia of Biodiversity brings together, for the first time, a study of the dimensions of diversity. It examination of the services biodiversity provides, and measures to protect it. Major themes of the work include the evolution of biodiversity, systems for classifying and defining biodiversity, ecological patterns and theories of biodiversity, and an assessment of contemporary patterns and trends in biodiversity. Subject areas include: agriculture, conservation and restoration, economics of biodiversity, environmental conditions and effects, evolution, extinctions, genetics, geographic and global issues, habitats and ecosystems, human effects and interventions, invertebrates, microbial biodiversity, plant biodiversity, population issues, public policies and attitudes, species interactions and interrelationships, systematics and species concept, techniques and measurements, theories and concepts of biodiversity and vertebrates. Publisherʼs description