Biodiversity: A Biology of Numbers and Difference.

TLDR

Biodiversity encompasses genetic, species, and functional diversity, and its measurement, spatial‑temporal patterns, and conservation relevance are central to ecological research. The study aims to evaluate the case for conserving species and to identify priorities for biodiversity conservation. It does so by applying systematic biological criteria within a socio‑political framework to manage biodiversity amid global change.

Abstract

What is biodiversity? Part 1 Measuring biodiversity: genetics of biological diversity - from varieties to species comparing character diversity among biotas species richness - measure and measurement measuring relations among biodiversity, ecological function and functional diversity diversity and higher-levels of organization. Part 2 Patterns in biodiversity: spatial and temporal patterns of genetic diversity within species spatial patterns in taxonomic diversity temporal changes in biodiversity - detecting patterns and identifying causes spatial and temporal patterns in functional diversity. Part 3 Conservation and management: does biodiversity matter? - evaluating the case for conserving species identifying priorities for the conservation of biodiversity - systematic biological criteria within a socio-political framework managing biodiversity biodiversity and global change.