Book description
Biological Diversity
takes a fresh, innovative approach to the teaching of biodiversity.
Rather than detailing and cataloguing the major taxa and their
evolutionary relationships, the authors have selected 18 groups of
organisms and used these as a framework in which to discuss the species
and their interactions with man and each other. There is a strong
narrative theme throughout - the exploited and the exploiters - and, in
many cases, there is emphasis on the historical context. A wide range of
organisms are covered, from the unicellular to birds and mammals and
with an equal consideration of plants and animals. Species have been
chosen for their ability to best illustrate particular biological
principles, and for their strong interaction with other species.
After an introduction the book is divided into two parts: 'Exploited'
and 'Exploiters'. Each of the chapters, although linked to each other,
forms a stand-alone essay. They are scientifically rigorous,
up-to-date and do not shy away from addressing some controversial
issues. Chapters have' text boxes' highlighting important issues and
concepts, lists of further reading and references. In addition to
tables and figures the book has a selection of original illustrations
drawn by leading artist Steven Appleby.
This fresh approach will appeal to all those interested in the
biological sciences, and aims to be accessible to people with a
diversity of backgrounds. It will prove particularly useful to biology
students, enabling them to get to grips with important biological
principles and concepts that underpin the diversity of life, and the
interrelationship of humans with other groups of organisms.
