This book is a short and simple introduction to biodiversity-- how it arose, where it occurs, why it is important and what should be done to maintain it. Although it will be of interest to conservation and environment professionals, the text is written primarily with undergraduate students in mind.



As a result, it provides a timely overview of serious attempts made to quantify and describe biodiversity in a scientific manner, and also acts as a point of entry into the primary literature. I ncorporated into the text are a number of exercises designed to encourage active learning and promote debate of some of the more controversial issues.





Provides an affordable overview of biodiversity in under 150 pages.

Learning exercises encourage consideration and debate of some of the more controversial issues.

Annotated suggestions for further reading.

Based on a proven and successful course structure.

Emphasis on clarity and accessibility.