Biodiversity: Exploring Values and Priorities in Conservation [Paperback]

D. J. Perlman (Author), G. Adelson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 086542439X | ISBN-13: 978-0865424395 | Publication Date: September 17, 1997 | Edition: 1

Biodiversity has become a buzzword in the environmental movement and in science, and is increasingly being taught in university degree courses. This new text is designed as a primer, giving non-specialists an introduction to the historical context, current debates, and ongoing research in this subject.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

This book helps the reader understand the conceptual problems and real-world implications raised by efforts to protect biodiversity. The goal of this book is to clarify the role that human values play in creating practical definitions of the term biodiversity. The concept of biodiversity, according to the authors, is both more subtle and more difficult to employ in practical situations than is commonly appreciated.

Conceptualizing and assessing biodiversity and setting conversation priorities are not narrowly defined biological problems-they are broad based human enterprises with a large social and political component. Human resources are not sufficient to protect all of biodiversity, and difficult choices of what to conserve lie ahead. The goal of this book is to clarify the role that human values play in creating practical definitions of the term biodiversity.

This book is written for conversation decision makers: conversation biologists, lawmakers, and policy planners in governmental and non-governmental agencies; business people in fields such as agriculture, forestry, and paper products; and students in al of these fields.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 1 edition (September 17, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 086542439X
• ISBN-13: 978-0865424395
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #917,976 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars thoughtfully discusses: what is "biodiversity"?, June 28, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (New Jersey, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Biodiversity: Exploring Values and Priorities in Conservation (Paperback)

Scientists, environmentalists, and laypeople often assume that "biodiversity" is important, and should be "saved". This book looks at different types of diversity and the reasons to preserve them, and helps the reader come to a profound understanding of the concept. Perlman & Adelson's book teaches people of any background to learn to look beyond "buzzwords" and to think critically about the value of conservation.

5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless, June 3, 2004

By 

Ramsay Ravenel (South Norwalk, CT) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Biodiversity: Exploring Values and Priorities in Conservation (Paperback)

Adelson and Perlman do an excellent job of helping readers understand the issues behind biological diversity. They also explore complex questions about why some people care so much about it and why others seem to care so little. "Biodiversity" is a triumph of interdisciplinary study. The breadth of academic disciplines -- biology, anthropology, economics, philosophy, to name a few -- drawn upon by the authors does not compromise the depth of their analysis.

5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless, June 3, 2004

By 

"ramsay_ravenel" (South Norwalk, CT) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Biodiversity: Exploring Values and Priorities in Conservation (Paperback)

Adelson and Perlman do an excellent job of helping readers understand the issues behind biological diversity. They also explore complex questions about why some people care so much about it and why others seem to care so little. "Biodiversity" is a triumph of interdisciplinary study. The breadth of academic disciplines -- biology, anthropology, economics, philosophy, to name a few -- drawn upon by the authors does not compromise the depth of their analysis.