This volume compiles the `state of the art' knowledge on several aspects of ``Biodiversity, Conservation, and Systematics". The International Botanical Community recognizes "that plants create the ecological habitat for all terrestrial organisms, and that their management and conservation depend on a good understanding of their taxonomy". Biodiversity is considered as "an immense economic resource". Its conservation and sustainable use ensures food security, safeguards human health, and provides ecological as well as aesthetic and cultural benefits. Systematics, as a fundamental science, serves as a very important discipline for understanding biodiversity. In this volume, emphasis has been laid on the simplest Prokaryotic organisms, the diverse Algae, the "Adaptive Strategies of Bryophytes and the "Diversity in Pteridophytes". There is stress on the importance of Ethnic Knowledge, Botanic Gardens, and Reproductive Biology in conservation. Interesting aspects of `Invasive Plant Species', `Analysis of Plant Biodiversity and Evolution at Genome Level' and `Leaf Epidermal Diversity in Grasses' are discussed. Detailed accounts of the fauna and flora of Punjab have also been provided. Dr. Prithipalsingh is a Senior Reader in Botany in Kirorimal College. He has been teaching since 1971. The areas of special interest in which he is recognized as an expert include, besides Plant Taxonomy, Biodiversity Studies, Ecology and Environmental Biology. He has published numerous research papers in National and International Journals. Dr. Prithipalsingh served on the National Consultation Committee for discussing the "State of the Environment Report of India 2001" prepared by the United Nations Environment Programme. He has completed a project on "Status of biodiversity conservation in Punjab" for the Punjab Forest Department, as a member of the Tata Energy Research Institute team. As a consultant for Biodiversity with “The Energy Research Institute (TERI)”, Dr. Prithipalsingh participated in several World Bank funded research projects of the Uttar Pradesh/Uttranchal State Forest Department. He has obtained first hand information on the effect of 'fire', 'grazing', 'collection of non-timber forest products' and 'natural regeneration', focusing on the ground realities for evaluating the impact of different parameters necessary for formulating “management recommendations”.

This book is about phylogenetic diversity as an approach to reduce biodiversity losses in this period of mass extinction. Chapters in the first section deal with questions such as the way we value phylogenetic diversity among other criteria for biodiversity conservation; the choice of measures; the loss of phylogenetic diversity with extinction; the importance of organisms that are deeply branched in the tree of life, and the role of relict species. The second section is composed by contributions exploring methodological aspects, such as how to deal with abundance, sampling effort, or conflicting trees in analysis of phylogenetic diversity. The last section is devoted to applications, showing how phylogenetic diversity can be integrated in systematic conservation planning, in EDGE and HEDGE evaluations. This wide coverage makes the book a reference for academics, policy makers and stakeholders dealing with biodiversity conservation.

Contributed articles in the Indian context.

Biodiversity and Evolution includes chapters devoted to the evolution and biodiversity of organisms at the molecular level, based on the study of natural collections from the Museum of Natural History. The book starts with an epistemological and historical introduction and ends with a critical overview of the Anthropocene epoch. - Explores the study of natural collections of the Museum of Natural History - Examines evolution and biodiversity at the molecular level - Features an introduction focusing on epistemology and history - Provides a critical overview

Issues in Global Environment: Biodiversity, Resources, and Conservation: 2011 Edition is a ScholarlyEditions™ eBook that delivers timely, authoritative, and comprehensive information about Global Environment—Biodiversity, Resources, and Conservation. The editors have built Issues in Global Environment: Biodiversity, Resources, and Conservation: 2011 Edition on the vast information databases of ScholarlyNews.™ You can expect the information about Global Environment—Biodiversity, Resources, and Conservation in this eBook to be deeper than what you can access anywhere else, as well as consistently reliable, authoritative, informed, and relevant. The content of Issues in Global Environment: Biodiversity, Resources, and Conservation: 2011 Edition has been produced by the world’s leading scientists, engineers, analysts, research institutions, and companies. All of the content is from peer-reviewed sources, and all of it is written, assembled, and edited by the editors at ScholarlyEditions™ and available exclusively from us. You now have a source you can cite with authority, confidence, and credibility. More information is available at http://www.ScholarlyEditions.com/.

During the past decade there has been a growing interest in bioenergy, driven by concerns about global climate change, growing energy demand, and depleting fossil fuel reserves. The predicted rise in biofuel demand makes it important to understand the potential consequences of expanding biofuel cultivation. A systematic review was conducted on the biodiversity impacts of three first-generation biofuel crops (oil palm, soybean, and jatropha) in the tropics. The study focused on the impacts on species richness, abundance (total number of individuals or occurrences), community composition, and ecosystem functions related to species richness and community composition.

This book covers biodiversity conservation under special consideration of the challenges in the global south with particular attention being paid to consider the existing conservation challenges in relation to the study area in Ethiopia. Key issues are addressed, such as the current and future threats to plant biodiversity in Ethiopia, as well as the single large or several small conservation approaches and which approach is feasible for Ethiopia. Furthermore, an innovative approach was developed that enhances ecological connectivity and promotes ecological restoration through community involvement. The book also covers why a systematic conservation planning approach is important and should be used in new protected area establishments, and also looks at the trends of plant ecology research over the past five decades, revealing research gaps and suggesting future research topics. Despite its focus on Ethiopian plant diversity, abundant examples were used from different continents making this book attractive to global readers. It will be of interest for policy- and decision-makers in the conservation sector, researchers interested in biodiversity, climate change, conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, and would be a valuable resource for university students.

Biodiversity Conservation - Challenges for the Future is a multidisciplinary book, linking topics on biodiversity, conservation, food and nutrition, organic farming, food security and sustainable management. The book summarizes the key ideas for meeting the challenges of biodiversity conservation. It presents suggestions and recommendations and reiterates the need for raising awareness among a range of stakeholders about conservation and sustainable management of biological resources and associated traditional knowledge resources along with ensuring appropriate capacity building at individual and institutional levels. The book also brings a wealth of knowledge about the local marine ecosystem and Western Ghats biodiversity. Readers will find an a overview of several aspects of biodiversity ranging from: a) The diversity of flora and fauna which will be of immense benefit to the local community. b) Laws and regulations related to access and benefits of sharing Bio-resources.(please check if the yellow highlighted term is correct) c) Sustainable management models for marine and wetland environmental conservation. d) Case studies of human participation in biodiversity conservation programmes. e) Key ideas for meeting the challenges of biodiversity conservation and for planning conservation programmes. Biodiversity Conservation - Challenges for the Future is a handy resource for the local conservationist community consisting of policy makers, academicians, scientists, environmentalists, students and grass root level conservationists.

Biological diversity - or ‘biodiversity’ - is the degree of variation of life within an ecosystem. It is a relatively new topic of study but has grown enormously in recent years. Because of its interdisciplinary nature the very concept of biodiversity is the subject of debate amongst philosophers, biologists, geographers and environmentalists. The Routledge Handbook of Philosophy of Biodiversity is an outstanding reference source to the key topics and debates in this exciting subject. Comprising twenty-three chapters by a team of international contributors the Handbook is divided into six parts: Historical and sociological contexts, focusing on the emergence of the term and early attempts to measure biodiversity What is biodiversity? How should biodiversity be defined? How can biodiversity include entities at the edge of its boundaries, including microbial diversity and genetically engineered organisms? Why protect biodiversity? What can traditional environmental ethics contribute to biodiversity? Topics covered include anthropocentrism, intrinsic value, and ethical controversies surrounding the economics of biodiversity Measurement and methodology: including decision-theory and conservation, the use of indicators for biodiversity, and the changing use of genetics in biodiversity conservation Social contexts and global justice: including conservation and community conflicts and biodiversity and cultural values Biodiversity and other environmental values: How does biodiversity relate to other values like ecological restoration or ecological sustainability? Essential reading for students and researchers in philosophy, environmental science and environmental studies, and conservation management, it will also be extremely useful to those studying biodiversity in subjects such as biology and geography.