Material Detail

This is an undergraduate textbook focusing on wildlife and ecosystem conservation, meant to replace traditional Introduction to Environmental Science texts.  In this book we present basic ecological concepts and describe major environmental threats, through the lens of biodiversity.  Ch. 1 is Introduction to biodiversity, Ch. 2 covers basic concepts in ecology and sustainability, Ch. 3 explains climate change, Ch. 4-9 covers individual ecosystem types, broadly defined.

Within each ecosystem chapter, the physical structure and biological composition are described – the types of species that live there, and the adaptations they exhibit. Within each ecosystem, we showcase important or interesting species. The values of the ecosystem are described, and then the threats, with as much up-to-date quantification of threats as possible. We end each chapter with a “sustainability story”, depicting one of the many, many efforts people are making around the world to save species, in a sustainable manner.

Ch. 10 describes the broader approach to conservation, including habitat protection, species-based approaches, laws, and individual actions. 

The book includes a glossary.  Powerpoint slides can be obtained by contacting the authors. 

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