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Can Any Biodiversity Definition Really Cover The Topic
from:Biodiversity started out as a contraction of “biological” and “diversity”. It was coined in 1985, but has taken on its own meaning since then.
Scientists prefer using the broadest possible biodiversity definition, in order to not overlook any aspect of what is an exceedingly complex subject. However, one of the largest problems facing scientists, government agencies, end environmental groups is how exactly, to define “biodiversity”. Dictionaries are generally silent anything more than the most general outline of the subject, but most have some elements in common. Most take into account that a it must reference the number and variety of plants and animal species, and that these species occupy a particular geographic region. Some include the concept of the variability of those plants and species. One or two include the variability within and among ecosystems, as well as within and between living organisms.
One of the best biodiversity definitions we have found comes from The Center for International Environmental Law: “Biodiversity is the variability of all living organisms -- including animal and plant species -- of the genes of all these organisms, and of the terrestrial, aquatic and marine ecosystems of which they are part.”
Developing a biodiversity definition is problematic no matter who is doing it because biodiversity is a very broad topic and includes “everything”, making it very hard to exclude “anything”. For example, while every biodiversity definition includes plant and animal life, not all include the soil or water that sustains that life, although to be totally fair, most do so. Further, not every biodiversity definition includes human beings. Complicating the matter even more is the problem of whether a real, comprehensive biodiversity definition should include only those species that humans find useful, or all the given plant and animal species of an area.
With such differences, it is almost impossible to come to a conclusion about the meaning of the term, let alone the scope of the topic. Add in the differing agendas of all those who claim to be concerned about biodiversity, and those who claim to want to do something about it, and you have a situation more confusing than resolvable. Then add in those who insist that nothing can be done because there is no way biodiversity and progress can coexist. Clearly, if something cannot be defined easily and concisely, how can the issues presented by it be prioritized, let alone having resources allocated to resolve them?
Given the difficulties of establishing a unified, comprehensive biodiversity definition, the question is less which definition should prevail, but more what we do to preserve biodiversity.
Biodiversity Of South America Specific links
Biodiversity Of South America News
Top 10 New Species Revealed By Scientists - Sky News
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Living Planet Report Details Threats To Earth's Biodiversity - RedOrbit
![]() msnbc.com | Living Planet Report Details Threats To Earth's Biodiversity RedOrbit Middle income countries, like those in South America, had rates of animal population drop around 25 percent. Wealthy countries, like the US, actually saw a 5 percent increase in their various species population. The Living Planet researchers determined ... In the News: Study reveals devastating declines in tropical species We must look after Earth, there's no planet B |
We're putting our foot in it - New Zealand Herald
We're putting our foot in it New Zealand Herald Much of the growth will be in Africa, Asia and Latin America - tropical regions where biodiversity has suffered most as forests are destroyed, land use intensifies and rivers are utilised. In Africa and Asia, a scramble for land is underway, ... |
And the invasive water weed ravages water bodies - New Vision
![]() New Vision | And the invasive water weed ravages water bodies New Vision Its origin is believed to be South America. The water hyacinth was not reported in Lake Victoria until 1989, although some researchers say the weed had been growing in Africa's waters since the 1870s. There were rumours among the locals that the weed ... |
How Rural America Got Fracked - Huffington Post
How Rural America Got Fracked Huffington Post “But did they reintroduce the biodiversity? Did they reintroduce the beauty and the ecology? No.” Studies bear out his verdict. “Every year,” wrote Mrinal Ghose in the Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research, “large areas are continually becoming ... |






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