Human expansion and interference have detrimental effects as
civilizations continue to encroach on previously undisturbed
habitats. As a result, many species of animals and plants must
struggle to survive. Biodiversity reveals the important role
each of these life forms plays in its ecosystem as well as the
irreversible and extensive consequences that would result from a
massive loss of biodiversity. It explores the ecological and
evolutionary processes, how these processes depend on the
cohabitation of a wide range of life forms within an ecosystem,
and how the existence of these diverse organisms maintains a
crucial stability in the natural world. Beginning with an
introduction to biodiversity, this new volume discusses its
importance and history, the difficulties in maintaining it, and
past and current efforts to protect ecosystems from greater
destruction. It examines five specific case studies, including
the United States, Indonesia, New Zealand, Madagascar, and Costa
Rica, describing the current status