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Biodiversity and Conservation > Research Links
Chapter 52 introduced you to important issues in worldwide biodiversity and conservation. From your reading, you know that the diversity of ecological niches the environment provides has allowed for the evolution of a wide range of organisms that are often ecologically interdependent on one another. The following links explore some of these ecological issues, and direct you to current news, research, and organizations on biodiversity and conservation issues.
52.1 How Many Species Are Being Lost and Why? Taxonomy
Taxonomists, as mentioned in the chapter, are scientists who study the relationship between groups of living things and devise ways to use those relationships to formulate structures for naming and categorizing the living things. This site, from the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, is a great introduction to the field of taxonomy and describes a new idea in the field called parataxonomy.
Keywords: species diversity, extinction, research
The Extinction Files
The Extinction Files is an excellent resource sponsored by the BBC to educate the public and scientists about this powerful evolutionary force. Follow the links to learn about current thinking on extinctions and evolution, as well as scientists’ thoughts on what is considered the most recent extinction event, happening today.
Keywords: extinction, species biodiversity, evolution
Australian Community Biodiversity Network
We now know that many commercial and industrial enterprises that human society undertakes are having deleterious effects on biodiversity. The Australian Community Biodiversity Network is a nonprofit organization committed to educating people about the ways such enterprises affect biodiversity in Australia.
Keywords: biodiversity, new articles, conservation
52.2 Why Should We Care?
Biodiversity World Map
This site, at the British Natural History Museum, discusses the current geography of biodiversity and the actions that nonprofit and governmental groups are taking in order to address biodiversity issues. Follow the link to "Biodiversity Value" to explore the types of research needed to investigate our planet’s wealth of biological life.
Keywords: biodiversity, species extinction, conservation
Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Website offers a tremendous amount of information that directly relates to concerns about the destruction of species and our planet as a whole. Follow the "Emerging Issues" link and select "On Being a Responsible Traveler" to learn about ways in which we can contribute to conserving our planet and protecting biodiversity.
Keywords: ecotourism, biodiversity, EPA
Environmental News Network
This article from the Environmental News Network discusses a sustainable way to grow coffee while preserving Southeast Asian songbird habitat. Follow the links to many other articles and ideas on the current state of environmental preservation and sustainable resource use.
Keywords: conservation, sustainable farming, biodiversity
52.3 Setting Conservation Priorities
World Resources Institute
The World Resources Institute site features a Biodiversity and Protected Areas section. Here you can appreciate the significance of the threat of the loss of biodiversity, and visit many other links to learn about conservation practices that could protect the flora and fauna of the Earth.
Keywords: biodiversity, conservation, habitats
Conservation Institute
The Conservation Institute is committed to working with both private industries and governments to foster the practice of sound conversation strategies while allowing for economic development. Their site discusses many of the key issues involved, and also is a source for current news on world conservation programs.
Keywords: Conservation Institute, biodiversity, sustainable economies
Bush
Meat
Hunting wild animals for meat can have devastating consequences on wildlife and their habitats. This new article from the Species Survival Commission of the World Conservation Union highlights the issues surrounding unsustainable wild game hunting in some of the less affluent parts of the planet. Follow the links to the World Conservation Union to learn much more about global conservation issues.
Keywords: conservation, hunting, World Conservation Union
Conservation Genetics
This site, from the Wildlife Conservation Society, discusses the field of conservation genetics and how it combines the practices of both molecular biology and conservation principles in an attempt to conserve endangered species.
Keywords: endangered species, conservation genetics, Wildlife Conservation Society
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