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Biodiversity

Biodiversity is not easily defined. Try What is Biodiversity? and Defining The 'B' Word for approaches with differing emphases. Below is a definition adapted from the World Resources Institute, World Conservation Union, and United Nations Environment Programme in Global Biodiversity Strategy 1992.

"Biodiversity is the totality of genes, species, and ecosystems in a region... Biodiversity can be divided into three hierarchical categories -- genes, species, and ecosystems -- that describe quite different aspects of living systems and that scientists measure in different ways.

Genetic diversity refers to the variation of genes within species. This covers distinct populations of the same species (such as the thousands of traditional rice varieties in India) or genetic variation within a populations (high among Indian rhinos, and very low among cheetahs) ...

Species diversity refers to the variety of species within a region. Such diversity can be measured in many ways, and scientists have not settled on a single best method. The number of species in a region -- its species richness -- is one often- used measure, but a more precise measurement, taxonomic diversity, also considers the relationship of species to each other. For example, an island with two species of birds and one species of lizard has a greater taxonomic diversity than an island with three species of birds but no lizards ...

Ecosystem diversity is harder to measure than species or genetic diversity because the boundaries of communities -- associations of species -- and ecosystems are elusive. Nevertheless, as long as a consistent set of criteria is used to define communities and ecosystems, their numbers and distribution can be measured ..."

Resources related to biodiversity or conservation as an issue or a topic of debate belong primarily in the relevant subcategory of Society/Issues/Environment.

Related: (very comprehensive guide) Where should I submit my website about animals? Or, where will I find the animal topic I am looking for?

Please read the category FAQ

Agricultural

Agricultural Biodiversity, sometimes called 'Agrobiodiversity', encompasses the variety and variability of animals, plants and micro-organisms which are necessary to sustain key functions of the agro-ecosystem, its structure and processes for, and in support of, food production and food security. Agricultural Biodiversity provides: i. Sustainable production of food and other agricultural products emphasising both strengthening sustainability in production systems at all levels of intensity and improving the conservation, sustainable use and enhancement of the diversity of all genetic resources for food and agriculture, especially plant and animal genetic resources, in all types of production systems. ii. Biological or life support to production emphasising conservation, sustainable use and enhancement of the biological resources that support sustainable production systems, particularly soil biota, pollinators and predators. iii. Ecological and social services provided by agro-ecosystems such as landscape and wildlife protection, soil protection and health (fertility, structure and function), water cycle and water quality, air quality, CO2 sequestration, etc.

Please submit key links on Agricultural Biodiversity, covering crop, livestock, forestry, fisheries, microbial, soil, genetic resources for food and agriculture, agroecosystem diversity, policies and treaties (e.g. FAO and CBD)

Conservation

As humans, we have a large impact on ecosystems. Care must be taken, therefore, when we use and interact with these systems.

Submissions from societies and foundations dedicated to conservation of birds. Sites giving information about biology, ecology, on-going research, education and conservation projects involving endangered birds.

Consultants

Individuals and organizations offering consultancy services in any field of biodiversity research, training or management. Scope is global.

Please state briefly but clearly: your areas of expertise, your geographical scope of operation, and your location.

Extinction

This category lists websites about extinction phenomena in the Holocene Epoch; the last 10,000 years: approximately, also known as the sixth mass extinction or Anthropocene extinction.
This includes extinction in the recent past, ongoing, as well speculation on extinction of species in the future.
Websites for the study of extinction only from fossils and other paleontological evidence are: listed in the Earth Sciences: Paleontology: Extinction category.

Where the website refers to only one species, genus or family, please suggest the website: to the appropriate subcategory of Biology: Flora and Fauna.

Invasive Species

Invasive species are organisms (usually transported by humans) which successfully establish themselves in, and then overcome, otherwise intact, pre-existing native ecosystems. Expanding global trade and communication have contributed to the mixing of faunas and floras across biogeographical boundaries. This process, together with habitat destruction, has been a major cause of extinction throughout the world in the past few hundred years.

The scientific investigation of invasive species includes chronicling their spread and impact, but also study of why and how some species are successful invaders.

Biologists are trying to characterize the ability to invade, in the hope that incipient invasions can be predicted and stopped.

Submit sites in this category that are about foreign species that have been transported to a new location and overtaken the native environment. Topics studied here would include taking a look at the details of the problem, research studies, and strategies for the eradication of non-native species.

Websites about related topics that are not specifically geared towards the preservation of biodiversity, such as weed management, and pest control should be listed in other categories such as the Science/Agriculture/Pest_Management category.

Webpages that are or the general biology of specific animals and plants, even though some there may be some mention of invasive species should be submitted to the Science/Biology/Botany category.

Publications

This category is for websites dealing with biodiversity-themed books, magazines, journals, and other publications.
Journals are intended for professionals and normally publish reports of original research.

Please submit your site to the most appropriate category. Submitting to an incorrect category may delay review of your site.
Please submit only websites that have English language content to this category and its subcategories. If your site is in a language other than English, please submit it to the appropriate category of World.

Research Groups and Centers

Most research activities will either occur in academic departments or in research institutes (which may either be in universities or external). Both of these are included in this category.

Please submit your site to the most appropriate category. Submitting to an incorrect category may delay review of your site.
Please submit only websites that have English language content to this category. If your site is in a language other than English, please submit it to the appropriate category of World.