Biodiversity: Exploring Values and Priorities in Conservation

Rating:
Summary: Timeless
Review: Adelson and Perlman do an excellent job of helping readers understand the issues behind biological diversity. They also explore complex questions about why some people care so much about it and why others seem to care so little. "Biodiversity" is a triumph of interdisciplinary study. The breadth of academic disciplines -- biology, anthropology, economics, philosophy, to name a few -- drawn upon by the authors does not compromise the depth of their analysis.

Rating:
Summary: thoughtfully discusses: what is "biodiversity"?
Review: Scientists, environmentalists, and laypeople often assume that "biodiversity" is important, and should be "saved". This book looks at different types of diversity and the reasons to preserve them, and helps the reader come to a profound understanding of the concept. Perlman & Adelson's book teaches people of any background to learn to look beyond "buzzwords" and to think critically about the value of conservation.