Euan and All, I believe the basic definition of "biodiversity" is species richness or the number of species in a given ecosystem. I personally think of biodiversity in more complex terms, where there are a variety of living organisms that inhabit a variety of niches within an ecosystem.
I believe much of the public does understand this term (it is somewhat of a self-explanatory nature) but I think the obstacle is lack of appreciation for biodiversity. I don't believe this appreciation or connection to biodiversity can be established on an individual level by a word alone. I think these things are established through individual interaction with this biodiversity. If this is true, perhaps we ought not find a new term to convey the importance of species diversity to the public, but instead think of new experiences they could participate in that would allow them to understand and appreciate biodiversity on a deeper level, as we do. Even with all the proper education on the workings of ecosystems, some people will likely not care to preserve/conserve. For many, they must experience these connections on a deeper, more personal level. This idea is and has been established in the connections between people and outdoor recreation as well as people and "nature" art (painting, writing, etc.). E Burnett ----- Original Message ----- From: "Euan Ritchie" <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Monday, December 13, 2010 6:05:31 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Defining biodiversity, and does the term capture the public's attention? Hi everyone, I have just returned from the Ecological Society of Australia meeting and among other issues, there was much discussion about the term biodiversity. Many people argue that this term is hard to define, and importantly, the public have no idea what it actually means and therefore they have less connection/concern to preserve/conserve species and habitats. I thought it would be interesting to hear how others define biodiversity, and if this term isn't helpful for conveying the importance of species diversity to the public, what term(s) should we use? Over to you, Euan Dr. Euan G. Ritchie, Lecturer in Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, 3125, Australia. Building T, Room T3.09.3 Phone: 03 9251 7606 International: +61 3 9251 7606 Mobile: 041 888 2992 Fax: 03 9251 7626 International: +61 3 9251 7626 Email: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Skype: euanritchie Website: http://www.deakin.edu.au/scitech/les/staff/ritchiee/ Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code 00113B Important Notice: The contents of this email are intended solely for the named addressee and are confidential; any unauthorised use, reproduction or storage of the contents is expressly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please delete it and any attachments immediately and advise the sender by return email or telephone. Deakin University does not warrant that this email and any attachments are error or virus free.
