The definition below is from one of the NCEP/AMNH synthesis documents,
which I use with my students. You can download the module "What is
Biodiversity" (and dozens of other teaching conservation biology
tools) online at: http://ncep.amnh.org/ Follow the links to
Resources then NCEP Modules & Resources. Sometimes the best
definitions for use with the public come from this secondary
literature, which is written with the student in mind. Species
Richness is only one measurement of biodiversity, a term which is a
shortened form of biological diversity. The module talks about many
ways to measure biodiversity, from population level to global level.
I found that that population level biodiversity was a something my
seniors didn't have a good perspective on until we did this module.
Biodiversity: The variety of life on Earth at all its levels, from
genes to ecosystems, and the ecological and evolutionary processes
that sustain it. (from "What is Biodiversity." (c) 2006 I.J.
Harrison, M. F. Laverty and E.J. Sterling, available in English,
French, Spanish, downloaded from http://ncep.amnh.org/ on 9/13/2010.
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On Dec 14, 2010, at 8:58 PM, Elizabeth Burnett wrote:
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
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Mobile: 041 888 2992
Fax: 03 9251 7626 International: +61 3 9251 7626
Email: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
Skype: euanritchie
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