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Biodegradative Bacteria: How Bacteria Degrade, Survive, Adapt, and Evolve
by Hideaki Nojiri Masataka Tsuda Masao Fukuda Yoichi KamagataBiodegradative Bacteria highlights the novel nature of bacterial cell functions in the field of biodegradation by putting them into three parts: (1) Genetic and genomic systems, (2) Degradative enzyme systems, and (3) Bacterial behavior in natural environmental systems. The first part of the book includes cell functions as degradative machinery, genome systems for effective degradation, and the evolution of degradative systems by mobile genetic elements. The second part deals with the structure, function, evolution, diversity, and application of degradative and related enzymes. The third part presents cell or genomic behaviors of biodegradative bacteria in natural ecosystems. Bacterial metabolic capacity, which plays an important role in the global material cycle, contributes significantly to the buffering capacity for the huge and unintended release of various chemicals. Recently, however, the prosperity and globalization of material civilization has led not only to severe local contamination by hazardous chemicals, but also to continuous increment of contaminant concentrations worldwide. To solve such urgent global issues, bacterial functions that are involved in biodegradation of hazardous chemicals have been analyzed. The term "biodegradative bacteria" refers to those bacteria that have the ability to degrade such xenobiotic (man-made) and/or hazardous chemicals. Analyses of biodegradative bacteria include diverse areas of study, such as genetics, enzymology, genomics, cell physiology, ecology, and evolutionary biology. In other words, the targets investigated in research on biodegradative bacteria include single molecules, single cell systems, bacterial consortia (interaction with surrounding microorganisms), and interaction with surrounding biotic and abiotic materials. Such complexity makes the research on biodegradative bacteria difficult but quite interesting.
The Biodemography of Ageing and Longevity
by Jean-François Lemaître Samuel PavardWhy and how we age are probably two of science's oldest questions, echoing personal beliefs and concerns about our own finitude. From the earliest musings of ancient philosophers to recent pharmacological trials aimed at slowing ageing and prolonging longevity, these questions have fascinated scientists across time and fields of research. Taking advantage of the natural diversity of ageing trajectories, within and across species, this interdisciplinary volume provides a comprehensive view of the recent advances in ageing and longevity through a biodemographic approach. It includes the key facts, theories, ongoing fields of investigation, big questions, and new avenues for research in ageing and longevity, as well as considerations on how extending longevity integrates into the social and environmental challenges that our society faces. This is a useful resource for students and researchers curious to unravel the mysteries of longevity and ageing, from their origins to their consequences, across species, space and time.
Biodental Engineering: Proceedings Of The 5th International Conference On Biodental Engineering (biodental 2018), June 22-23, 2018, Porto, Portugal
by R.M. Natal Jorge Sónia M. Santos João Mánuel R.S. Tavares A. P. Vaz J.C. Reis CamposThe aim of Biodental Engineering is to solidify knowledge of bioengineering applied to dentistry. Dentistry is a branch of medicine with its own peculiarities and very diverse areas of action, and in recent years multiple new techniques and technologies have been introduced.This book is a collection of keynote lectures and full papers from Bio
Biodental Engineering III
by R.M. Natal Jorge J.C. Reis Campos Mário A.P. Vaz Sónia M. Santos João Manuel R. S. TavaresDentistry is a branch of medicine with its own peculiarities and very diverse areas of action, which means that it can be considered as an interdisciplinary field. Currently the use of new techniques and technologies receives much attention. Biodental Engineering III contains contributions from 13 countries, which were presented at BIODENTAL 2014,
Biodesign: The Process of Innovating Medical Technologies
by Uday N. Kumar Thomas M. Krummel Paul Yock Stefanos Zenios Josh Makower Lyn Denend Todd J. BrintonRecognize market opportunities, master the design process, and develop business acumen with this 'how-to' guide to medical technology innovation. A three-step, proven approach to the biodesign innovation process - identify, invent, implement - provides a practical formula for innovation. The experiences of hundreds of innovators and companies, in the form of case studies, quotes and practical advice, offer a realistic, action-orientated roadmap for successful biodesign innovation. Real-world examples, end-of-chapter projects, and Getting Started sections guide the reader through each of the key stages of the process and provide a template to create their own new medical devices. Addressing common medical, engineering, and business challenges to develop well-rounded expertise, this book is the complete package for any biodesign entrepreneur. The text is supported by valuable resources, including up-to-date industry changes: found at ebiodesign.org.
Biodesign: The Process of Innovating Medical Technologies
by Paul G. Yock Stefanos Zenios Josh Makower Todd J. Brinton Uday N. Kumar F. T. Jay Watkins Lyn Denend Thomas M. Krummel Christine Q. KuriharaThis step-by-step guide to medical technology innovation, now in full color, has been rewritten to reflect recent trends of industry globalization and value-conscious healthcare. Written by a team of medical, engineering, and business experts, the authors provide a comprehensive resource that leads students, researchers, and entrepreneurs through a proven process for the identification, invention, and implementation of new solutions. Case studies on innovative products from around the world, successes and failures, practical advice, and end-of-chapter 'Getting Started' sections encourage readers to learn from real projects and apply important lessons to their own work. A wealth of additional material supports the book, including a collection of nearly one hundred videos created for the second edition, active links to external websites, supplementary appendices, and timely updates on the companion website at ebiodesign.org. Readers can access this material quickly, easily, and at the most relevant point in the text from within the ebook.
Biodesulfurization in Petroleum Refining
by Nour Shafik El-Gendy Hussein Mohamed NassarPetroleum refining and process engineering is constantly changing. No new refineries are being built, but companies all over the world are still expanding or re-purposing huge percentages of their refineries every year, year after year. Rather than building entirely new plants, companies are spending billions of dollars in the research and development of new processes that can save time and money by being more efficient and environmentally safer. Biodesulfurization is one of those processes, and nowhere else it is covered more thoroughly or with more up-to-date research of the new advances than in this new volume from Wiley-Scrivener. <p><p> Crude oil consists of hydrocarbons, along with other minerals and trace elements. Sulfur is the most abundant element after carbon and hydrogen, then comes after it nitrogen, and they usually concentrated in the higher boiling fractions of the crude oil. The presence of sulfur compounds causes the corrosion of refining facilities and catalysts poisoning. Moreover, the presence of nitrogen-compounds directly impacts the refining processes via; poisoning the cracking catalysts and inhibiting the hydrodesulfurization catalysts. In addition, both have bad impacts on the environment, throughout the sulfur and nitrogen oxide emissions. Removing this sulfur and nitrogen from the refining process protects equipment and the environment and creates a more efficient and cost-effective process. <p> Besides the obvious benefits to biodesulfurization, there are new regulations in place within the industry with which companies will, over the next decade or longer, spend literally tens, if not hundreds, of billions of dollars to comply. Whether for the veteran engineer needing to update his or her library, the beginning engineer just learning about biodesulfurization, or even the student in a chemical engineering class, this outstanding new volume is a must-have. Especially it covers also the bioupgrading of crude oil and its fractions, biodenitrogenation technology and application of nanotechnology on both bio-desulfurization and denitrogenation technologies.
Biodeterioration of Wooden Cultural Heritage: Organisms and Decay Mechanisms in Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems
by Anastasia PournouSince prehistoric times and throughout the course of human evolution, wood has been an integral part of all civilizations. Wooden Cultural Heritage can be found worldwide, providing valuable information on the social and economic context of human history. Nonetheless, as a natural cellulosic material, wood shows low resistance to biodeterioration and thus wooden Cultural Heritage often fails to escape decomposition in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. This book provides a comprehensive overview on the biodeterioration of wooden Cultural Heritage and describes the decay mechanisms of key organisms and microorganisms encountered in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Cultural Heritage professionals, researchers and academics may explore within this book the associations between deteriogens, habitats and decay, which will assist them to understand wood biodeterioration and design effective prevention, mitigation and remediation strategies. The book presents case studies around the world to demonstrate the impact of biogenic deterioration on wooden Cultural Heritage and illustrates mechanisms and patterns in order to be a useful handbook of decay diagnosis.Lastly, by adopting a holistic approach to wood decay, basic concepts of wood technology, ecology, and deteriogens' biology are introduced, permitting readers of different scientific backgrounds to easily comprehend wood biodeterioration.
Biodiesel: Assessment of Environmental Impact in Producing and Using Chains
by Armen B. Avagyan Bhaskar SinghAir pollution policy is closely connected with climate change, public health, energy, transport, trade, and agriculture, and generally speaking, the Earth has been pushed to the brink and the damage is becoming increasingly obvious. The transport sector remains a foremost source of air pollutants – a fact that has stimulated the production of biofuels. This book focuses on the biodiesel industry, and proposes a modification of the entire manufacturing chain that would pave the way for further improvements. Oil derived from oilseed plantations/crops is the most commonly used feedstock for the production of biodiesel. At the same time, the UK’s Royal Academy of Engineering and 178 scientists in the Netherlands have determined that some biofuels, such as diesel produced from food crops, have led to more emissions than those produced by fossil fuels. Accordingly, this book re-evaluates the full cycle of biodiesel production in order to help find optimal solutions. It confirms that the production and use of fertilizers for the cultivation of crop feedstocks generate considerably more GHG emissions compared to the mitigation achieved by using biodiesel. To address this fertilization challenge, projecting future biofuel development requires a scenario in which producers shift to an organic agriculture approach that includes the use of microalgae. Among advanced biofuels, algae’s advantages as a feedstock include the highest conversion of solar energy, and the ability to absorb CO2 and pollutants; as such, it is the better choice for future fuels. With regard to the question of why algae’s benefits have not been capitalized on for biofuel production, our analyses indicate that the sole main barrier to realizing algae’s biofuel potential is ineffective international and governmental policies, which create difficulties in reconciling the goals of economic development and environmental protection.
Biodiesel: From Production to Combustion (Biofuel and Biorefinery Technologies #8)
by Meisam Tabatabaei Mortaza AghbashloThis book presents in-depth information on the state of the art of global biodiesel production and investigates its impact on climate change. Subsequently, it comprehensively discusses biodiesel production in terms of production systems (reactor technologies) as well as biodiesel purification and upgrading technologies. Moreover, the book reviews essential parameters in biodiesel production systems as well as major principles of operation, process control, and trouble-shooting in these systems. Conventional and emerging applications of biodiesel by-products with a view to further economize biodiesel production are also scrutinized. Separate chapters are dedicated to economic risk analysis and critical comparison of biodiesel production systems as well as techno-economical aspects of biodiesel plants. The book also thoroughly investigates the important aspects of biodiesel production and combustion by taking advantage of advanced sustainability analysis tools including life cycle assessment (LCA) and exergy techniques. In closing, the application of Omics technologies in biodiesel production is presented and discussed. This book is relevant to anyone with an interest in renewable, more sustainable fuel and energy solutions.
Biodiesel Basics and Beyond
by William H. KempBiodiesel Basics and Beyond aims to separate fact from fiction and to educate potential home, farm, and cooperative manufacturers on the economic production of quality biodiesel from both waste and virgin oil feedstock. The book includes: detailed processes and equipment required to produce biodiesel fuel that meets North American standards how farmers can use excess oilseed as a feedstock for biodiesel production the use of the co-byproduct glycerin in the making of soap a guide to numerous reference materials and a list of supplier data This is North America's definitive guide to responsibly producing biodiesel from waste vegetable oil while minimizing your environmental footprint in the process.
Biodiesel, Combustion, Performance and Emissions Characteristics (Green Energy and Technology)
by Semakula Maroa Freddie InambaoThis book focuses on biodiesel combustion, including biodiesel performance, emissions and control. It brings together a range of international research in combustion studies in order to offer a comprehensive resource for researchers, students and academics alike. The book begins with an introduction to biodiesel combustion, followed by a discussion of NOx formation routes. It then addresses biodiesel production processes and oil feedstocks in detail, discusses the physiochemical properties of biodiesel, and explores the benefits and drawbacks of these properties. Factors influencing the formation of emissions, including NOx emissions, are also dealt with thoroughly. Lastly, the book discusses the mechanisms of pollution and different approaches used to reduce pollutants in connection with biodiesel. Each approach is considered in detail, and diagrams are provided to illustrate the points in line with industry standard control mechanisms.
Biodiesel from Flowering Plants
by Samuel Paul Raj Pravin Raj Solomon Baskar ThangarajThis book offers an exhaustive coverage of process modifications in biodiesel production from oil drawn from 84 oleaginous plant species occurring in all parts of the world, thereby enlisting the scope and potential of many new and non-conventionally obscure plant sources. Biodiesel, now prepared from major vegetable oils, has become a compulsion to offset the dwindling reserve of petro-diesel, which naturally intrudes into the cooking oil demand. This has necessitated search for new sources. The book consolidates the biodiesel production from oils being extracted from conventional plants and also from a plethora of new and non-conventional plants along with their habit and habitats, history of biodiesel’s invention, explanation on species-wise biodiesel process variables, catalytic inclusions, global standards, fuel properties varying with species, blending benefits, cost effectiveness, shelf life, ignition characteristics, fuel consumption and engine performances with eco-friendly exhaust. This book is of immense use to teachers, researchers, scientists of climatology and carbon footprint, energy consultants, fuel chemists, students of agriculture and forestry, automobile engineering, industrial chemistry, environmental sciences and policy makers or anyone who wishes to scale up the biodiesel industry.
Biodiesel Fuels: Science, Technology, Health, and Environment (Handbook of Biodiesel and Petrodiesel Fuels)
by Ozcan KonurThis first volume of the Handbook of Biodiesel and Petrodiesel Fuels presents a representative sample of the population papers in the field of biodiesel fuels in general. Part I provides an overview of the research field on both biodiesel and petrodiesel fuels highlighting primary and secondary research fronts in these fields. Part II presents a representative sample of the population papers in the field of biooils covering major research fronts. The research on the biooils is a fundamental part of the research on the biodiesel fuels. The research in this field has intensified in recent years with the application of advanced catalytic technologies and nanotechnologies in both production and upgrading of biooils. It covers pyrolysis, hydrothermal liquefaction, and upgrading, and characterization and properties of biooils besides an overview of the research field. Part III presents a representative sample of the population papers in the field of biodiesel fuels in general covering major research fronts. The research in this field has progressed in the lines of production, properties, and emissions of biodiesel fuels. As in the case of biooils, catalysts and additives play a crucial role for the biodiesel fuels. It covers biomass-based catalyst-assisted biodiesel production, enzymatic biodiesel production, additives in biodiesel production, properties, characterization, performance, and policies of biodiesel fuels besides an overview of the research field. Part IV presents a representative sample of the population papers in the field of glycerol, biodiesel waste, covering major research fronts. The research in this field has intensified in recent years with the increasing volume of biodiesel fuels, creating eco-friendly solutions for these wastes of biodiesel fuels for producing valuable biofuels and biochemicals from glycerol. It covers biohydrogen and propanediol production from glycerol as a case study for bioenergy and biochemicals, respectively. This book will be useful to academics and professionals in the fields of Energy Fuels, Chemical Engineering, Physical Chemistry, Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Sciences, and Thermodynamics. Ozcan Konur is both a materials scientist and social scientist by training. He has published around 200 journal papers, book chapters, and conference papers. He has focused on the bioenergy and biofuels in recent years. In 2018, he edited Bioenergy and Biofuels, which brought together the work of over 30 experts in their respective field. He also edited the Handbook of Algal Science, Technology, and Medicine with a strong section on the algal biofuels in 2020.
Biodiesel Fuels Based on Edible and Nonedible Feedstocks, Wastes, and Algae: Science, Technology, Health, and Environment (Handbook of Biodiesel and Petrodiesel Fuels)
by Ozcan KonurThis second volume of the Handbook of Biodiesel and Petrodiesel Fuels presents a representative sample of the population papers in the field of feedstock-specific biodiesel fuels. The research on feedstocks for biodiesel fuels has first focused on the edible oils as first-generation biodiesel fuels. However, the public concerns about the competition with foods based on these feedstocks and adverse impact on the ecological diversity and deforestation have resulted in the exploration of nonedible-oil-based biodiesel fuels as second-generation biodiesel fuels in the first instance. Due to the ecological and cost benefits of treating wastes, waste oil-based biodiesel fuels as third-generation biodiesel fuels have emerged. Furthermore, following a series of influential review papers, the research has focused on the algal oil-based biodiesel fuels in recent years. Since the cost of feedstocks in general constitutes 85% of the total biodiesel production costs, the research focused more on improving biomass and lipid productivity in these research fields. Furthermore, since water, CO2, and nutrients (primarily N and P) have been major ingredients for the algal biomass and lipid production, the research has also intensified in the use of wastewaters and flue gases for algal biomass production to reduce the ecological burdens and the production costs. Part 1 presents a representative sample of the population papers in the field of edible oil-based biodiesel fuels covering major research fronts. It covers soybean oil-based biodiesel fuels, palm oil-based biodiesel fuels, and rapeseed oil-based biodiesel fuels as case studies besides an overview paper. Part 2 presents a representative sample of the population papers in the field of nonedible oil-based biodiesel fuels covering major research fronts. It covers Jatropha oil-based biodiesel fuels, polanga oil-based biodiesel fuels, and moringa oil-based biodiesel fuels as case studies besides an overview paper. Part 3 presents a representative sample of the population papers in the field of waste oil-based biodiesel fuels covering major research fronts. It covers wastewater sludge-based biodiesel fuels, waste cooking oil-based biodiesel fuels, and microbial oil-based biodiesel fuels as case studies besides an overview paper. Part 4 presents a representative sample of the population papers in the field of algal oil-based biodiesel fuels covering major research fronts. It covers algal biomass production in general, algal biomass production in wastewaters, algal lipid production, hydrothermal liquefaction of algal biomass, algal lipid extraction, and algal biodiesel production besides an overview paper. This book will be useful to academics and professionals in the fields of Energy Fuels, Chemical Engineering, Physical Chemistry, Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Sciences, and Thermodynamics. Ozcan Konur is both a materials scientist and social scientist by training. He has published around 200 journal papers, book chapters, and conference papers. He has focused on the bioenergy and biofuels in recent years. In 2018, he edited ‘Bioenergy and Biofuels’, that brought together the work of over 30 experts in their respective field. He also edited ‘Handbook of Algal Science, Technology, and Medicine’ with a strong section on the algal biofuels in 2020.
Biodiesel Technology and Applications
by Inamuddin Mohd Imran Ahamed Rajender Boddula Mashallah RezakazemiEnergy technologies have attracted great attention due to the fast development of sustainable energy. Biodiesel technologies have been identified as the sustainable route through which overdependence on fossil fuels can be reduced. Biodiesel has played a key role in handling the growing challenge of a global climate change policy. Biodiesel is defined as the monoalkyl esters of vegetable oils or animal fats. Biodiesel is a cost-effective, renewable, and sustainable fuel that can be made from vegetable oils and animal fats. Compared to petroleum-based diesel, biodiesel would offer a non-toxicity, biodegradability, improved air quality and positive impact on the environment, energy security, safe-to-handle, store and transport and so on. Biodiesels have been used as a replacement of petroleum diesel in transport vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, locomotives, heat oils, hydrogen production, electricity generators, agriculture, mining, construction, and forestry equipment. This book describes a comprehensive overview, covering a broad range of topics on biodiesel technologies and allied applications. Chapters cover history, properties, resources, fabrication methods, parameters, formulations, reactors, catalysis, transformations, analysis, in situ spectroscopies, key issues and applications of biodiesel technology. It also includes biodiesel methods, extraction strategies, biowaste utilization, oleochemical resources, non-edible feedstocks, heterogeneous catalysts, patents, and case-studies. Progress, challenges, future directions, and state-of-the-art biodiesel commercial technologies are discussed in detail. This book is an invaluable resource guide for professionals, faculty, students, chemical engineers, biotechnologists, and environmentalists in these research and development areas.
Biodiversität: Grundlagen, Gefährdung, Schutz
by Rüdiger Wittig Manfred NiekischDer Botaniker Rüdiger Wittig und der Zoologe Manfred Niekisch geben einen breiten Überblick über die Diversität des Lebens auf der Erde. Sie zeigen nicht nur allgemein verständlich die wissenschaftlichen Grundlagen auf, sondern gehen ausführlich ein auf die materielle und spirituelle Bedeutung der Biodiversität für den Menschen und insbesondere auf die Umweltdienstleistungen, welche Ökosysteme erbringen. Ebenso dargestellt werden die Gründe der Gefährdung der Biodiversität sowie die Konventionen, rechtlichen Instrumente und praktischen Möglichkeiten, welche für den Schutz von Tieren, Pflanzen und Ökosystemen zur Verfügung stehen. Beleuchtet wird auch die Rolle der Nichtregierungsorganisationen.
Biodiversität, Ökosystemfunktionen und Naturschutz
by Werner HärdtleDer weltweite Verlust an biologischer Vielfalt, verursacht durch eine nicht nachhaltige Nutzung von Ökosystemen, birgt schwerwiegende gesamtgesellschaftliche Risiken, welche jenen des Klimawandels vergleichbar sind. Doch erst seit wenigen Jahren verstehen wir genauer, warum biologische Vielfalt eine Grundvoraussetzung für die Stabilität und das Funktionieren von Ökosystemen und damit auch für gesellschaftlichen Wohlstand ist. Das vorliegende Buch stellt in anschaulicher und allgemeinverständlicher Form das heute verfügbare Wissen über die „funktionelle Bedeutung“ der globalen biologischen Vielfalt vor und erläutert anhand von faszinierenden und vielen wissenschaftlich neuen Beispielen, warum wir den Schutz der biologischen Vielfalt als dringende, gesamtgesellschaftliche Aufgabe begreifen müssen. Es erklärt, wie Pflanzen- und Tierarten miteinander zusammenleben und wie gerade ihre Wechselbeziehungen verschiedenste Ökosysteme – einem Uhrwerk vergleichbar – zum „funktionieren“ bringen oder diese gar gegenüber Störungen oder globalen Veränderungen stabilisieren. Anhand gut verständlicher und fesselnder Fallbeispiele zeigt das Buch, wie Artenvielfalt und diverse Lebensgemeinschaften unabdingbar sind für intakte Ökosysteme, und dass wir eine ungestörte Artenvielfalt schon deshalb benötigen, weil ohne sie die von uns Menschen zum Überleben notwendigen Serviceleistungen der Ökosysteme gar nicht zustande kämen.
Biodiversität - Warum wir ohne Vielfalt nicht leben können
by Ewald WeberEine Einladung in die Biologie der Vielfalt Dieses Buch berichtet über ein ebenso spannendes wie aktuelles Thema an der Schnittstelle zwischen naturwissenschaftlicher Grundlagenforschung und globaler gesellschaftlicher Herausforderung: die Biodiversität. Drei Ebenen kommen hier zusammen: die Vielfalt der Arten in einem Lebensraum, die Vielfalt der Ökosysteme und Lebensräume selbst und die Vielfalt der Gene in den Lebewesen. Der Autor, Biologe und selbst in der Biodiversitätsforschung tätig, nimmt Sie mit auf eine aufregende Entdeckungsreise durch diese mannigfach vernetzte Welt. In leicht verständlicher Sprache und mit vielen anschaulichen Beispielen erklärt er Zusammenhänge und Hintergründe. Wie ist Biodiversität eigentlich definiert, und mit welchen Techniken wird sie erfasst? Wie ist die immense Artenvielfalt auf der Erde entstanden, und wie entwickelt sie sich weiter? Welchen Nutzen hat die Biodiversität auf den verschiedenen Ebenen? In welchem Maße ist die Vielfalt der Arten und Lebensräume heute bedroht, und wie kann man diesem Trend entgegenwirken? Solche und ähnliche Fragen beantwortet dieses Buch, in dessen breitem Themenbogen sich die Vielfalt seines Gegenstands wiederspiegelt. Tauchen Sie ein in die faszinierende Welt der Biodiversität! Der AutorEwald Weber ist Biologe und Sachbuchautor. Er lehrt und forscht an der Universität Potsdam mit Schwerpunkt Biodiversität. Sein Anliegen als Autor ist das Vermitteln von wissenschaftlichen Zusammenhängen und von Naturgeschichte im weitesten Sinn.
Biodiversität - Warum wir ohne Vielfalt nicht leben können
by Ewald WeberDieses Buch berichtet über ein ebenso spannendes wie aktuelles Thema an der Schnittstelle zwischen naturwissenschaftlicher Grundlagenforschung und globaler gesellschaftlicher Herausforderung: die Biodiversität. Drei Ebenen kommen hier zusammen: die Vielfalt der Arten in einem Lebensraum, die Vielfalt der Ökosysteme und Lebensräume selbst und die Vielfalt der Gene in den Lebewesen. Der Autor ist Biologe und war selbst in der Biodiversitätsforschung tätig. Er nimmt Sie mit auf eine aufregende Entdeckungsreise durch diese mannigfach vernetzte Welt. In leicht verständlicher Sprache und mit vielen anschaulichen Beispielen erklärt er komplexe Zusammenhänge und Hintergründe. Wie ist Biodiversität definiert, und mit welchen Techniken wird sie erfasst? Wie ist die immense Artenvielfalt auf der Erde entstanden, und wie entwickelt sie sich weiter? Welchen Nutzen hat die Biodiversität auf den verschiedenen Ebenen? In welchem Maße ist die Vielfalt der Arten und Lebensräume heute bedroht, und wie kann man diesem Trend entgegenwirken? Solche und ähnliche Fragen beantwortet dieses Buch, in dessen breitem Themenbogen sich die Vielfalt seines Gegenstands widerspiegelt. Die 2. Auflage des Buches berücksichtigt dabei neuste Erkenntnisse aus der Forschung und neue Entwicklungen zum Rückgang der biologischen Vielfalt. Aber auch von den zahlreichen Bemühungen, dem Verlust entgegenzuwirken, ist die Rede. Die Erfolgsgeschichten des Naturschutzes geben Anlass zur Hoffnung. Biodiversität ist faszinierend und wertvoll – tauchen Sie ein in die faszinierende Welt der biologischen Vielfalt!
Biodiversity: An Introduction
by Kevin J. Gaston John I. SpicerCLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ARTWORK This concise introductory text provides a complete overview of biodiversity - what it is, how it arose, its distribution, why it is important, human impact upon it, and what should be done to maintain it. Timely overview of the serious attempts made to quantify and describe biodiversity in a scientific way Acts as an easy entry point into the primary literature Provides real-world examples of key issues, including illustrations of major temporal and spatial patterns in biodiversity Designed primarily with undergraduate students and course lecturers in mind, it will also be of interest to anyone who requires an overview of, and entry to, the vast literature on these topics. All the figures included in the book are downloadable from the Blackwell Publishing website
Biodiversity: Maintenance, Function, Origin, and Self-Organisation into Life-Support Systems
by Edmundas LekevičiusSpecies are not functionally independent. From a long-term perspective, only ecosystem with a fully integrated nutrient cycle is alive. The lack of trophic autonomy should be considered one of the key factors that ensure and maintain biodiversity. The variability of abiotic conditions, both in space and in time, also creates a huge diversity of niches and subniches for genotypes and species. In addition, life maintains its essential variables (biomass and productivity) as stable as possible due to the diversity of structures (genes, macromolecules, metabolic pathways, genotypes, species, etc.): the structures that reach optima are multiplied and thus activated, while the functioning of those which lost their optima is suppressed. The facts and concepts presented in this monograph thus support the conclusions that (a) genotype and species diversity is supported by trophic specialisation (b) biodiversity helps to stabilise the functions (essential variables) of individuals, populations, and ecological communities (c) in evolution, the emergence of biodiversity is determined by heritable variation and the advantage of specialised (more effective) structures over non-specialised ones (d) biodiversity is characterised by its ability to increase itself and to organise itself into relatively consistent structures, which we call production pyramids and nutrient cycles. This book therefore provides an answer to the question "why the diversity of life is of such and such a nature".
Biodiversity: Threats and Conservation (Translating Animal Science Research)
by Rc SobtiThe term "biodiversity" or "biological diversity" describes the variety of living beings on Earth encompassing microorganisms, plants, animals, and ecosystems, such as coral reefs, forests, and deserts. In fact, it also represents a wealth of biological resources available to us. Today, instead of exploring and preserving its unmapped biodiversity, mankind has gone away from mother nature, conquering the domain through relentless exploitation. This has resulted in an ecological imbalance and thereby has posed serious threat to biodiversity. Declining biodiversity is, therefore, a concern for countless reasons. Biodiversity’s wealth of genetic information can be conserved by storing biological material from endangered species. Cell lines, gametes, and embryos are preserved so that in case a species becomes extinct or there is a need to increase the population of the species, then cloning and artificial reproductive techniques can be used to revive and reproduce the said species. The present volume discusses the biodiversity of specific animal groups, such as cnidarians and fish, as well as potential risks to and methods for conserving some of them. The following important aspects are addressed: 1. The importance of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem balance for sustainability 2. The emerging role of biodiversity as a source of important materials, pharmaceuticals, food, and so on as such or through genetic manipulation to meet the contemporary and future challenges 3. The impact of environment degradation on biodiversity and conservation in a changing environment 4. Conventional and emerging biotechnological techniques to conserve biodiversity The book is intended for academics, scientists, and naturalists working in the fields of biology, biochemistry, biophysics, and biomedical sciences.
Biodiversity: A Beginner's Guide (Beginner's Guides)
by John SpicerIn this steadfast and yet witty guide, biologist John Spicer examines biodiversity, giving the reader an insight into the myriad of organisms that surround us.
Biodiversity: A Beginner's Guide (revised and updated edition) (Beginner's Guides)
by John SpicerOur future is closely tied to that of the variety of life on Earth, and yet there is no greater threat to it than us. From population explosions and habitat destruction to climate change and mass extinctions, John Spicer explores the causes and consequences of our biodiversity crisis. In this revised and updated edition, he examines how grave the situation has become over the past decade and outlines what we must do now to protect and preserve not just nature&’s wonders but the essential services that biodiversity provides for us, seemingly for nothing.