Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Frontispiece
- Contents
- Foreword
- Preface
- Acknowledgements
- Part I Introduction
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Establishing the Social, Political and Ethical Context
- Part II Scientific Background
- Part III Conservation Practice
- Part IV Plant Exploitation
- Acronyms and Abbreviations
- Glossary
- References
- Index
- Plate section
1 - Introduction
from Part I - Introduction
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 September 2020
- Frontmatter
- Frontispiece
- Contents
- Foreword
- Preface
- Acknowledgements
- Part I Introduction
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Establishing the Social, Political and Ethical Context
- Part II Scientific Background
- Part III Conservation Practice
- Part IV Plant Exploitation
- Acronyms and Abbreviations
- Glossary
- References
- Index
- Plate section
Summary
An introduction and overview to the subject of biological diversity (biodiversity) is provided, and more specifically the systematic conservation and sustainable utilization of plant genetic diversity. The copious wealth of plant diversity provides the primary production to feed us all and among which we live is threatened by human mismanagement; plant diversity at the habitat, species and genetic levels is threatened to a degree never seen previously in our planet’s history.This chapter illustrates the range of plant diversity at the habitat, species and genetic levels, where plants are found and reviews the threats it currently faces. Also, the importance of genetic diversity is emphasized, why we need it and how it can be used to provide food security and other ecosystem services.The strategies and techniques used to conserve plant diversity are defined and the concept of complementary conservation is introduced.The chapter also provides an overview of the ways humankind exploits and utilizes plant diversity.
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- Chapter
- Information
- Plant Genetic Conservation , pp. 3 - 44Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2020
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