Theories of Biodiversity
From Foundations to Applications in Conservation and Sustainability
- 1st Edition - March 1, 2027
- Latest edition
- Author: Matthew Chidozie Ogwu
- Language: English
Theories of Biodiversity: From Foundations to Applications in Conservation and Sustainability explores the major theoretical frameworks used to explain patterns of biodiv… Read more
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Description
Description
Theories of Biodiversity: From Foundations to Applications in Conservation and Sustainability explores the major theoretical frameworks used to explain patterns of biodiversity across spatial and temporal scales, focusing on concepts including species–area relationships, island biogeography, niche theory, neutral theory, and metacommunity dynamics. The book highlights how these theories advance our understanding of biodiversity patterns, from species distribution and community assembly to ecosystem functioning, and emphasizes their relevance for conservation planning and environmental sustainability. Theories of Biodiversity provides insights to better interpret biodiversity patterns and apply theoretical frameworks to conservation and ecosystem management for researchers, students, and practitioners in ecology and environmental science. This essential resource integrates classical and contemporary biodiversity theories, advancing understanding and supporting informed decision-making in biodiversity conservation and sustainability challenges.
Key features
Key features
- Focus on major biodiversity theories explaining patterns of species diversity across spatial and temporal scales
- Highlight case studies from diverse ecosystems demonstrating applications of biodiversity theory in conservation and ecosystem management
- Explores how biodiversity theory informs conservation planning, restoration, and sustainability decisions
Readership
Readership
Researchers and students in ecology, conservation biology, environmental science, and sustainability studies
Table of contents
Table of contents
Part I: Foundations- Pattern and Scale
1. Introduction: why a theoretical synthesis for biodiversity?
2. Species–area relationships and early biogeographic models
3. Latitudinal and elevational diversity gradients
4. Island biogeography: immigration–extinction dynamics and extensions
Part II: Community Assembly and Coexistence Mechanisms
5. Niche theory from Grinnell and Elton to Hutchinson
6. Disturbance, predation, competition, and resource heterogeneity
7. Neutral theory of biodiversity: assumptions, evidence, and synthesis
8. Keystone species and functional diversity
Part III: Spatial Dynamics and Scaling Up
9. Metapopulation theory
10. Metacommunity theory
11. Source–sink dynamics, edge effects, and habitat configuration
12. Diversification dynamics and regional species pools
Part IV: Evolutionary and Functional Dimensions
13. Red Queen dynamics and coevolutionary processes
14. Biodiversity–ecosystem function and multifunctionality
15. Insurance, stability, and resilience
Part V: Integration, Applications, and Future Directions
16. Phylogenetic diversity and macroecological scaling
17. Biodiversity, climate change, and ecosystem services
18. Emerging frontiers: eDNA, remote sensing, and AI
19. From theory to conservation planning and policy
20. Future directions: translational biodiversity science
1. Introduction: why a theoretical synthesis for biodiversity?
2. Species–area relationships and early biogeographic models
3. Latitudinal and elevational diversity gradients
4. Island biogeography: immigration–extinction dynamics and extensions
Part II: Community Assembly and Coexistence Mechanisms
5. Niche theory from Grinnell and Elton to Hutchinson
6. Disturbance, predation, competition, and resource heterogeneity
7. Neutral theory of biodiversity: assumptions, evidence, and synthesis
8. Keystone species and functional diversity
Part III: Spatial Dynamics and Scaling Up
9. Metapopulation theory
10. Metacommunity theory
11. Source–sink dynamics, edge effects, and habitat configuration
12. Diversification dynamics and regional species pools
Part IV: Evolutionary and Functional Dimensions
13. Red Queen dynamics and coevolutionary processes
14. Biodiversity–ecosystem function and multifunctionality
15. Insurance, stability, and resilience
Part V: Integration, Applications, and Future Directions
16. Phylogenetic diversity and macroecological scaling
17. Biodiversity, climate change, and ecosystem services
18. Emerging frontiers: eDNA, remote sensing, and AI
19. From theory to conservation planning and policy
20. Future directions: translational biodiversity science
Product details
Product details
- Edition: 1
- Latest edition
- Published: March 1, 2027
- Language: English
About the author
About the author
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Matthew Chidozie Ogwu
Dr. Matthew Chidozie Ogwu is an environmental scientist and Assistant Professor of Sustainable Development at Appalachian State University, USA. He holds a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Seoul National University, with research training spanning microbial ecology, environmental toxicology, biodiversity conservation, and food–environment interactions. His scholarship focuses on contaminant pathways in food systems, soil and water quality,
exposure assessment, and human health risks, with particular emphasis on trace metals, agro-food contamination, and sustainability in the Global South. He has led and collaborated on funded research projects across North America, Africa, Europe, and Asia, integrating scientific evidence with regulatory and policy perspectives. His interdisciplinary work advances resilient, safe, and sustainable food systems through applied research, risk assessment, and evidence-based mitigation strategies.Affiliations and expertise
Environmental Scientist and Assistant Professor of Sustainable Development, Appalachian State University, USA