Trends in Biodiversity Documentation and Assessment

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Biodiversity is the variability among living organisms from all sources, including terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems. This diversity of living creatures forms a support system, which has been used by each civilization for its growth and development. The rich biodiversity has been instrumental in providing humanity with food security, health care, and industrial goods that has led to high standard of living in the modern world. The diversity of life on earth is very rich that if we use it sustainably and judiciously, we can go on developing new products for generations. For this reason, we must realize the importance of biodiversity as a major resource. Many traditional societies have played significant roles in conserving biodiversity. They value biodiversity as a part of their livelihood through cultural and even sometimes religious sentiments. Assessing the status and trends of biodiversity is essential for sustainable development strategies at all levels, from village to nation to region. Ecological communities maintain the ecological and evolutionary processes that sustain life. These are necessary to help maintain the planet’s chemical balance, moderate climate, renew soil, and conserve species diversity. They are also the source of all biological wealth-supplying food, raw materials, medicines, recreational resources, and a store of other goods and services worth many billions of dollars per year. The genetic stocks within crop varieties, livestock breeds, and their wild relatives provide essential traits for increasing and improving agricultural production and the development of biotechnologies. Biodiversity assessment is the first step in protecting the complete range of morphological and genetic diversity of species on Earth and in reaching the goals of conservation biology. Assessment begins with identifying organisms that make up biological communities and understanding evolutionary histories. Scientific advancements in molecular sequencing can help clarify and provide support for identifications. This chapter discusses the value of biodiversity, trends in documentation, and the tools and techniques commonly adopted for biodiversity.