Levels of Biological Diversity: a Spatial Approach to Assessment Methods
Journal Title: Romanian Review of Regional Studies - Year 2008, Vol 4, Issue 1
Abstract
Biological diversity, interpreted as a variety of natural and man-dominated biological and ecological systems, plays an important role in assuring their stability and can be interpreted at different spatial scales, based on the hierarchical level of the system (biocoenose/ ecosystem, biome/complex of ecosystem, biosphere/ecosphere). Literature distinguishes six levels of biodiversity, namely alpha, beta, gamma, delta, epsilon, and omega. The current paper lists methodologies appropriate for assessing diversity at each of these levels, with a particular focus on regional diversity (gamma, delta, and epsilon diversities), i.e. CORINE land cover classification and the biogeographical regions of the European Union.
Authors and Affiliations
ALEXANDRU-IONUŢ PETRIŞOR
Keywords
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