Social scientists and biologists collaborate to address human dimensions of bi...( disciplinary research will not be an ea...)

disciplinary research will not be an easy task. There are fundamental differences in the modus operandi of the two fields. Nevertheless, Kinzig and her colleagues on the panel feel that it is essential that these disciplines communicate. Andrew Dobson, biologist at Princeton University, Chair of the US National Committee on DIVERSITAS and member of the IBOY Steering Committee, explains that "The scientific problems involved in understanding the genesis and maintenance of biological diversity are as complex and non-linear as any of the problems studied in physics, mathematics, chemistry, or molecular biology. The main difference is that our food supply, health and economic welfare is much more tightly coupled to the future of biological diversity, than it is to the structure of atomic particles, or that of the universe." Understanding these connections poses deep intellectual challenges. Scientists participating in this panel hope that we will have plenty of time to solve them but believe that the time available to do this will depend sharply on our ability to appreciate human dependence upon the services provided by biological diversity.

"The biological diversity of Earth supports almost every aspect of human existence, from ecosystem goods such as food, fuel and fiber, to ecosystem services such as renewal of oxygen in the air and soil fertility. It also provides a foundation for diverse economies including agriculture, fisheries, pharmaceutical bioprospecting and tourism. Furthermore, all forms of human culture have ultimately evolved directly, or indirectly, from the way in which we either perceive or utilize biological diversity" says Dobson. "However, human activity is central to the current loss of biological diversity, with rates of species extinctions now 100 to 1000 times the background rate in the absence of human influence. More disconcertingly, current rates of extinction are accelerating rapidly. There is a real risk that our children will
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Contact: Gina Adams
gadams@nrel.colostate.edu
970-491-1984
University of Colorado at Boulder
15-Mar-2001

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