Introduction to biodiversity

Biodiversity has finally entered conversations among scientists and the populace at large as a common topic. With news about high rates of species loss and increased extinction rates, getting an idea of the wealth of species on our planet takes on an air of urgency and significance. In about 250 years of applying scientific names, we have managed to work through only a fraction of what is believed to be out there. Part of human nature involves collecting and categorizing the things around us. Our priority and primordial purpose for keeping collections and catalogs can vary from simple curiosity to economic interests. Only recently has biodiversity, in and of itself, come to be regarded as a valuable resource. Undoubtedly, every species plays a role in nature and as such, has potential to provide humankind rewards at some level.