The diversity of life forms is one of the greatest wonders of the planet earth. The biosphere is an intricate tapestry of interwoven life forms. This book offers an overall view of this biological diversity and carries an urgent warning about the rapid alteration and destruction of the environments that have fostered the diversity of life forms for more than a billion years. The source of this book is the National Forum on BioDiversity, held in Washington, D.C., on September 21-24, 1986, under the auspices of the National Academy of Sciences and the Smithsonian Institution. The forum featured more than 60 leading biologists, economists, agricultural experts, philosophers, representatives of assistance and lending agencies, and other professionals. Included in this book are 57 papers presented at the forum. Topics include: (1) "The Current State of Biological Diversity"; (2) "Challenges to the Preservation of Biodiversity"; (3) "Human Dependence on Biological Diversity"; (4) "Diversity at Risk: Tropical Forests"; (5) "Diversity at Risk: The Global Perspective"; (6) "The Value of Biodiversity"; (7) "How is Biodiversity Monitored and Protected?"; (8) "Science and Technology: How Can They Help?"; (9) "Restoration Ecology: Can We Recover Lost Ground?"; (10) "Alternatives to Destruction"; (11) "Policies to Protect Diversity"; (12) "Present Problems and Future Prospects"; (13) "Ways of Seeing the Biosphere"; and (14) "Epilogue." (CW)