Biological Diversity: The Oldest Human Heritage

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Obtaining Hard Copies

Description: This 58-page book by renowned biodiversity scientist, Professor Edward O. Wilson of Harvard University, gives an overview of what biodiversity is and why it is important to conserve it. The book is beautifully illustrated with artwork by Patricia Kernan (a Scientific Illustrator at the New York State Museum) and in 2000 the book received an award from Graphic Design:USA for “excellence in communication and graphic design.” This book is being distributed throughout the state primarily to schools and other education programs to help develop a better understanding of biodiversity by these students. As of June 2007, nearly 14,000 copies of this book have been distributed.

Paperback, 58 pages
Dimension (approximate): 6 x 9 x .25 inches
ISBN: 1-55557-210-3
ISSN: 0735-4401
First printing: April 1999

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The entire book is available for viewing in Adobe Acrobat PDF format from the following link:

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Obtaining Hard Copies

Schools and Education Programs

Schools and other education programs can obtain this book FREE of charge for their students. Teachers should email BRI@mail.nysed.gov to obtain these books.

General Public

To purchase copies call the New York State Museum Publication Sales Office at 518-402-5344 or the Museum Shop at 518-449-7860. Price: $3.95 (plus shipping and NYS sales tax if applicable)