Introduction to Ethnobiology

This book covers teaching ethnobiology at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Providing an explanation of the historical and conceptual aspects of ethnobiology, the work addresses relatively new or little debated approaches which will interest even the most experienced researcher in the field of ethnobiology.

The appropriation of nature, in various forms, may be perceived by mankind in certain ways. This work specifically addresses this initial stage of the relationship between humans and nature, along with the classic debate and the major theoretical contributions regarding how humanity classifies nature. This discussion is expanded upon, addressing the consequences of a utilitarian relationship with nature, the extractivism of forest products, and plant and animal domestication. The work then provides a synthesis of which variables affect local biological knowledge (LBK). The text includes a reference list in each chapter as well as a small glossary of ethnobiology termsand related areas, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of the covered topics.

Auteur
Ulysses Paulino de Albuquerque, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
Romulo Romeu da Nobrega Alves, State University of Paraiba (UEPB), Brazil

Résumé
This textbook provides a basic introduction to ethnobiology with key concepts for beginners. It is also written for those who teach ethnobiology or related fields. The core issues and concepts, as well as approaches and theoretical positions are fully covered.

Contenu

What Is Ethnobiology.- History Ethnobiology.- Ethnobiology Or Ethnoecology.- Historical Ethnobiology.-Paleoethnobiology.- Urban Ethnobiology.- Diaspora Ethnobiology.- Ethnophycology.- Gastronomic Ethnobiology.- Ethnoprimatology.- Ethnobiology Of Change.- Political Ecology.- Ethnobiology, Ethics And Traditional Knowledge Protection.- What Is Environmental Perception.- Biota Perception And Use.- Biological Bases For Human Perception.- Risk Perception.- How And Why Should People Classify Natural Resources.- Alternative Views Of Folk Classification.- Fungi.- Food Plants.- Medicinal Plants.- Tonic Plants.- Magic Plants.- Ornamental Plants.- Timber Resources.- Animal Resources.- Plant And Landscape Local Management.- Indigenous Use Of Tropical Biodiversity And Ecosystem Domestication.- Extractivism Of Plant Resources.- Plant Domestication.- Domestication Of Animals.- Ethnobiology And Biodiversity Conservation.- Local Or Traditional Knowledge Transmission And Natural Resource Use.- Gender AndAge.- Ethnicity, Income And Education.- Urbanization, Modernization And Nature Knowledge.- How Does Social Status Relate To Traditional Ecological Knowledge?.- Plant Knowledge And Use In The Context Of Migration.- Cultural Comparisons In Ethnobiological Research.