The dynamic nature of science and scientific progress has required a completely revised, updated and expanded version of this hugely successful book, which remains the most wide-ranging and comprehensive dictionary for the study of natural history in its broadest sense. There are over 11,000 entries, providing a working dictionary for students, teachers, researchers and others having an interest within the broad arena of biodiversity studies. The coverage cuts across classical disciplines (botany, zoology, bacteriology, mineralogy, palaeontology, etc.), focusing particularly on concepts, strategies and methodologies. New information in the book reflects major scientific developments, hence special attention is given to terminology relating to molecular techniques and to terminology generated by recent initiatives in the study of biological diversity and global climate change.