"This monograph would make an excellent supplemental reading for undergraduate courses in ecology, conservation biology, and philosophy of biology or a primary resource for a class on biodiversity."
— Choice
Choice Outstanding Academic Title, 2008
— Choice
"Overall, [the authors] have produced an interesting review and a coherent argument. Their work will be of interest to those involved in conservation planning and management, environmental policy, ecological and evolutionary theory, and the philosophy of biological science. . . . Their work underlines that extension of conservation biology by integration of ecological and evolutionary theory is an exciting, advancing field."
— A. Jasmyn J. Lynch, Austral Ecology
"A valuable theoretical contribution to debates surrounding the conservation of biological diversity. By explaining the diversity of diversities and its relevance for conservation purposes, [the authors] correct the widespread illusion that the conservation of species is an easily tractable and objective aim of conservation."
— Uta Esser, International Studies in the Philosophy of Science
"This book often clears a path through much of the related theoretical undergrowth, fearlessly criticising the theories of all-comers, Dawkins, Gould and Lewontin among them."
— Robin Attfield, Philosophy
"Most biologists think they know what biodiversity is. What is biodiversity? challenges this complacency. This [book] should inform conservation efforts at a time when the loss of species is accelerating."
— Dai Roberts, Biologist