The concept of biodiversity came out in the field of earth life diversity in 1980s. Based on literature searching, bibliometrical analysis, specialist consultation, the development of biodiversity research is reviewed, and the research profiles and challenges are summarized. The analysis results show that the current research are mainly focused on vegetation diversity development, eco-conservation, species richness, genetic diversity, sustainable govern, climate change, forest, soil, and ecosystem. The challenges in biodiversity research include: i) the biodiversity science is a cross-cutting research field linking the subjects of biology and the related disciplines; ii) the interaction between human society and biodiversity is the key aspect of biodiversity research; iii) the observation and monitor network is becoming an important platform for biodiversity research; iv) long-term, continuous, and abroad biodiversity investigation/monitor is the significant direction; v) advanced technologies are providing important supports for biodiversity research conservation; vi) biodiversity assessment is the groundwork for biodiversity and sustainable utilization. The suggestions for China biodiversity research are addressed in the end.

Utilizing the data of Essential Science Indicators (ESI), the article analyzed the scientific impact of agricultural sciences from 1998 to 2008. The countries/regions, institutions and scientists that have higher scientific impact were analyzed. Through analysis of Top 20 articles of Most Cited Papers and Top 10 articles of Hot Papers, the research status of agricultural sciences were discussed.

This paper makes statistical analysis on the patents in force as of the end of 2008. On this basis, the fundamental situation of both domestic and foreign patents in force was mastered and analyzed