Why is biodiversity important?
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Why does biodiversity matter? Let’s first have a closer look at the word. Biodiversity is a shortened and blended form of biology and diversity. The Encyclopedia of Earth has a brief but accurate definition of it: variety of living organisms.
There are three kinds of biodiversity: (1) variety of genetic material within a species, (2) variety of species within a specific area or habitat, or (3) variety of habitats within a larger area. Also known as genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity.
As an example of the first, the different races of people represents genetic diversity in Homo sapiens sapiens. For species diversity, a classic example would be a reef ecosystem which is composed of corals (considered as animals), fishes, mollusks, plants, etc. Habitat diversity can be represented by Africa where we find rainforests, savannahs, and deserts (each of which is an ecosystem).
Biodiversity is important because we are highly dependent on other species for survival. Aside from each species fulfilling a role that keeps life on Earth in balance, biodiversity provides us the following services:
1. Ecosystem services
- Protection of water resources
- Soils formation and protection
- Nutrient storage and recycling
- Pollution breakdown and absorption
- Contribution to climate stability
- Maintenance of ecosystems
- Recovery from unpredictable events
2. Biological resources
- Food
- Medicinal resources and pharmaceutical drugs
- Wood products
- Ornamental plants
- Breeding stocks, population reservoirs
- Future resources
3. Social benefits, such as
- Research, education and monitoring
- Recreation and tourism
- Cultural values
If we somehow we will fail to protect other species as stewards of nature, the failure is more to ourselves than to them.
Other posts you’ll want to read:
- Biodiversity and food security
- How can we preserve biodiversity in our community?
- Pollution and loss of biodiversity.
- Celebrate the World Biodiversity Day!
- Biodiversity Hotspots: Part 2.
May 26th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
At least 40 per cent of the world’s economy and 80 per cent of the needs of the poor are derived from biological resources. In addition, the richer the diversity of life, the greater the opportunity for medical discoveries, economic development, and adaptive responses to such new challenges as climate change.
May 26th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
George, if only the large corporations would work closely with our environment instead of using it only to its advantages, we might have more chances.
Chessmasters last blog post..Peculiar Short Stories Tres
May 27th, 2008 at 9:19 am
I agree. We are connected in life.
Since I write about video games, I wish video game companies would find a way to create and deliver their games without creating all the waste.
May 28th, 2008 at 9:39 am
Monsanto and their GMO’s are killing biodiversity on our planet.
Chessmasters last blog post..Peculiar Short Stories Tres
May 29th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Hi All!
@George
How true. The world’s biodiversity is like a gold mine. There’s still a lot of beneficial life out there we don’t even know of and we’re already killing them.
@Chessmaster
There was that news about Monarch butterflies and genetically engineered corn. The pollen kills the butterflies yet big businesses is pushing for its acceptance.
And the Golden Rice fiasco, I think Monsanto has a hand in it.
@Catherine
Cool job! Toxic game consoles are getting the rap too.
June 4th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
I could never know all this. I heard and read the word many times but it was perceived wrongly. I think that is a very very hot and serious issue of our earth and our life.
June 15th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Hey, thanks for dropping by.
July 1st, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Even a common human doesn’t know about that. Perhaps bloggers and webmasters can discuss it with very valid points. Even i was not that familiar with terms as I should be but I can understand importance of the issue.
Stair lifts last blog post..How to Get An Accurate Measure for A Straight Stair Lift
July 2nd, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Unfortunately, that’s true. The concept of biodiversity isn’t commonly known. We’re thankful of the internet as it allows us to extend our reach.
Thanks for the comment.
July 7th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
I saw in news that it is going to be an important issue in G-8 and D-8 conferences. That is a big news for me because I was not expecting that.
July 10th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Hi!
The conference in Japan? To cover food security? I heard they had a grand time having delicacies like caviar (the harvesting of which is driving the Persian sturgeon to extinction) and Kyoto beef.