- Biodiversity is the collective term for all living organisms on Earth, encompassing the diversity within and among various ecosystems.
- It signifies the variability existing among species and within individual species, contributing to the richness of life in different environments.
- The term “biodiversity” was introduced by Walter G. Rosen in 1986, encapsulating the intricate interplay of life forms in the biosphere.
- Beyond its scientific definition, biodiversity holds immense ecological and economic importance.
- It serves as a source for nourishment, habitat, fuel, clothing, and various other essential resources.
- Additionally, biodiversity contributes to economic gains through activities like tourism.
- Thus, gaining a comprehensive understanding of biodiversity is crucial for fostering sustainability and ensuring the well-being of ecosystems and human livelihoods.
IMPORTANCE OF BIODIVERSITY
The significance of biodiversity is multi-faceted, encompassing ecological, economical, and scientific dimensions.
Ecological Role of Biodiversity:
- Biodiversity is essential for maintaining the delicate balance of ecosystems.
- It represents the variety of species in a specific region, with each species playing a vital role.
- These roles include participation in the production and decomposition of organic matter, the regulation of atmospheric gases, and the control of water and nutrient cycles.
- The greater the diversity, the more stable the ecosystem becomes.
Economical Role of Biodiversity:
- Biodiversity serves as a valuable source of energy and provides raw materials for various industrial products like oils, lubricants, perfumes, dyes, paper, waxes, and rubber.
- Plant species, in particular, contribute significantly to medicinal resources, with over 70% of anti-cancer drugs derived from plants in tropical rainforests.
Scientific Role of Biodiversity:
- Every species in an ecosystem contributes to our understanding of the evolutionary history of life on Earth.
- Studying each species provides valuable evidence about the intricacies of life’s evolution and the crucial role each species plays in sustaining the ecosystem’s balance.
Biodiversity can be classified into three primary types:
- Genetic Diversity (Variation within species)
- Species Diversity (Variation among species)
- Ecosystem Diversity (Variation among ecosystems)
GENETIC DIVERSITY:
- The genetic diversity of a species refers to the variations in the genetic makeup among individuals within that species.
- This diversity is crucial as it contributes to the differences observed among individuals of the same species.
- Individuals with close genetic relations share more genetic information and, consequently, exhibit greater similarity.
SPECIES DIVERSITY:
- Species diversity encompasses the variety of different species present in a specific region or habitat.
- This diversity is observed in both natural ecosystems and agricultural settings.
- For example, tropical North and South America boast over 85,000 flowering plant species, tropical and subtropical Asia has more than 50,000, tropical and subtropical Africa has around 35,000, and Europe has approximately 11,300 vascular plants. Additionally, certain environments, like salt flats or polluted streams, may have fewer species.
ECOSYSTEM DIVERSITY:
- Ecosystem diversity involves the wide array of distinct ecosystems, each characterized by unique species and habitats.
- This diversity exists within specific geographical regions, countries, or states.
- Examples of ecosystems include forests, grasslands, deserts, and mountains. The variations in ecosystems contribute to the overall biodiversity of a particular area.
LOSS OF BIODIVERSITY
- Loss of biodiversity refers to the reduction in the number of a specific species within a particular habitat, and it can result in the extinction of plant and animal species.
- This loss may be either reversible or permanent.
- Human activities constitute a primary cause of biodiversity loss, contributing to significant climate changes that pose a substantial threat to biodiversity.
- The growing demand for natural resources, coupled with an expanding population, has led to increased waste generation.
Causes of Loss of Biodiversity:
- Habitat Destruction: The natural habitat of ecosystems is crucial for maintaining ecological balance. Human activities, such as deforestation for industrial, highway, and settlement construction, have resulted in the loss of habitats, making species vulnerable to predation and eventual extinction.
- Wildlife Hunting: The commercialization of wildlife products has driven the hunting of wild animals. For example, poaching, particularly for rhino horns, has caused significant harm to biodiversity, with instances of rhino killings reported in various regions.
- Exploitation of Medicinal Plants: The exploitation of medicinal plants for laboratory purposes has led to the extinction of these species. Additionally, animals are often sacrificed for scientific and medical research.
- Natural Calamities: Events like floods, earthquakes, and forest fires, classified as natural calamities, can result in the loss of biodiversity by disrupting ecosystems.
- Air Pollution: Deforestation and rapid tree cutting contribute to increased carbon dioxide levels, leading to climate change. Elevated land and ocean temperatures, caused by air pollution, negatively impact species and biodiversity.
FAQs: Biodiversity
1. What is Biodiversity?
A: Biodiversity is the collective term for all living organisms on Earth, encompassing the diversity within and among various ecosystems. It signifies the variability existing among species and within individual species, contributing to the richness of life in different environments.
2. Who Coined the Term “Biodiversity”?
A: The term “biodiversity” was introduced by Walter G. Rosen in 1986, encapsulating the intricate interplay of life forms in the biosphere.
3. Why is Biodiversity Important?
A: Beyond its scientific definition, biodiversity holds immense ecological and economic importance. It serves as a source for nourishment, habitat, fuel, clothing, and various other essential resources. Additionally, biodiversity contributes to economic gains through activities like tourism. Thus, gaining a comprehensive understanding of biodiversity is crucial for fostering sustainability and ensuring the well-being of ecosystems and human livelihoods.
4. What is the Ecological Role of Biodiversity?
A: Biodiversity is essential for maintaining the delicate balance of ecosystems. It represents the variety of species in a specific region, with each species playing a vital role. These roles include participation in the production and decomposition of organic matter, the regulation of atmospheric gases, and the control of water and nutrient cycles. The greater the diversity, the more stable the ecosystem becomes.
5. How Does Biodiversity Contribute to the Economy?
A: Biodiversity serves as a valuable source of energy and provides raw materials for various industrial products like oils, lubricants, perfumes, dyes, paper, waxes, and rubber. Plant species, in particular, contribute significantly to medicinal resources, with over 70% of anti-cancer drugs derived from plants in tropical rainforests.
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