Biodiversity

Definition

Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life forms within a given ecosystem, biome, or on the entire planet. It encompasses the diversity of species, genetic variations, and the ecosystems they inhabit, playing a critical role in maintaining the balance of nature. The richness of biodiversity is essential for sustaining human life, as it contributes to ecosystem services, such as clean air and water, pollination of crops, and disease regulation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Biodiversity is crucial for food security; diverse ecosystems provide a wider variety of crops and livestock to choose from.
2. Loss of biodiversity can lead to ecosystem collapse, affecting services that humans rely on, like clean air and water.
3. Areas with high biodiversity tend to be more resilient to environmental changes and disturbances.
4. The majority of Earth's biodiversity is found in tropical regions, which are home to around 50% of all species despite covering only about 10% of the Earth's surface.
5. Human activities, such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change, are the primary drivers of biodiversity loss worldwide.

Review Questions

• How does biodiversity contribute to ecosystem stability and resilience?
  • Biodiversity enhances ecosystem stability by providing a range of species that can perform various functions within an ecosystem. When an ecosystem has many different species, it is better able to withstand disturbances like natural disasters or climate change. This diversity ensures that some species can thrive even if others are affected by stressors, leading to a more resilient system overall.
• Evaluate the impact of human activities on global biodiversity and suggest potential solutions.
  • Human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, and overexploitation have significantly diminished global biodiversity. The resulting loss not only affects individual species but also disrupts ecosystem functions and services essential for human survival. To mitigate these impacts, solutions include establishing protected areas, promoting sustainable resource management practices, and engaging in restoration efforts to revive degraded habitats.
• Synthesize the relationship between biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human well-being in the context of sustainable development.
  • The relationship between biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human well-being is integral to sustainable development. Biodiversity underpins ecosystem services that provide essential resources like food, clean water, and air purification. A healthy ecosystem rich in diverse species can adapt to changes and continue supporting human needs. Therefore, promoting biodiversity through conservation efforts not only preserves nature but also secures the well-being of future generations by ensuring that these vital services remain available.

Related terms

Ecosystem Services: Natural processes provided by ecosystems that benefit humans, such as clean water, pollination, and climate regulation.

Endangered Species: Species that are at risk of extinction due to habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and other human-related factors.

Conservation Biology: A field of study focused on understanding and preserving biodiversity and the ecosystems that support it.