Biodiversity

Definition

Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life forms within a given ecosystem, including the diversity of species, genetic differences among individuals, and the ecosystems they inhabit. It plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting life on Earth, as well as providing essential services such as pollination, climate regulation, and natural resources for human use.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem resilience, allowing ecosystems to recover from disturbances and adapt to changes.
2. Approximately 1 million species are currently threatened with extinction, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.
3. Human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change are the primary drivers of biodiversity loss worldwide.
4. Genetic diversity within species is important for adaptability and survival in changing environments, making it a key component of overall biodiversity.
5. Preserving biodiversity is essential for sustainable development, as it supports agriculture, medicine, and tourism, among other economic sectors.

Review Questions

• How does biodiversity contribute to ecosystem resilience and stability?
  • Biodiversity enhances ecosystem resilience by providing a variety of species that can perform different roles within an ecosystem. This diversity ensures that if one species is affected by disease or environmental changes, others can take over its ecological functions. The presence of multiple species also helps stabilize food webs and nutrient cycles, ultimately leading to healthier and more stable ecosystems.
• Discuss the major threats to biodiversity and their implications for environmental sustainability.
  • Major threats to biodiversity include habitat loss due to urbanization and agriculture, pollution from industrial activities, climate change affecting species distribution, and overexploitation of resources. These threats compromise environmental sustainability by disrupting ecosystems' ability to provide vital services like clean air and water, pollination of crops, and carbon sequestration. The decline in biodiversity undermines the natural systems that support life on Earth and can lead to long-term ecological consequences.
• Evaluate the importance of biodiversity conservation in achieving sustainable development goals.
  • Biodiversity conservation is critical for achieving sustainable development goals because it underpins many aspects of human well-being. Healthy ecosystems contribute to food security through agricultural diversity, provide medicinal resources vital for healthcare advancements, and support economic sectors like tourism. By protecting biodiversity, societies can ensure that natural resources remain available for future generations while maintaining ecological balance and fostering resilient communities in the face of environmental challenges.

Related terms

Ecosystem Services: The benefits that humans derive from ecosystems, including provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services that are essential for survival.

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

Habitat Loss: The destruction or alteration of natural environments, leading to a decline in biodiversity as species lose their homes and resources necessary for survival.