The variety of life on earth, its biological diversity is commonly referred to as biodiversity. Perhaps the biggest benefit of biodiversity isnt what compounds an individual species carries in its cells, but how that species fits together and interacts with other species in its ecosystem and how that. A healthy soil depends on a vibrant range of life forms living below the ground, from bacteria and fungi to tiny insects, earthworms and moles. It includes organisms from earths vastly different ecosystems. By securing the lifesustaining goods and services which biodiversity provides to us, the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity can provide significant. Agricultural biodiversity is a subset of general biodiversity. It is a flexible concept, involving both small and largesized land holdings. We seek to identify not all the outstanding questions but rather those that are among the most important. It not only encompasses the ecological processes as we can see them, but also holds the key to the evolutionary processes that sustain life and the cultural relationships that nurture the spirit. Unlike nonscientists, biologists dont think of biodiversity strictly in terms of the number of species found on earth. Biodiversity is the part of nature which includes the difference in genes among the individuals of a species, the variety and richness of all the plant and animal species at different scales in space, locally. Biodiversity is the term used to encompass the variety of all living organisms on earth, including their genetic diversity.
The importance of biodiversity in agricultural systems. By securing the lifesustaining goods and services which biodiversity provides to us, the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity can provide significant benefits to our health. As we look at the key goals of sustainability, one that stands out is the protection of biodiversity, a vital element to the wellbeing of our planet and to the quality of human life. Why is biodiversity important and reasons for loss of. The overview of wetland biodiversity followed by some case studies from each of these regions and the role of the. Biodiversity plays an important role in the way ecosystems function and in the many services they provide. Global agriculture is the most significant driver of biodiversity loss, through. The biodiversity advantage international fund for agricultural. Important notes are also helpful for revision when you have less time and have to study many topics.
It eats some of the species in the biodiversity which creates a balance in the ecosystem. Biodiversity is important to humans for many reasons. These plants include bushes, grasses, herbs, shrubs, trees, vines, ferns, and. By securing the lifesustaining goods and services which biodiversity provides to us, the. Biodiversity is apparent in the variety of plants and animals farmers raise. You can also call it as revision notes for biodiversity and conservation or cheat sheet of biodiversity and conservation.
Pdf the importance of biodiversity and dominance for multiple. Biodiversity underpins ecosystem function and the provision ofecosystem services. Biodiversity, or biological diversity, is a term that refers to the number of genes, species, individual organisms within a given species, and biological communities within a defined geographic area, ranging from the smallest ecosystem to. Its so heartening to be reminded that we dont need scientists, politicians, economists or clergy to tell us that biodiversity is important. Biodiversity is also considered by many to have intrinsic valuethat is, each species has a value and a right to exist, whether or not it is known to have value to humans. The natural disaster prevention mechanisms in most ecosystems and other free services we all get from the surrounding environment are not easily replaceable or replicable, so maintaining biodiversity is important.
Sep 03, 2018 biodiversity is the variety of life on earth at all its levels, from genes to ecosystems. Biodiversity, ecosystems and their species perform important biological services, for example, green plants remove carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the atmosphere, which helps keep the environment healthy and fit for human life. The importance of biodiversity in agricultural systems in ecology and conservation biology, biodiversity is a wellknown concept one that most of us learn in high school. Associate professor, kamala nehru college, university of delhi. It has all important formulae and concepts you can glance at and grasp everything in one go. Biological variety can be observed at three levels. The importance of biodiversity and ecosystems in economic growth and equity in. The concept also covers how this diversity changes from one location to another and over time.
Biodiversity loss, also called loss of biodiversity, a decrease in biodiversity within a species, an ecosystem, a given geographic area, or earth as a whole. Otherwise known as agrobiodiversity, agricultural biodiversity is a broad term that includes the variety and variability of animals, plants and. Biodiversity is the variety within and between animal and plant life in a particular habitat or the entire planet. Environmentalists might define biodiversity as the total of all plant and animal life of the planet, and the planet itself the air, water and land that supports animal and plant life. Biodiversity is the variation among living organisms from different sources including terrestrial, marine and desert ecosystems, and the ecological complexes of which they are a part. It is the number of different species of plants, animals, and microorganisms. Read about biodiversity conservation, the importance of biodiversity, loss of biodiversity and more.
It includes diversity within species, between species, and among ecosystems. Nov 15, 2016 biodiversity hotspots are areas that support natural ecosystems that are largely intact and where native species and communities associated with these ecosystems are well represented. May 06, 2019 5 reasons why biodiversity is a big deal earths species are now vanishing at rates unprecedented in human history. Biodiversity is the variety of living species on earth plants, animals and microorganisms and the ecosystems they form. All the varieties of food, timber plants, livestock, microbes and agricultural animals should be conserved. It is not, however, so commonly associated with agriculture. Importance of biodiversity list of high impact articles. Different plants and animals are interdependent on each other to get their basic needs fulfilled. Otherwise known as agrobiodiversity, agricultural biodiversity is a broad term that includes the variety and variability of animals, plants and microorganisms at the genetic, species and ecosystem levels that sustain the ecosystem structures, functions and processes in and around production systems, and that provide food and non. It may include existing native forests and forests established by landholders. Biodiversity refers to the importance of a wide variety of plants and animals that live in the world or in a specific habitat. In any particular region on the planet, there are numerous different species. Pdf many studies suggest that biodiversity may be particularly important for ecosystem multifunctionality, because different species with.
It is the most complex and important feature of our planet. In 2002, governments set 2010 as a deadline to achieve a significant reductionin the rate of loss of biodiversity for reducing poverty. The importance of biodiversity ags university of delhi. Agroforestry is the management and integration of trees, crops andor livestock on the same plot of land and can be an integral component of productive agriculture. That is what makes our country one of the 12 mega diversity countries of the world.
Perhaps the biggest benefit of biodiversity isnt what compounds an individual species carries in its cells, but how that species fits together and interacts with other species in its ecosystem and how that ecosystem works with others across the world. Ecological and habitat diversity is critical to the survival of humans. The overview of wetland biodiversity followed by some case studies from each of these regions and the role of the ramsar convention to promote conservation of wetlands are highlighted in the publication. Forests are more biologically diverse than any other landbased ecosystem. Biodiversity types of biodiversity, importance and causes. Following are the important strategies for biodiversity conservation. Biodiversity is the amount of variety of life on earth. Biodiversity conservation different methods and strategies. Pdf an unequivocal, precise, and generally accepted definition of biodiversity does not exist. Biodiversity is categorized into species diversity, genetic diversity and ecosystem diversity. Biodiversity is a community of all the living organisms on the earth and the diversity among them from all the ecosystems. That matters for more reasons than many people realize.
Until the emergence of humans, the earth supported more biodiversity than any other period in geological history. Biodiversity sustains the bodies we live in, and affects the lives we lead, and the societies we form. All the economically important organisms should be identified and conserved. It is an approach that looks at the amount of life and the variety of life over an area. Biodiversity, ecosystems and their species perform important biological services, for example, green plants remove carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the atmosphere. Mar 24, 2019 important notes are also helpful for revision when you have less time and have to study many topics. The polar bear is important to biodiversity in various ways. You can also call it as revision notes for biodiversity and conservation or cheat sheet of. The year 2010 has long been seen as an end goal, a time when we could look back and say, yes, weve done it that biodiversity, life on earth, is no longer threatened. They value biodiversity as a part of their livelihood as well as through cultural and religious sentiments. Biodiversity is also important in other, less obvious ways. About thousands of plant crop species have been identified, developed, used and relied on for the. Biodiversity is the measure of the number, variety and variability of living organisms. Biodiversity has become more important to evaluate ecosystems magurran, 1988 although the role of speceis diversity in ecosystem functioning is disputed schulze and mooney, 1994.
In this curated collection, learn how different species evolve to changing conditions and how humans impact endangered species. The importance of biodiversity to human wellbeing and health has only gained greater. Nearly 45,000 species of plants and twice as many of animals have been recorded from india. For this reason, we must realize the importance of biodiversity as an important resource.
Biodiversity, short for biological diversity refers to the variety of life. Biodiversity hotspots are areas that support natural ecosystems that are largely intact and where native species and communities associated with these ecosystems are well represented. However the need for such a definition that is both. Biodiversity and conservation although india h as only 2.
For instance, human beings are dependent on various plants and animals for their food, shelter and clothes and likewise many other species are dependent on. Biodiversity is important in ecosystems because it prevents extinction of species, allows organisms to adapt to changes in the environment and provides a wide range of materials and foods for survival. Many wild plant species could make important contributions to human food suppliers either. Besides this, biodiversity plays an important role in maintaining and sustaining the supply of goods and services. For example, the richness of diversity allows medicines and foods to be naturally available. Biodiversity is also considered by many to have intrinsic valuethat is, each species has a value and a right to exist, whether or not it is known to have.
To understand why biodiversity is important, we have to think like biologists. Why soil biodiversity is so important european commission. Our biodiversity is very important to the wellbeing of our. Biodiversity is important as it helps in maintaining a balance in the ecological system. Living things in various ecosystems perform such vital functions as helping to form the soil and maintain its fertility, purifying the water, cycling nutrients through the environment, and regulating the climate see earth. In general term the biodiversity or biological diversity ia variation of species of all type of natural habitats with presence of certain species. The diversity of plants on the planet earth is an important resource for food, shelter, and agriculture. In contrast, the continuing loss of biodiversity on a. The loss of biodiversity is dangerous and its consequences are immediate. An ecosystem is the name given to all living species that live together in a.
A smallscale example of biodiversity is the various life forms within the park in the neighborhood. Services include nutrient and water cycling, soil formation and retention, resistance against. Reduction in biodiversity can affect decomposition rates, vegetation biomass production and, in the marine environment, affect fish stocks. The red line shows the average change acrossallcombinations. Many traditional societies have played an important role in preserving their biodiversity. About thousands of plant crop species have been identified, developed, used and relied on for the purpose of food and agricultural production in human history. It is important to maintain this level in order to balance the environmental harmony on. A single species might show high diversity at the genetic level over its distributional range. In fact, the variety of living things found across the planet also known as species diversity or species richness is just one part of. Biodiversity refers to the variety of living species on earth, including plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi. Introduction to biodiversity center for biodiversity. Biodiversity loss therefore threatens the provision of goods and services provided by ecosystems. Biodiversity describes the richness and variety of life on earth.
Fact sheet april 2010 biodiversity conservation, the practice of protecting and preserving the wealth and variety of species, habitats, ecosystems, and genetic diversity on the planet. The biodiversity found on earth today is the result of approximately 3. It is also important to preserve every species of plants and animals as each one has some or. It includes organisms from earths vastly different ecosystems, including deserts, rainforests, coral reefs, grasslands, tundra, and polar ice caps. Biodiversity is important, more than just the i want my children to enjoy it reason. Aug 03, 2018 biodiversity, short for biological diversity refers to the variety of life. Biodiversity threats weston w sechrest,university of virginia, charlottesville, virginia, usa thomas m brooks, center for applied biodiversity science conservation international, washington dc, usa any. Biologists estimate that species extinctions are currently 500 times the normal, or background, rate seen previously in earths history. At least 40 percent of the worlds economy and 80 percent of the needs of the poor are derived from biological resources. That area can be as large as the earth itself or it can be in a very small ecosystem such as the life in and surrounding a patch of moss on a fallen tree trunk. Biodiversity conservation provides substantial benefits to meet immediate human needs, such as clean, consistent water flows, protection from floods and storms and a stable climate. The current high rates will cause a precipitous decline in the biodiversity of the planet in the next century or two.
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