The Importance of Biodiversity - 1521 Words

‘Define Biodiversity and using examples, explain why it is important’ Biodiversity is the variety of life on earth. A fuller definition is given in the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) from the 1992 Earth summit: ‘Biodiversity is the variability among living organisms from all sources, including terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part ; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems’ (Hambler, C., 2004, 11). Within planet earth today Biodiversity forms the foundation for the vast array of ecosystem services that critically contribute to human well being. It is as important in human managed ecosystems as well as natural ecosystems (Hambler, C.,†¦show more content†¦Endangered species of plants or animals may have properties yet to be discovered that could provide important medicines (Hambler, C., 2004, 29). In addition to such direct benefits, the world’s diverse living creatures working in concert provide important ecological functions such as air and water purification, climate regulation, erosion control, and providing oxygen in the atmosphere that humans need to breathe (Hambler, C., 2004, 29). Some ecologists also stress the aesthetic value of a natural world rich with an abundance of varied and often beautiful life-forms. Many common human behaviours exhibit the importance of being able to enjoy Biodiversity in many different ways. It may be that survival is possible but life without this biodiversity being available may prove boring and unfulfilling (Primack, R.B, 2002,24). In addition, the interactions taking place between world economics and biodiversity also has to be taken into consideration. The arguments for the conservation of biodiversity with regards to economics are divided quite broadly into ‘direct use value’ and ‘indirect use value’. direct use value is involved with microbial products such as animals and plants whereas indirect use is involved with the ecosystem services that are provided by a group of species and habitats, these include the likes of floodShow MoreRelatedThe Importance Of Biodiversity1641 Words   |  7 PagesBiodiversity Loss I. Introduction Biodiversity is the variety of living organisms (Cho, 2011). Currently, an extreme loss of biodiversity is a problem that is being caused by human activities. A major report in 2005 stated that due to human actions, between 10% and 30% of mammal, bird, and amphibian species are threatened with extinction, since then, the problem has only increased (Shah, 2014). The topic of biodiversity is of interest and significant to me, and others, because it provides all humansRead MoreThe Importance of Biodiversity Loss1087 Words   |  4 PagesBiodiversity is defined as the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat; typically, greater biodiversity is important and more desirable in a given habitat. Greater biological diversity promotes economic and social welfare, and improves the likelihood that future generations will survive and succeed. Our planet contains a wide variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms that have learned to survive and flourish in a number of different habitats, from the wet jungles of the AmazonRead MoreImportance Of Biodiversity Conservation1295 Words   |  6 Pagesincreasing awareness all over the world on the need to use biodiversity conservation for sustainable development. Biological resources should be protected and used to improve human conditions in ways that the world varieties of species will not diminish (Egunyomi and Salaam, 1996). NEST (1991) stated that over 350,000ha of forest and natural vegetation are being lost annually in Nigeria. One of the most effective and best means of conserving biodiversity is to prevent the destruction or degradation of ourRead MoreEssay about The Importance of Biodiversity1310 Words   |  6 PagesWhat exactly is Biodiversity? Biodiversity is generally defined as â€Å"the existence of many different kinds of plants and animals in an environme nt.† (Merriam Webster Dictionary, n.d.) However, there is no single definition for biodiversity. One definition for biological diversity is â€Å"a diversity among and within plant and animal species in an environment† (Biological Diversity, n.d.). Biodiversity can also be defined as â€Å"the number and variety of organisms found within a specified geographic region†Read MoreEvaluate the Importance of Zoos and Captive Breeding Programmes in the Preservation of Biodiversity for Future Generations.1209 Words   |  5 PagesEvaluate the importance of zoos and captive breeding programmes in the preservation of biodiversity for future generations. Nowadays one of the most important issues is preservation of biodiversity. Although most of the damages to our environment were made in the past, since there were less education and consciousness between people, there are still many factors threatening the world heritage. So, it must be the duty, but at this stage even a challenge, of the community and of each individualRead MoreThe And Its Effects On Indigenous People1475 Words   |  6 Pagesconservation of biodiversity, and raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity to human health. Raising awareness and educating countries worldwide is perhaps the most important aspect. This is because legal framework, contracts with source countries, and conservation of biodiversity cannot take place if the participating countries are not aware of bioprospecting potential and the importance of biodiversity to their health. Many developing countries are unaware of the importance of biodiversityRead MoreBiodiversity And Its Impact On Biodiversity965 Words   |  4 PagesBiodiversity is what makes the planet earth unique and different from every other planet in the solar system. Biodiversity can be studied on a global level all the way down to studying it within a microscopic ecosystem (National Wildlife Federation, 2015). It is important to understand that biodiversity can be looked at genetically as well as environmentally as well. For example, genetic biodiversity is seen in the variation of different breeds within the dog species, while environmental biodiversityRead MoreIntroduction Knowledge has always been transferred from older generation to younger generations700 Words   |  3 Pagesthis regard biodiversity is no exception. The knowledge of the hunters and gatherer societies, cultivators, and fishers to mention a few, have developed knowledge specific to their field of operation. There have been sources laying down the importance of the traditional knowledge, as pre-scientific traditional systems of management have been the main means by which the traditional societies have managed natural resources for millennia . Thus biodiversity conservation holds primary importance for sustainableRead MoreBiodiversity Worsheet Bio 280 Essay617 Words   |  3 Pagesï » ¿University of Phoenix Material Biodiversity Worksheet In a total of 350 to 700 words, answer the following questions about diversity. Cite at least two references while answering the questions. Question Response What is conservation biology? What is biodiversity? Conservation biology is the study of environmental problems that are caused by human actions. This would be the scientific study of the Earth’s biodiversity with the whole purpose from being extinct. In this field it helps in puttingRead MoreThe Effects Of Germplasm On Plants And Tissue That Helps Maintain The Breeding And Conservation Essay1213 Words   |  5 Pagesbe a leaf, a piece of stem, pollen or even just a few cells from a plant (3). It is a living tissue that grows into a new plant (3). National Plant Germplasm System global food is an availability and security for the agricultural production. The importance of germplasms is to produce plants for food, fibers, animal feeds, industrial and medicinal purposes, and for landscape and ornamental uses (4). With the increasing knowledge, many farmers are learning how to plant breeders, increase crop yields