Biodiversity
Definition
The term biodiversity refers to the variety of living beings living on planet Earth. Biodiversity includes every kind of organism and not only the species we find rare. It includes organisms such as fungi, microbes, and invertebrates — the type of organisms we often overlook.
Organisms work together to form an ecosystem to maintain balance and support their lives.
Biodiversity provides everything in nature that we need to survive, such as:
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Food
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Water
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Shelter
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Habitat
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Medicine
One important feature of biodiversity is its high resilience — it adapts no matter how bad the situation is. If pressure is reduced and resources are managed well, the ecosystem will begin adapting to the situation.
All organisms rely on each other for survival, which is why a variety of life is needed in all areas where living organisms stay.
Levels of Biodiversity
There are three primary biodiversity levels:
- Species diversity
- Genetic diversity
- Ecosystem diversity
They all have different roles, and different organisms contribute to one another’s survival.
Meaning of the Term
The term 'biological diversity' can also be used to address biodiversity:
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Biological = life (including all living organisms)
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Diversity = variety of organisms in a specific area
Why is Biodiversity Important?
Biodiversity provides ecological life support for all organisms to survive. It ensures ecosystems can supply:
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Oxygen
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Clean air
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Pure water
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Pest control
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Wastewater treatment
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Ecosystem functions essential for life
If people understand biodiversity’s importance, protecting it becomes easier.
1. Biodiversity and Agriculture
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Essential for agricultural development
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Genes from wild plants increase crop yield
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Creates disease-resistant, salt-tolerant, and brackish water-tolerant varieties
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Crucial for human society’s food supply
2. Biodiversity and Fish Demand
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Wide variety of fish with different nutritional values
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Meets diverse dietary preferences
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Fish depend on one another in the food chain
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A diverse biosphere helps meet demand
3. Biodiversity and Medicine
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Human primary health care depends on biodiversity
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New plant research leads to new drugs
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Broad genetic variation helps combat diseases
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Example: Taxol (cancer chemotherapy drug) from the Pacific Yew Tree — discovered among 35,000 species
4. Biodiversity and Trade
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Links to industries producing construction materials, textiles, medicines, paints, paper, rubber, etc.
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Declining biodiversity harms business and industry
5. Biodiversity and Ecotourism
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Areas rich in biodiversity attract tourists
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Generates revenue, including foreign exchange
6. Biodiversity and Ethnobiology
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Tribal communities integrate various organisms into daily life
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Livelihood depends on rich biodiversity
7. Aesthetic Importance
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A biodiversity-rich environment brings joy, mental peace, and physical well-being
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Supports mental stability and longevity
8. Recreation and Cultural Importance
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Inspires poets, writers, and artists
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Many people garden, keep birds, and breed fish for recreation
9. Ecological Importance
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Ecosystems depend on biodiversity
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Loss of keystone species disrupts balance
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Food chains and food webs rely on biodiversity
10. Refugee Reduction
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Environmental disasters force people to migrate
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Conserving biodiversity reduces climate difficulties and displacement
Challenges for Biodiversity
Biodiversity faces threats due to human activities and environmental changes:
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Overuse of resources
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Extinction risks for many species
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75% of land and 60% of oceans altered
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Climate change worsening habitat loss
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Melting icebergs and rising sea levels
Causes of Extinction of Organisms
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Destroying wild habitats for human needs
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Introduction of invasive species
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Climate change
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Hunting and illegal trafficking
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Diseases and natural disasters
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Predators
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Competition for resources
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Lack of essentials like food and shelter
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Pollution
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Global warming
Examples of extinct or endangered animals:
Sarcogyps calvus, Gavialis gangeticus, Crocodylus palustris, Boselaphus tragocamelus, Orcaella brevirostris, Panthera tigris, Nycticebus coucang, Manis crausicauelafa
Importance of Conserving Endangered Species
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The Endangered Species Act helps protect organisms from extinction
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Humans cause most threats (except natural extinction)
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Once gone, species cannot be brought back
Biodiversity Conservation
Simple Steps to Conserve Biodiversity:
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Stop harming nature and wildlife
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Reduce food and water waste
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Stop producing harmful smoke and pollution
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Support local farms
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Avoid destroying trees for products
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Volunteer in nature-saving organizations
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Shop wisely and avoid unnecessary purchases