In this article, we will outline the reasons for maintaining biodiversity. We will especially focus on moral and ethical, ecological, environmental, economic, aesthetic, and agricultural reasons. So, let us get started with the definition of biodiversity first.
Biodiversity refers to the range and variety of species, genes, and habitats within a specific area.
Biodiversity is important for our own safety - Image Source: The Independent BD
In the next section of the article, we will explain the components of biodiversity.
Components of Biodiversity
There are three main components of biodiversity:
Genetic diversity: It is the range of genes on this planet. This diversity is not only in the genes of different species, but also present in the differential expression of genes which results in the multiplicity of features and qualities of organisms.
Species diversity: Millions of species exist on this planet. The variety among these species is known as species diversity. Species diversity is of two types:
Intraspecies diversity: It refers to the variation among individuals of the same species. For instance, different eye colors of humans are an example of intraspecies diversity.
Interspecies diversity: It refers to the variation among individuals of different species. For instance, we humans have greater diversity as compared to the Indus dolphins that are on the verge of extinction.
Ecosystem diversity: An ecosystem diversity refers to the variation and diversity among the ecosystem. Several different ecosystems with varying features are present on the planet earth. Mountains, oceans, deserts, plains, and forests have different species.
Types of Biodiversity - Image Source: Javatpoint
Reasons to Maintain Biodiversity
Humans and all other species on Earth are affected by global biodiversity. The six main reasons to maintain biodiversity are:
Moral and ethical
Ecological
Environmental
Economic
Aesthetic
Agricultural
In the next sections of the article, we will discuss all the six reasons for maintaining biodiversity one by one.
Moral and Ethical Reasons
Since human activity has resulted in the loss of biodiversity on this planet, therefore most people believe that it is the moral obligation of humans to take steps to prevent the manmade loss of biodiversity. We humans live with millions of other species on this planet and our activities are causing the extinction of other species. Because humans are the most intelligent species on Earth, hence it is their responsibility to protect all other organisms on this planet.
Ecological Reasons
Biodiversity affects the stability of an ecosystem. An ecosystem that is more diverse is better able to survive and adapt to changes in the environment and threats. For instance, global warming causes the rise of temperature in species-rich lakes. Few fish species cannot cope with the environmental changes whereas others can. Consequently, the fish that can cope have better chances to survive, reproduce and contribute to the ecosystem.
Few keynote species within communities influence the ecosystem more as compared to others. The loss of these species has many disadvantages for the ecosystem. For example, bush elephants in the African savannah are a keynote species. They have extreme eating habits because when they gaze, they knock over and eat many species of trees. Although they destroy the vegetation, however, in reality, they help in maintaining the ecosystem.
Elephant dung also offers a habitat for several important fungi and species of insects. The number of elephants reduced when they were hunted legally which negatively impacted the savannah.
Environmental Reasons
Diverse ecosystems offer crucial environmental services. Carbon dioxide from the air is absorbed by the plants which help to minimize the greenhouse effect and climate change. Larger organisms produce a lot of organic waste which is digested and broken down by the microorganisms. The plants undergo transpiration and contribute to the water cycle which is beneficial for humans as they can use the water for irrigation and drinking purposes.
One of the major constituents of the nutrient cycle is different fungi and bacteria. These microorganisms enable the nutrients to enter the soil again for further plant growth. Plants act as producers in food webs. They both act as direct and indirect sources of energy for humans through meat, fruits, and vegetables.
Economic Reasons
There is a lot of economic value in the ecosystems. Several medicines that we use today are produced from plants, fungi, and bacteria. For instance, the drug that fights cancer paclitaxel has been sourced from Pacific and Himalayan Yew Trees. Because of the over-harvesting for fuel and medicinal purposes, the Himalayan Yew has reduced in number. Because several important life-saving drugs have already been sourced from nature, hence we can assume that many other drugs will be sourced too in the future.
Ecotourism
One of the primary sources of income for many countries is ecotourism. Several tourists visit national parks annually to see the wildlife. The spending made by tourists contributes to the economy and provides jobs to people.
Science and Technology
In the fields of science and technology, ecosystems have made some prominent contributions. A particular enzyme that is employed in DNA sequencing was first discovered in a thermophilic bacterium present in a hot spring in Yellowstone national park located in the USA.
Aesthetic Reasons
We, humans, are fond of nature and we enjoy being close to beautiful places. The places where nature is at its full bloom inspire creative people like poets, photographers, artists, and musicians. The aesthetic benefits of biodiversity also compel us to preserve it.
Agricultural Reasons
The majority of the crops grown by humans are extremely uniform with low genetic diversity. The wild relatives of crops offer a source of genetic diversity to protect the crops that are inflicted with diseases or other disasters.
Habitat destruction and climate change are a threat to the majority of wild species. For example, all of the world’s potato crops came from a single species. Due to the lack of species diversity, this crop is prone to diseases. There are more than a hundred species of wild potatoes that grow in the Andes which act as alleles source for disease resistance. These alleles were introduced to the potato crop via gene technology and interbreeding.
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Emma
I am passionate about travelling and currently live and work in Paris. I like to spend my time reading, gardening, running, learning languages and exploring new places.
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