Biodiversity: The relationship of the Earth

hmuser
Jun 13
4 min read

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What is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity is all the living things on this planet, from the largest animal to the smallest bacteria; it includes the relationships, connections, and processes that exist in the world. Biodiversity is how humans get most of their resources and are able to live; we are able to get food, shelter, fuel, and even medicine from nature.

Biodiversity can be looked at through three different subsections of diversity. That being genetic diversity, which is how genes within the same species can differ. Second is species diversity, which is the different species that exist within an ecosystem, and how their relationships and connections change their environment, such as bees and other pollinators interacting with plants. Third is ecosystem diversity, which is the diverse biomes and ecosystems that exist all around the planet, such as deserts, different types of forests, and shrublands.

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Threats to biodiversity:

Major threats to biodiversity come from habitat loss, fragmentation, overconsumption of resources, poaching and hunting, invasive species, and climate change.

Habitat Loss- as habitats are destroyed, we lose many ecosystems that have been growing for centuries, destroying habitats for species, either causing them to die or be forced to go into urban areas, where we face human interaction, which can be harmful and dangerous to both.
Fragmentation- Similar to habitat loss, it causes destruction and large changes to ecosystems, forcing the previous habitat into smaller areas, leading to a genetic bottleneck of species.
Overconsumption of Resources- The constant need for humans to grow and continue to prosper unchecked causes the destruction of ecosystems in order to fulfill our needs for resources such as precious metals, oil, lumber, and land for growing our crops.
Poaching and Hunting- Overhunting and poaching of endangered species causes populations to decrease greatly, which can cause the loss of species over time and, when unregulated, could disrupt the balance of an ecosystem. One species disappearing can cause mass destruction to ecosystems.
Invasive Species- These are species brought from other countries that compete with our native species, and in cases, they are able to outcompete as they have no natural predator and are able to push native species to reduced numbers and even extinction.
Climate Change- Change in climate causes devastation to many ecosystems, as the sudden and swift change affects especially sensitive species such as coral reefs getting bleached and dying from the increasing temperature of the oceans.

Effects of Biodiversity:

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Increase in biodiversity:

Symbols- Many plants and animals serve as cultural and religious symbols for people; the protection of our ecosystems can help to protect these species, helping to keep traditions alive.
Soil Health- Soil health is greatly impacted by biodiversity, and keeping the soil fertile and healthy allows for water to be stored more efficiently, allows for the support of plant and animal life, and protects our lands from erosion and degradation.
Economy- Protecting and increasing our biodiversity helps to keep environments healthy and keep populations thriving. Many cities, towns, and villages rely on even a singular species for their entire economic livelihood. The protection of the ecosystems and the understanding of the relationships within them allow for those villages to continue to provide and feed their families.

Decrease in biodiversity:

Destruction of habitat and resources- The loss of resources and habitats affects the human population greatly, the protection of our habitats is important for the future of human life.
Loss of soil- By wind, being swept in the river, or losing all its life, the loss of our soils is devastating for life. Soil is filled with so many microbes that support life on this planet, and losing it would be the loss of one of our most important resources.
Interactions- The destruction causes new interactions between humans and animals in urban areas, and even disease and pathogens, as we venture deeper into habitats.

How can we support Biodiversity?

Biodiversity is vital to this planet, and we must move to support and protect it. We must be knowledgeable of what are impact on the planet is and how the different species interact first if we wish to help. One way people have moved to protect biodiversity is the creation of protected areas, an example of this is National Parks, which protect vital ecosystems. Another way people help is by restoring ecosystems and by helping to reintroduce native species, either to help replenish numbers or bring them back to an ecosystem they have disappeared from. One way we can help to introduce biodiversity in our urban areas is by creating green spaces. Green spaces can be rooftop gardens, old abandoned lots transformed to become a small area with trees and plants providing homes and resources to our pollinators, birds, and rodents.