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Biodiversity
1) Define the term biodiversity. Describe in brief the threats to biodiversity.
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Biodiversity, a portmanteau of “biological diversity,” is the intricate tapestry of life on Earth, encompassing an incredible array of living organisms, their genetic variations, and the complex ecosystems they form. It signifies the richness, variety, and variability of life at different levels, from genes to species to entire ecosystems.
At its core, biodiversity is about the sheer variety of life forms that inhabit our planet. This diversity exists within species, between species, and across ecosystems. Within species, it encompasses the genetic diversity present among individuals of the same species. This genetic variation allows species to adapt to changing environments, ensuring their survival and evolution over time.
Between species, biodiversity captures the diversity of different plant, animal, and microbial species coexisting within a particular area or globally. Each species has its unique characteristics, behaviors, and roles within its ecosystem. They interact and depend on each other in complex ways, forming intricate food webs, symbiotic relationships, and ecological processes that sustain life.
Ecosystem diversity is another crucial aspect of biodiversity. It refers to the variety of habitats, communities, and ecological processes that occur across landscapes. From forests to oceans, grasslands to wetlands, each ecosystem supports a unique combination of species adapted to its specific conditions. These ecosystems provide essential services like clean air and water, soil fertility, pollination, and climate regulation, benefiting both wildlife and humans.
Biodiversity is not only valuable for its inherent beauty and wonder but also for its practical significance. It underpins the stability and resilience of ecosystems, making them more resistant to environmental changes, such as climate fluctuations or human impacts. Additionally, biodiversity is essential for sustaining essential resources, including food, medicine, and raw materials that support human well-being.
However, biodiversity faces numerous threats, primarily due to human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, overexploitation of natural resources, and climate change. Conserving and protecting biodiversity is vital to maintain the balance of ecosystems, safeguard species, and ensure the continued provision of ecosystem services crucial for all life forms on Earth.
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