The term biodiversity, which comes from the term “biological diversity,” refers to the variety of life on Earth in all its forms, from genes to ecosystems. It also refers to the evolutionary, ecological, and cultural processes that keep life going on Earth.Biodiversity encompasses not only unique, imperilled, or endangered species, but also all living things, from people to organisms about which we know nothing, such as bacteria, fungi, and invertebrates.
Biodiversity’s Scientific Contribution
Biodiversity is a dynamic system that is always evolving, both species-wise and organism-wise. A species’ typical half-life is estimated to be between one and four million years, and 99 percent of all species that have ever existed on the planet are extinct now. Globally, the number of species ranges from 2 million and 100 million, with 10 million being the most conservative estimate. New species are found on a regular basis, the majority of which remain unclassified. Tropical forests are extremely diverse. Biodiversity increases ecosystem production by ensuring that each species, no matter how little, plays a critical function.
Biodiversity is critical because each species reveals something about how life originated and will evolve in the future. Additionally, it aids in comprehending how life functions and the role of each species in supporting ecosystems, of which humans are a part. This reality must be borne in mind by each of us in order for humans to survive and for other species to survive as well. It provides a wide variety of goods and services necessary for human survival, including food, fuel, and building materials; climate stabilisation and moderation; soil fertility generation and renewal; genetic resource conservation as inputs to crop varieties and livestock breeds, medicines, and other products; and cultural, recreational, and aesthetic benefits.
It is our decent responsibility to determine that each and every species, including ourselves, has an inherent right to exist. As a result, it is morally unacceptable to actively contribute to the extinction of any species. Biodiversity is an excellent measure of the state of our interactions with other living species. Indeed, the concept of biodiversity is ingrained in a large number of human societies.
It contains an abundance of systematic ecological data that aids in our comprehension of the natural world and its origins. Biodiversity as we know it now is the result of billions of years of evolution, moulded by natural processes and, increasingly, by human impact.
Importance Of Biodiversity
Biodiversity is critical for people for a variety of reasons. Biodiversity is also often seen as having inherent value—that is, each species has intrinsic worth and a right to live regardless of whether its value is recognised by people. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization’s biodiversity book identifies five fundamental (and interdependent) values that humans place on biodiversity:
- Economic—biodiversity supplies raw materials to people for consumption and industry. Numerous livelihoods, including those of farmers, fishers, and loggers, are reliant on biodiversity.
- Ecological life support—biodiversity enables ecosystems to function properly, providing oxygen, clean air and water, plant pollination, pest control, wastewater treatment, and a variety of other ecosystem services.
- Recreation—a variety of recreational activities, including birdwatching, hiking, camping, and fishing, rely on our unique biodiversity. Additionally, our tourism industry is reliant on biodiversity.
- Cultural—Australian culture is inextricably linked to biodiversity through identity expression, spirituality, and aesthetic enjoyment. Indigenous Australians have significant ties to and responsibilities for biodiversity as a result of their spiritual beliefs about animals and plants.
- Scientific—biodiversity provides an abundance of systematic ecological data that aids in our comprehension of the natural world and its origins.
Scientific Importance
Biodiversity has scientific relevance because it enables scientists to undertake experiments and studies on the DNA of plants and animals in order to generate new crops and therapies. Additionally, it permits scientists to deduce facts regarding the evolution of certain species of life. Humans expand their knowledge through scientific research on a variety of animals and plants. It is a database of systematic ecological data that contributes to our understanding of the natural world and its origins.
Conclusion
Biodiversity is critical to the majority of our lives. One reason we care about biodiversity is because it serves a practical purpose, but we also care about it because it is beautiful in its own right. This means that we value biodiversity both because of the benefits it provides to us and because of its inherent value. Utilitarian values encompass the several basic needs for which humans rely on biodiversity, such as food, fuel, shelter, and medicine.