Biodiversity

Fungi of Saskatchewan

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Mora 2011 Predicted and Unpredicted species

1970- Decline in species populations - Living Planet Index

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Summary of major environmental-change categories expressed as a percentage change (red) relative to baseline - fcosc-01-615419-g001

Map latitudinal gradient of biodiversity mannion 2014

Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life on Earth. It is a measure of the variety of organisms present in different ecosystems, including terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems, and the ecological complexes of which they are part. This diversity occurs at different levels, including species, genes, and ecosystems, and is vital for maintaining the health and stability of the planet.

Definition and Levels

Biodiversity encompasses three primary levels: genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

• Genetic diversity refers to the variation in genes among individuals of a species. This diversity allows species to adapt to changing environments and to evolve.
• Species diversity is the variety of species within a habitat or a region. It includes the number of different species and their relative abundance.
• Ecosystem diversity involves the variety of habitats, living communities, and ecological processes in the living world, including terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems.

Importance of Biodiversity

Biodiversity is crucial for the survival of life on Earth. It contributes to environmental stability, health and nutrition, and economic benefits, among other things.

• Environmental Stability: Diverse ecosystems are more resilient and can better withstand environmental stress. This stability is crucial for the regulation of the atmosphere, water, and climate.
• Economic Benefits: Many industries, such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and tourism, directly rely on biodiversity. It is essential for food production, medicine, and the economy.
• Health and Nutrition: Biodiversity is key to a varied diet and provides a significant portion of the vitamins and nutrients necessary for human health.

Threats to Biodiversity

The primary threats to biodiversity include habitat destruction, climate change, invasive species, overexploitation, and pollution. These threats are largely human-induced and pose significant risks to the survival of many species and ecosystems.

• Habitat Destruction: The conversion of ecosystems to agriculture, urban development, and other uses is a major cause of biodiversity loss.
• Climate Change: Changes in the climate affect the distribution and abundance of many species and can lead to extinction.
• Invasive Species: Non-native species can become invasive and outcompete native species, leading to a loss in biodiversity.
• Overexploitation: The excessive hunting, fishing, and harvesting of species at rates that cannot be compensated for by natural reproduction leads to a decline in those species.
• Pollution: Pollution in the form of chemicals, plastics, and other substances can harm species and lead to a decrease in biodiversity.

Conservation Efforts

Efforts to conserve biodiversity include the establishment of protected areas, such as national parks and wildlife reserves, and international agreements like the Convention on Biological Diversity. Conservation strategies also involve restoring ecosystems, enforcing laws that protect endangered species, and promoting sustainable use of natural resources.