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Animals and plants don't exist in isolation. All living things are
connected to other living things and to their non-living environment
(earth forms, rocks and rivers). If one tiny species in an ecosystem
becomes extinct, we may not notice, or think it's important. But the
biodiversity of that ecosystem will be altered, and all the ecosystems that
the species belonged to will be affected.
Species diversity
Similarly, all horses belong in one species because they can interbreed.
But horses and donkeys are different species because, although they can
interbreed, their offspring (mules) are sterile.
Genetic diversity
This has been the case with a group of Blanding's turtles in Kejimkujik
National Park.
This loss of genetic diversity can eventually result in the extinction of the
population.
Ecosystem diversity
Ecological values
Threats to Biodiversity
There are many threats to biodiversity. One of the problems is simply the
number of people on Earth.
As the Earth's population grows, and people encroach on more and more
land, habitats can become fragmented and degraded. Another threat to
biodiversity is the issue of climate change. There is worldwide concern
over global warming. Pollution of our air and waterways also affects
biodiversity. Over-harvesting depletes the Earth's stocks of animal and
plant resources and the ill-considered introduction of exotic species also
has a negative effect on biodiversity.
If we use the Earth's natural resources faster than they can be replaced,
species can become seriously depleted or even extinct. Fish, like cod, can
be over-harvested. Animals like African elephants, rhinoceroses, Asiatic
bears and whales can be hunted almost to extinction for the products
from their bodies.
Much of this sort of trade is highly lucrative and laws meant to protect
species are frequently ignored. We need to be vigilant about using all
resources wisely and protecting those species that are endangered.
Biological material can provide models for many industrial materials and
structures. For example, the inspiration for the infrared sensor came
from the thermosensitive pit organ of rattlesnake. The modelling is
considered as Biomimicry.
Various animals are harvested for display and as pet; many species of
plants are harvested for personal and private gardening.
In Britain alone, some 65,000 species are sold for horticulture. It has
been suggested that this form of ex-situ conservation may be the most
practical form in the future.
A wide variety of plants, animals and fungi are used as medicine. Wild
plant species have been used for medicinal purposes since before the
beginning of recorded history. Over 60% of world population depends on
the plant medicines for their primary health care. [1] For example,
quinine comes from the cinchona tree has been used to treat malaria,
digitalis from the foxglove plant treats chronic heart trouble, and
morphine from the poppy plant gives pain relief.
Balance Of Nature