BIODIVERSITY
The word "biodiversity" is derived from the Greek and Latin languages. It combines
"bio," which comes from the Greek word "bios" meaning "life," and "diversity," which
comes from the Latin word "diversitas" meaning "variety" or "difference."
Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life on Earth. It is of three types
diversity of species, diversity of genetics and diversity of ecosystem.
IMPORTANCE
Biodiversity is crucial for several reasons:Ecosystem Services: Biodiversity supports
vital ecosystem functions such as pollination of plants, decomposition of waste,
regulation of the climate, and purification of water. These services are essential for
human survival and well-being.Food Security: A diverse variety of species ensures a
more robust food supply. Different species provide a range of food products, and
genetic diversity within crops and livestock helps to protect against diseases and
pests.Medical Resources: Many medicines are derived from plants, animals, and
microorganisms. Biodiversity is a valuable source of new medical discoveries and
treatments.Economic Benefits: Biodiversity contributes to economies through tourism,
agriculture, and fisheries. Many industries rely directly or indirectly on biological
resources.
Conserving biodiversity is essential to maintaining the health and sustainability of our
planet and ensuring the well-being of current and future generations.
SCOPE
Biodiversity serves multiple purposes and has a wide scope. It encompasses the
differences between living things and the diversity of life forms in the world . Biodiversity
plays a significant role in the lives of humans, providing direct and indirect benefits that
are pertinent to life sustenance . It is essential for the protection and restoration of
ecosystems, sustainability of food systems, increased food security and nutrition, and
adaptation to the impacts of climate change . Biodiversity is also vital for the aesthetic
value of the natural environment and contributes to our material well-being by providing
food, fuel, timber, and medicine . Additionally, biodiversity is crucial for the health of
ecosystems and the quality of life for humans, as it maintains ecosystem services such
as soil formation and protection, water conservation and purification, and regulation of
biochemical cycles . Conserving biodiversity is important to ensure intra and
intergenerational equity and requires measures such as reforestation, protected areas,
and sustainable resource management .
LEVELS OF BIODIVERSITY
Biodiversity is usually explored at three levels: genetic diversity, species diversity and
ecosystem diversity. These three levels work together to create the complexity of life on
Earth.
Genetic diversity
Genetic diversity is the variety of genes within a species. Each species is made up of
individuals that have their own particular genetic composition. This means a species
may have different populations, each having different genetic compositions. To conserve
genetic diversity, different populations of a species must be conserved.
Genes are the basic units of all life on Earth. They are responsible for both the
similarities and the differences between organisms.
Species diversity
Species diversity refers to the variety of different types of species found in a particular
area. It is the biodiversity at the most basic level. It includes all the species ranging from
plants to different microorganisms.
No two individuals of the same species are exactly similar. For example, humans show
a lot of diversity among themselves.
Ecological diversity
An ecosystem is a collection of living and non-living organisms and their interaction with
each other. Ecological biodiversity refers to the variations in the plant and animal
species living together and connected by food chains and food webs.
It is the diversity observed among the different ecosystems in a region. Diversity in
different ecosystems like deserts, rainforests, mangroves, etc., include ecological
diversity.
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
Biodiversity conservation, the practice of protecting and preserving the
wealth and variety of species, habitats, ecosystems, and genetic diversity
on the planet, is important for our health, wealth, food, fuel, and services
we depend on. It plays an integral role in supporting many sectors of
development.
EX-SITU CONSERVATION
In this type of conservation, the threatened animals and plants are taken
out from their natural habitat and placed in a special area or location where
they can be protected and given special care. For example - zoological
parks, botanical gardens, wildlife safari parks, gene banks, germplasm
banks, and seed banks.
IN-SITU CONSERVATION
In this type of conservation method, species are protected in their natural
habitat by making their habitats protected areas. For example- national
parks, sanctuaries, biosphere reserves, etc.
INVENTORY AND MONITORING OF BIODIVERSITY
Inventory and monitoring of biodiversity involve systematically cataloging
and tracking the variety and abundance of living organisms in a particular
area over time. Inventory typically focuses on identifying and documenting
species present, while monitoring involves ongoing assessment to
understand changes in biodiversity, such as population trends, habitat loss,
or species distribution shifts. Both are crucial for conservation efforts and
understanding ecosystem health.
Prepared By: SADAM HUSSAIN UMERKOT
