Biodiversity: Definition, Types, Importance, Facts

What Is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity maps the total variety of life forms at different levels such as genetic variation in the species, variations in species and finally the variation in the ecosystems. Ecosystems contain water and serve a very important purpose in the sustenance of human lives. Hence, genetic diversity helps species to withstand ecological shocks and new conditions, while species diversity is a key factor in the stability of the ecosystem and its productivity. Those with ecosystem diversity are also involved in the control of nutrient cycling, climatic moderation, and water treatment. In this respect, awareness and conservancy of the same form the key to the provision of these services, sustenance of people’s livelihoods, and overall conservation of the planet’s ecosystem.

Levels of Biodiversity

There are three levels of biodiversity. Each level is interconnected and plays an important role in maintaining the ecological balance.

Genetic Diversity

The concept of genetic diversity is related to the variation in genetic information between individuals. This encompasses differences in sequences of DNA, genes and alleles among the species. Such diversity is created due to mutations, crossing over and selection.

Examples Of Genetic Variability

Even within species, one would observe variations in genetics including colouration, size, resistance to diseases, and ability to survive in certain climatic conditions among others. That is because one species can have high variation of responses to a particular treatment, for example, drought or pest resistance.

Importance Of Genetic Diversity

In this perspective, genetic variation is an essential component of a species’ stability and ability to respond to evolution processes including climate shifts and ailments. It provides for populations’ reproductive capability and their potential for development as a guarantor of the stability of ecosystems, and also the importance of sustainable agriculture and conservation all over the world.

Species Diversity

Resources diversity is used interchangeably with the concept of species diversity, which is the count of different species residing in a given region or habitat. It speaks of the number of species per unit area (density) as well as the distribution of the individuals among the species (proportion).

Measurement Of Species Diversity

Diversity generally measures the total number of species in a given community or ecosystem equitability on the other hand measures the distribution of the organisms among the species.

Examples of Species Diversity

The tropical rainforests of the world have extreme species density with more than a thousand plant and animal species, and microbial spores. Fish, and other creatures, another illustration of the diverse ecosystems are coral reefs, invertebrates, and coral species. Similar to rainforests, other ecosystems, such as the grasslands, the desert, and the aquatic ecosystems, also have their own different species’ distribution acquiring their respective environments that tend to capture the characteristics of the ecosystems they are in. The conservation of species is therefore very important for shoring up ecological health and balance in the global ecosystem.

Ecosystem Diversity

Ecosystem diversity is one of the categories of biodiversity that describe the distribution of the different ecosystems in a given area or on the surface of the world. It also includes elements such as the habitat, communities, and eco-processes that take place in those varying terrains.

Examples of Different Ecosystems

1. Forests: Forest biomes are tropical rainforests, temperate forests, and boreal forests which comprise different animal and plant species that thrive in the conditions set by the climate of their geographical region.

2. Grasslands: From savannahs and prairies to steppes grasslands’ biomes host various mammalian herbivores and carnivores, adequate to the open country with variable precipitation.

3. Aquatic Ecosystems: Some common examples of aquatic biomes include; freshwater biomes which include; lakes, rivers, and wetlands, marine biomes which include coral reefs, estuaries, and deep-sea hydrothermal vents among others. Such an ecosystem sustains many types of water-dwelling organisms and is important in biogeochemical processes and climate moderation.

India's Biodiversity

India is one of the world's most diverse countries. It is ranked ninth in terms of plant species diversity. India is home to two of the world's 25 biodiversity hotspots. It is the source of several important crop species, including pigeon peas, eggplant, cucumber, cotton, and sesame. India is also a breeding ground for a variety of domesticated species, including millets, cereals, legumes, vegetables, medicinal and aromatic crops, and so on.

Diagram: Different Types of Ecosystems

Importance Of Biodiversity

The importance of Biodiversity is explained below-

Ecological Importance

It is vital to protect biological diversity because it supports the ecosystem processes that are necessary for people’s quality of life. Services like pollination, nutrient cycling, and water purification are very important for activities like farming, food production, and water treatment. Biodiversity also increases the ability of ecosystems to maintain themselves and to recover easily from challenges such as climate change, disease or pollution

Economic Importance

Biodiversity sustains matters of food, medicine, and industrial usage. A lot of human food and drugs are obtained directly. Further, biological diversity encourages ecotourism where people visit areas of conserved biodiversity, for both leisure and learning, which creates income for a nation and employment for its citizens.

Aesthetic and Cultural Value

Other than the utilitarian uses, people associate ecosystems with aesthetic and cultural intrinsic value. They discover how diverse ecosystems and organisms can be depicted in art and can influence peoples’ culture and existence. They give a means of recreation and spirituality to those in the communities as well as teaching the spirit of conservation around the globe.

Threats To Biodiversity

The threats to Biodiversity are explained below-

Habitat Destruction

Habitat fragmentation and loss can be due to various reasons such as urban development, agriculture, timber production, and infrastructural development. Many factors like deforestation and conversion of forest land to agricultural or built-up land, affect ecosystems in such ways as distortion, displacement, and restrictions in the number of habitats available to species.

Climate Change

Global warming is considered an increasing threat to species and ecosystems due to shifts in temperature and amount of precipitation. Global warming, enhanced formation of storms, increasing sea level, and changing weather patterns interfere with the functionality of ecological systems and may affect the creation of life cycles among species besides exposing the most legal species to additional stress.

Pollution

Biodiversity is affected by pollution such as that from industries, agricultural leakages, plastics, and other toxins such as pesticides and heavy metals. Pollutants can bioaccumulate in ecosystems. They can affect the species in the ecosystem by the toxic impact and also by affecting the linkages between the species.

Invasive Species

Some of the invasive species are purposely brought in or they arrive as a consequence of other activities, and they are capable of displacing indigenous species, changing the structure of habitats, and upsetting equilibriums. They generally do not possess their natural enemies or regulators in the new locations, which causes enormous effects on the native species and the function of ecological systems.

Overexploitation

Overexploitation takes place when the rate at which species are caught and killed is beyond their recovery rates. These are through harvesting the stocks in the water bodies such as fish, trading in wildlife products, and cutting down trees in a way that is unprofitable for the species.

Conservation of Biodiversity

Biodiversity conservation can be achieved through various strategies including:

Creating Protected Areas

National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves protect the endangered species. These areas allow least or no human interference which ensures the continuity of the species.

Sustainable Development

Practices like organic farming and responsible forestry need to be practiced to reduce the adverse effects of climate change. Organic farming reduces the use of harmful fertilizers while responsible forestry maintains ecological balance.

Pollution Control

Halting pollution from industries, vehicles, and waste helps to protect the quality of air, water and soil. Adopting methods that helps to control pollution.

Habitat improvement

Practices like reforestation, wetland restoration, and soil conservation improve the habitats and support in the recovery of biodiversity.

Awareness Among People

Educating people regarding the issue of diminishing diversity in the biosphere and ways to correct this process. Awareness programs encourage people to choose more sustainable life choices.

Biodiversity NEET MCQs

Q1. Which of the following countries has the highest biodiversity?

1. Brazil

2. South Africa

3. Russia

4. India

Correct answer: 1) Brazil

Explanation:

The country boasts hosting an excellent percentage of the world's most biodiverse region-the Amazon rainforest. It also hosts nearly 10% of the total species known worldwide, which comprises more than 40,000 plant species, 2,000 bird species, and thousands of other species of animals. This nature of biodiversity in the Amazon rainforest makes Brazil one of the most critical places that assume critical importance in the field of conservation and ecological study, thus highlighting the importance of Brazil for global biodiversity.

Hence the correct answer is Option (1) Brazil.

Q2. Select the Incorrect option.

1. Biodiversity does not play any role in medicine and drugs.

2. Biodiversity helps industries with useful materials.

3. It helps to support human life.

4. It helps to decrease pollution.

Correct answer: 1) Biodiversity does not play any role in medicine and drugs.

Explanation:

Biodiversity is important for drug research and treatment. Nowadays, a lot of the drugs we take come from natural sources including fungi, plants, and animals.

For instance, the Pacific yew tree is the source of the cancer medication paclitaxel, and the opium poppy is the source of the analgesic morphine. These illustrations demonstrate the importance of biodiversity in the creation of novel medications and therapies.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1)Biodiversity does not play any role in medicine and drugs.

Q3. Among the ecosystems mentioned below, where can one find maximum biodiversity?

1. Mangroves

2. Desert

3. Coral Reefs

4. Alpine Meadows

Correct answer: 3) Coral Reefs

Explanation:

Among ecosystems, coral reefs are the most diverse.

They are home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including corals, fish, and other marine life. These species may develop and dwell in safety on coral reefs. In terms of species diversity, they are regarded as one of the most abundant ecosystems. Coral reefs are frequently referred to as the "rainforests of the sea" because of the diverse range of life they sustain. The health of the oceans depends heavily on these ecosystems.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3) Coral reefs.

Also Read:

• MCQs on Biodiversity

• Alpha, Beta, Gamma Diversity

• Ecosystem Services

FAQs on Biodiversity

What is biodiversity in biology?

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms on Earth, including the diversity of plants, animals, microorganisms, and their ecosystems. It is important because it maintains the balance of ecosystems, provides resources for human survival and well-being, and contributes to the planet's resilience against environmental changes.

What are the three levels of biodiversity?

• Genetic diversity – variation in genes within a species (e.g., different rice varieties).

• Species diversity – variety of species within a region or ecosystem (e.g., lions, elephants, and zebras in African savannas).

• Ecosystem diversity – variety of habitats, ecosystems, and ecological processes (e.g., forests, grasslands, wetlands, deserts).

Why is biodiversity important?

There are several significant purposes for biodiversity on Earth. These are listed below:

• Balance in Ecosystem: Recycling and storing nutrients, preventing pollution, stabilizing the climate, safeguarding water supplies, establishing and protecting soil, and preserving eco-balance are all important.

• Biological resource provision: Availability of drugs and medications, food for both humans and animals, attractive plants, timber products, breeding stock, and a diversity of species.

• Social advantages: Recreation, tourism, education, and research are all related to culture.

What are the threats to biodiversity?

Major threats to biological diversity include loss and fragmentation of natural habitats, climate change, and pollution, chemicals affecting habitats. Increase in the rate of invasive species and excessive use of resources fishing or hunting also harm the biodiversity. These results in habitat destruction, the decline in species numbers, and disturbances in ecosystems, thus putting the world’s biodiversity at risk.

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