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Biodiversity-Key-Concepts

The document outlines key concepts of biodiversity, including its types (species, genetic, and ecosystem diversity) and its value in providing essential services and resources for human well-being. It emphasizes the importance of biodiversity for environmental sustainability, human health, and economic benefits, such as food, medicine, and tourism. Additionally, it discusses the productive use value of biodiversity in agriculture, animal husbandry, and biotechnology.

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Ashe Lee
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6 views

Biodiversity-Key-Concepts

The document outlines key concepts of biodiversity, including its types (species, genetic, and ecosystem diversity) and its value in providing essential services and resources for human well-being. It emphasizes the importance of biodiversity for environmental sustainability, human health, and economic benefits, such as food, medicine, and tourism. Additionally, it discusses the productive use value of biodiversity in agriculture, animal husbandry, and biotechnology.

Uploaded by

Ashe Lee
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Key Concepts

1. Biodiversity: The variety of life on Earth, encompassing the diversity of species,


genes, and ecosystems. It is a measure of the richness and abundance of different
life forms in a given area.

2. Genetic Biodiversity: Refers to the variation in genes within a species. It


represents the diversity of genetic material within a population, allowing for
adaptation and resilience.

3. Ecosystem Diversity: Encompasses the variety of ecosystems, natural


communities, and habitats. It reflects the different ways that species interact with
each other and their environment.

4. Value and Productive Use of Biodiversity: Biodiversity provides a range of


valuable services and resources, including food, medicines, building materials,
and ecosystem services like pollination and water regulation.

5. Significance of Biodiversity: Biodiversity plays a crucial role in maintaining


healthy ecosystems, regulating climate, providing resources for human society,
and contributing to overall environmental stability.

6. Productive Use Value of Biodiversity: The commercial value derived from the
harvesting and use of biological resources for economic purposes.

Types of Biodiversity

• Species Diversity: The variety of different species of plants, animals, fungi, and
microorganisms present in a region.
• There are estimated to be over 30 million species on Earth.

• Species diversity varies across different ecosystems, with tropical ecosystems


generally exhibiting greater diversity than temperate ones.

• The most diverse group of species is invertebrates.

• Genetic Diversity: The variation in genes within a species, contributing to


differences in traits and adaptability.

• This diversity is essential for the healthy breeding and evolution of species.

• Wild species serve as a "gene pool" for developing new crop varieties and
domesticated animals.

• Ecosystem Diversity: The variety of ecosystems and habitats found in a given


area.

• Each ecosystem represents a unique set of interactions between living and non-
living components.

• Examples of ecosystem diversity include forests, grasslands, deserts, wetlands,


and coral reefs.

Value and Productive Use of Biodiversity

• Ecosystem Services: Biodiversity provides essential services that support


human life and well-being:
• Regulation of Climate: Forests absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen,
contributing to climate regulation.

• Water Purification and Regulation: Wetlands act as natural filters, purifying


water and regulating water flow.

• Soil Formation and Protection: Biodiversity contributes to soil fertility,


preventing erosion and supporting plant growth.

• Pollination: Insects and other animals play a vital role in pollinating crops,
ensuring food production.

• Economic Value: Biodiversity provides a wide range of products and resources


that have economic value:

• Food: A diverse range of crops, livestock, and fisheries provides food for human
populations.

• Medicines: Many pharmaceuticals are derived from plants and animals,


providing treatments for various diseases.

• Building Materials: Wood, fibers, and other materials are sourced from natural
resources for construction and manufacturing.

• Tourism: Nature-based tourism generates revenue and supports local


economies.

Importance of Biodiversity
• Environmental Sustainability: Biodiversity is essential for maintaining the
balance and resilience of ecosystems.

• Human Well-being: A healthy biodiversity is crucial for providing resources,


regulating climate, and ensuring a stable environment for human societies.

• Ethical and Moral Responsibility: Many argue that humans have a moral
obligation to protect biodiversity for its intrinsic value and the well-being of
future generations.

Productive Use Value of Biodiversity

• Agriculture: Wild plant varieties serve as a source of genetic material for


developing new crop varieties, enhancing yield, disease resistance, and nutrient
content.

• Animal Husbandry: Domesticated animals were originally derived from wild


species. Genetic diversity in wild animals provides valuable resources for
improving livestock breeding and productivity.

• Pharmaceuticals: A significant proportion of pharmaceuticals are derived from


plants, fungi, and other organisms, highlighting the potential of biodiversity for
medical advancements.

• Biotechnology: Biodiversity offers a rich source of genetic material for


biotechnology research and development, leading to innovations in medicine,
agriculture, and other fields.

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