Written by Rishika Vijay
Edited by Hanna Karasinska & Emil Koch
Biodiversity is a term that most of us have heard countless times in science journals, newspapers, and media services, but why is it mentioned so often, and what makes it valuable to get familiar with? This article explores what biodiversity is and why it’s an imperative part of human life.
To begin with, biodiversity encompasses the entirety of living beings, spanning from humans to lesser-known organisms like microbes, fungi, and invertebrates. Have you ever wondered why it is crucial to preserve the variety of life forms on Earth? One part of the answer lies in the fact that biodiversity offers us humans food, shelter, medicine, and fuel. We live on consuming other species like plants and animals as food, build houses by felling trees, combust biomass to produce heat or convert them to liquid and gaseous fuels as energy sources.
The food we eat comes from farm-grown plants and animals, both parts of the ecosystems that intersect with each other. Notably, plants produce biomass, which animals, in turn, can ingest. At the same time, animals release CO2 by their glucose metabolism, which drives photosynthesis and the production of saccharides and the oxygen we and other living creatures respirate. Plants can harness carbon dioxide, sunlight, and water to generate energy while releasing oxygen, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gasses. Ultimately, animals inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, illustrating the interdependencies in the animal domain and the growing significance of healthy ecosystems.
Biodiversity boosts ecosystem productivity based on interdependencies and many intersections between the flora and the fauna, supporting human needs and activities. One of its fundamental roles is the production and maintenance of fertile soil through an intricate web of processes. A fertile soil, in turn, supports the growth of plants that play a crucial role in preserving freshwater quality by mitigating runoff speed, capturing sediment, and effectively removing nutrients, while soil organisms contribute by breaking down pollutants.
Pollination, driven by various forms such as anemophily, hydrophilic, and entomophily, ensures the reproduction of flowers, agricultural crops, and forest trees on which humans and other species alike depend. Of note, phytoplankton contributes largely to oxygen production. The significance of biodiversity extends to industry and nourishment. In fact, various industrial materials are derived from biological sources, encompassing fiber, oil, dyes, rubber, water, timber, paper, and food.
Lastly, the value of biodiversity also lies in its potential to offer various benefits, including the possibility of discovering new medicines and cures for little-known diseases. We still haven’t found the numerous species living on this planet, and we are yet to discover what these mysterious creatures hold. Perhaps, they may act as one of the many viral diseases, or perhaps act as an entirely opposite. These are yet to be found. Myriad medications derive inspiration from substances originating in the natural world, with notable examples like penicillin and tetracycline, which stem from microorganisms. In addition, plants help protect from soil erosion, and ecosystems with abundant biodiversity demonstrate greater resilience and endurance to recover from catastrophes.
It becomes evident that biodiversity is an integral part of every human being’s life. It is vital to appreciate all its components, ranging from microorganisms to larger organisms, of equal value.
In sum, we shape and are shaped by biodiversity, defining our relationship with other species and our social norms. Our collective sense of well-being relies on the environment in the long run. Finally, biodiversity is not just a collection of organisms but a potential treasure with the keys to cures for human diseases, energy needs, and climate vulnerability. By protecting and recreating healthy ecosystems, we are investing in human well-being for generations to come.
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References
[1] Biodiversity. (n.d.). https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/biodiversity/; (04/15/2023)
[2] Services provided by Biodiversity - Biodiversity (U.S. National Park Service). (n.d.-b). https://www.nps.gov/subjects/biodiversity/services-provided-by-biodiversity.htm
; (04/15/2023)
[3] Why is biodiversity important? | Royal Society. (n.d.). https://royalsociety.org/topics-policy/projects/biodiversity/why-is-biodiversity-important/; (04/15/2023)
[4] What is Biodiversity? Why Is It Important? | AMNH. (n.d.). American Museum of Natural History. https://www.amnh.org/research/center-for-biodiversity-conservation/what-is-biodiversity; (04/15/2023)
[5] Rinkesh. (2022, July 27). What is Biodiversity? Its Importance and Reasons for Loss of Biodiversity? - Conserve Energy Future. Conserve Energy Future. https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/what-is-biodiversity.php; (04/15/2023)
[6] Biomass explained - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). (n.d.-b). https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/biomass/#:~:text=Biomass%20can%20be%20converted%20to%20energy%20in%20different%20ways&text=Direct%20combustion%20(burning)%20to%20produce,produce%20liquid%20and%20gaseous%20fuels; (04/15/2023)