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Biodiversity: The Variety of Life

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The term biodiversity describes the variety of living organisms (animals and plants). There is genetic diversity, which describes the great variety of species or ecosystems.

Ecologists conduct research on the spatial dispersal of species, on their count, and on how they change over time.

Attention

Over the past few years, a relatively large number of species has gone extinct. Thus, the protection of biodiversity has to become a priority.

The Value of Biodiversity

Protecting biodiversity is important...

...as it is fundamental to human exisctence on earth- It plays a large role in cleaning the air and water, and in providing raw materials such as wood and coal. ...to ensure nutrition for humans.

...to balance ecosystems.

...to prevent erosion of the earth’s surface through wind or water.

...for the production of plant based medicine.

...to protect nature as a place for us to discover and wind down.

...to preserve diversity for future generations.

Loss of Biodiversity

Why is there a Decline in Biodiversity?

In order to produce more food while using less space, it is common to use aggressive pesticides (that protect plants from weeds and vermin) and fertilizers.

The following actions can lead to a loss of species:

Monocultures

We speak of monocultures if one single type of plant is grown in one place over an extended period of time. Monocultures often only feed one specific type of animal, while growing a variety of plants would provide feed for a variety of animals. The German word “Agrarwüste” (agricultural desert) compares regions with a lot of monocultures to bleak wasteland.

Fertilizers and Pesticides

In order to produce more food while using less space, it is common to use aggressive pesticides (that protect plants from weeds and vermin) and fertilizers.

Pesticides and fertilizer are another problem for biodiversity. If ground is exposed to a lot of fertilizer over an extended period of time, only plants needing a lot of nutrients grow there. For some plants the ground becomes too satiated and they cannot grow there anymore.

Pecticides kill plants and animals. They are supposed to eliminate vermin and weeds, but they also damage insects that contribute to a healthy growth of plants.

Fragmentation

The process of dividing farmland into smaller segments by building streets through fields is called fragmentation. Many animals need vast areas to live in. The smaller segments caused by fragmentation often fail to provide enough space and feed for animals.

Loss of Natural Habitats

Increasingly, natural fields and previously untouched areas are used to grow feed or plants as energy resources. Thus, animals lose their natural habitats.

Invasive Species

Globalisation, worldwide trade and tourism have led to a wider spread of non-native species in foreign places. They come onboard ships or planes and compete with native species in their new habitat. Sometimes these new species lead to a decline in native species as they negatively interfere with the existing ecosystem (they may be predators or competition on the same food source).

Pollution

Waste from factories and emissions pollute air and water (heavy metals, oil, carbon dioxide). Animals and vegetation suffer the consequences. In extreme cases, species may go extinct (e.g. some fish due to waste water from factories).

What can you do?

An insect hotel

You can help to prevent insects from going extinct. You can start with your garden at home or participate in projects which aim at planting insect friendly plants around your area. Insects love plants that provide nectar or pollen. They often prefer native bushes, fruit trees or wild flowers instead of exotic flowers.

When shopping for plants, pay attention to labels such as “insect friendly”. In addition, you can easily build places for insects to live. Check out some diy ideas on how to build a home for insects.

Sources

This article is a translation from the Serlo.org German article.

Pictures:

Own image

Pixabay by Counselling


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