11.7 Reasons For Maintaining Biodiversity

Question 1

Reasons for Maintaining BD

Answer 1

It is important to maintain BD for a number of reasons. These reasons can be broadly arranged into 3 groups:

1. aesthetic
2. economic
3. ecological

Question 2

Aesthetic

Answer 2

The presence of different plants and animals enriches our lives.

Natural world provides inspiration for people such as musicians and writers.

Studies have shown that patients recover more rapidly from stress and injury when supported by plants and in a natural environmental.

Question 3

Economic 1

Answer 3

If BD in an ecosystem is maintained, levels of long-term productivity are higher.

Soil erosion and desertification may occur as a result of deforestation. These reduce a country’s ability to grow crops.

It is important to conserve all organisms that we used to make things. Non-sustainable removal of trees used for wooden furniture etc. will lead to a collapse in the industry.

Large-scale habitat and BD losses mean that species with potential economic importance may become extinct before they’re even discovered.

Continuous monoculture results in soil depletion - a reduction in the diversity of soil nutrients. This depletion makes the ecosystem more fragile.

Question 4

Economic 2

Answer 4

High BD provides protection against abiotic stresses including extreme weather and natural disasters, and disease.

Areas rich in BD provide a pleasing, attractive environment that people can enjoy. High BD areas can promote tourism in the region, with its associated economic advantages.

The greater in diversity in an ecosystem, the greater the potential for the manufacture of different products in the future.

Plant varieties are needed for cross breeding, which can lead to better characteristics such as disease resistance or increased yield. Also, through genetic engineering, scientists aim to use genes from wild plants and animals to make crop plants and animals as more efficient.

Question 5

Ecological

Answer 5

All organisms are interdependent on others for their survival. The removal of one species can have an effect on others.

Some species play a key role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community. These are known as KEYSTONE SPECIES. They have a disproportionately large effect on their environment relative to their abundance.

Question 6

Human activity vs BD

Answer 6

In many countries, the natural habitat is created by human intervention and the management of land.