11.7 Reasons for maintaining biodiversity

Question 1

Aesthetic reasons

Answer 1

• The presence of different plants and animals in our environment enriches our lives e.g. you might like to relax on a beach, walk in your local woodland or park or visit a rainforest
• The natural world provides inspiration for people such as musicians and writers, who in turn, provide pleasure for many others through music and books
• Studies have shown that patients recover more rapidly from stress and injury when they are supported by plants and a relatively natural environment

Question 2

Economic reasons

Answer 2

• Soil erosion and desertification may occur as a result of deforestation
• It is important to conserve all organisms that we use to make things. Non-sustainable removal of resources, such as hardwood timber, will eventually lead to a collapse of industry in an area
• Large-scale habitat and biodiversity losses mean that species with potential economic importance may become extinct before they are discovered
• Continuous monoculture results in soil depletion: a reduction in the diversity of soil nutrients. It happens because the crop takes the same nutrients out of the soil year and is then harvested, not left for the nutrients to be recycled.
• High biodiversity provides protection against abiotic stresses and disease. When biodiversity is not maintained, a change in conditions or disease can destroy entire crops
• Areas rich in biodiversity provide a pleasing, attractive environment that people can enjoy
• The greater the diversity in an ecosystem, the greater the potential for the manufacture of different products in the future. These products may be beneficial to humans
• Plant varieties are needed for cross breeding, which can lead to better characteristics such as disease resistance or increased yield.

Question 3

Ecological reasons

Answer 3

• All organisms are interdependent on others for their survival. The removal of one species may have a significant effect on others, e.g. decomposers break down dead plant and animal remains, releasing nutrients into the soil, which plants later use for healthy growth
• Some species play a key role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community. These are known as keystone species.