Class 12 Biology
Biodiversity, often known as biological diversity, refers to the diversity of living things on the planet. It explains the degree to which life varies. Microorganisms, plants, animals, and ecosystems such as coral reefs, forests, rainforests, and deserts are all examples of biological diversity.
Importance of Biodiversity
Biodiversity benefits the Earth in a multitude of ways. The following are some examples:
Ecological stability is provided through biodiversity. Within an ecosystem, each species serves a certain purpose. Organisms capture and store energy from the sun (the Earth's sole source of energy), produce organic material and destroy organic stuff. Biodiversity aids the water and nutrient cycle throughout the ecosystem, reduces soil erosion, and aids in the fixation of atmospheric gases so that they can be used by various organisms. Biodiversity regulates the climate.
A healthy ecosystem supports the production of products and services that humans require to survive. These include soil fertility, plant pollinators, predators, waste decomposition, air and water purification, climate stabilisation and moderation, and reduced flooding, drought, and other environmental disasters.
Human economic benefits: Biodiversity is a crucial resource for all humans in their daily lives. Food, pharmaceutical, medicinal, and cosmetic items all benefit from biodiversity.
Crops, cattle, forestry, and fish are all examples of food products.
Many wild plant species have been used for therapeutic purposes since the dawn of time. Quinine, for example (Used to treat malaria). Quinine comes from the bark of the Amazonian Cinchona tree, while morphine comes from the poppy plant (pain alleviation), and so forth. More than 70% of promising anti-cancer medications come from tropical rainforest plants, according to the National Cancer Institute of the United States. Animals may also play a significant role in the acquisition of medications.
Biodiversity provides raw materials for numerous sectors, including clothing fibres, shelter, and warmth.
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