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Biodiversity
The incredible variety of life on our planet is the
product of millions of years of evolution. This makes
our life far richer and healthier than it would otherwise
be.
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1 What is biodiversity?
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-Literally, the word 'biodiversity' means variety of
life. There are millions of different species of plants,
animals, and micro-organisms on our planet. This is
referred to as 'species diversity'.
There is also biodiversity within single species. Dogs,
for example, come in different shapes, sizes, colours,
and temperaments. This is referred to as 'genetic diversity'
since it depends upon the variety of genetic material
present in a single species.
Another form of biodiversity is 'ecosystem diversity'.
Meadows, forests, and wetlands are examples of different
types of ecosystems. They are the natural neighbourhoods
of organisms; they provide different species with homes,
food, and access to other members of their own species.
In a broader sense, the variety of human cultures on
Earth is also a type of biodiversity. Language, religious
belief, music, and many other aspects of human life
vary greatly from one culture to another.
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2 Are some areas home to more biodiversity than others?
-Yes. Geographical areas that are
nearer to the Equator generally have higher levels of biodiversity.
the greatest levels of biodiversity are thus found in the tropics,
particularly in the tropical rain forests and coral reefs.
3 Why is
biodiversity important?
-The
incredible variety of life on our planet is the product of millions
of years of evolution. This makes life on our planet far richer
and healthier than it would otherwise be. The living organisms
of the Earth make up an intricate living system: since no species
exists in isolation, the loss of any one species will disrupt
many others. Biodiversity is a source of strength not just for
us but for our world as a whole.
Diseases, for example, often strike certain species but not
others. A forest that contains a variety of species rather than
just one or two will be stronger and more stable. Genetic diversity
is important too. Genetic material contains the instructions
for producing the various characteristics and capabilities of
living things; greater variety of genes makes it easier for
species to adapt to new or changed environments. Different ecosystems
perform different functions, all of which are important, and
different cultures provide humans with a variety of different
ethical and spiritual visions, as well as different types of
knowledge about different aspects of the world.
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Is biodiversity threatened today?
-There
is much debate today over the issue of biodiversity. Some describe
the current situation as a severe crisis, whereas others take
a more optimistic view. However, the disagreements between scientists
are primarily over the extent of the problem, not over whether
or not a problem exists. |
Fuente: The Primer on Environmental
Citizenship.
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