Biodiversity can be explained as the variety of living organisms like plants, animals and microorganisms on earth. Irrespective of their dimensions and habits, each living organism tends to play an essential role in biodiversity.
Together, all living organisms increase the productivity of their ecosystem. For instance, a significant number of plants assure an increase in the variety of crops for consummation.
As a result, it ensures natural sustainability for every organism in the ecosystem. It further makes it all the more important to conserve the biodiversity from any harm.
In a broad sense, there are three levels of biodiversity, namely, genetics, species and ecosystems. Notably, the richest and maximum biodiversity is found in forests, especially the one located in the tropical and equatorial regions.
On that note, let’s proceed to find out more about the diversity of plants and animals and their importance for humans.
Fun fact: The term ‘Biodiversity’ was coined in1985 by Walter G. Rosenand is a compound word for ‘biological diversity’.
Plant Biodiversity
It is simply the collection of all floras within a specific area. Each of such flora differs in species composition, physical attributes and contributions to the ecosystem they exist in.
Plant biodiversity serves as a primary source of food, shelter and agriculture and includes varied types of trees, shrubs, grasses, herbs, bushes, ferns, vines and moss.
However, overexploitation, deforestation, use of chemical fertilisers and clearing forests for agriculture are some of the persistent threats to this biodiversity.
It is noteworthy that with plants being the only source of oxygen and the major source of carbohydrate, we need to conserve floras and their natural habitat at all cost.
Animal Biodiversity
The biodiversity of animals comprises several species of faunas, which differ significantly in their physical attributes, composition and functioning.
Over the years, human beings have trained and domesticated animals to meet several needs and requirements. Notably, animals have been used extensively in the production of food, as a means of transportation, etc.
Loss of habitat, hunting, poaching and over-exploitation are some of the several threats that animals are faced with for many years. Since the biodiversity of plants and animals are interdependent on one another, constant efforts must be made to maintain a healthy balance in biodiversity.
DIY: Write differences between flora and fauna and give suitable examples for each.
Importance of Plants and Animals in Human Life
These pointers highlight the scientific, aesthetic and economic importance of plants and animals in human life –
Produces oxygen.
Serve as a food source ensuring food security.
They act as natural sources of medicine.
Helps to stabilise land against erosion.
Facilitates the degradation of waste.
True or False: a) Deforestation is the act of planting trees and sowing seeds.
Do You Know around 12% of bird species and 24% of mammals are currently under the threat of extinction? With that being said, let’s find out major threats on animal and plant biodiversity.
Threats to Biodiversity
Habitat Loss
Invasive Species and diseases
Deforestation
Pollution
Poaching
Overpopulation
Overexploitation of Species
Climate Change
All these, coupled with other irresponsible human activities, can lead to the extinction of different species. In which, it hampers the balance and sustainability of the ecosystem.
DIY: Write 4 tips to conserve plant and animal biodiversity.
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FAQs on Biodiversity of Plants and Animals
1. What is meant by the biodiversity of plants and animals?
The biodiversity of plants and animals refers to the vast variety of life forms found in a particular habitat or on Earth as a whole. It encompasses the diversity within species, between different species, and of the ecosystems where they live. In simple terms, it is the richness of all living organisms, from microscopic bacteria to the largest whales and tallest trees.
2. What are the three main levels of biodiversity?
Biodiversity is typically studied at three main levels, each contributing to the overall health of the planet:
- Genetic Diversity: This refers to the variety of genes within a single species. For example, the different breeds of dogs or the various colours and sizes of roses showcase genetic diversity.
- Species Diversity: This is the variety of different species present in a particular area. For instance, a rainforest with monkeys, jaguars, frogs, and countless insect species has high species diversity.
- Ecosystem Diversity: This refers to the variety of ecosystems in a geographical location, such as deserts, forests, oceans, and wetlands, each supporting a unique community of species.
3. Why is the biodiversity of plants and animals so important for the ecosystem?
The biodiversity of plants and animals is crucial for maintaining the balance and health of ecosystems. Its importance includes:
- Ecological Stability: A diverse range of species ensures that ecosystems can withstand and recover from environmental stresses.
- Essential Services: Plants provide oxygen, store carbon, and form the base of most food chains, while animals play key roles in pollination, seed dispersal, and nutrient cycling.
- Economic Benefits: Biodiversity provides humans with food, medicine, fuel, and raw materials for various industries.
- Nutrient Cycling: Decomposers like fungi and bacteria break down dead organic matter, returning essential nutrients to the soil for plants to use.
4. How does the classification of organisms help in studying biodiversity?
Classification, or taxonomy, provides a systematic framework for organising and understanding the vast diversity of life. It helps scientists to:
- Identify and name newly discovered species in a globally recognised manner.
- Understand the evolutionary relationships between different organisms.
- Group organisms based on shared characteristics, making it easier to study their biology and ecological roles.
- Effectively monitor and manage conservation efforts for endangered groups of species.
5. What are the major threats causing a loss of biodiversity?
The primary threats to the biodiversity of plants and animals, often referred to as the 'Evil Quartet', are:
- Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: This is the most significant cause, resulting from deforestation, urbanisation, and agriculture, which destroys or divides the natural homes of species.
- Over-exploitation: Harvesting species from the wild at rates faster than their populations can recover, such as overfishing or excessive hunting.
- Alien Species Invasion: The introduction of non-native species into an ecosystem can outcompete native organisms for resources, leading to their decline.
- Co-extinctions: When one species goes extinct, other species that depended on it for food or other needs may also face extinction.
6. What is a biodiversity hotspot, and why is India considered a mega-diverse country?
A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region with a significant level of biodiversity that is under threat from human activities. To qualify, a region must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics (found nowhere else) and have lost at least 70% of its primary native vegetation. India is considered a mega-diverse country because it has a wide range of climatic and geographical conditions, hosting four global biodiversity hotspots: the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, the Indo-Burma region, and Sundaland.
7. How does genetic diversity differ from species diversity?
Genetic diversity and species diversity are two different levels of biodiversity. Genetic diversity refers to the variation in genes within a single species. It is the reason why individuals of the same species look different and is essential for a species to adapt to changing environments. In contrast, species diversity refers to the variety of different species within an ecosystem or region. High species diversity means many different types of organisms co-exist in one area.
8. What is the difference between in-situ and ex-situ conservation of biodiversity?
Both are methods to protect biodiversity, but they differ in their approach. In-situ conservation involves protecting species within their natural habitats. This is done by establishing protected areas like National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Biosphere Reserves. Ex-situ conservation involves protecting species outside their natural habitats. Examples include establishing zoological parks, botanical gardens, and gene banks (like seed banks) where endangered species can be bred and preserved.
9. What is a keystone species and how does it impact the biodiversity of its habitat?
A keystone species is an organism that has a disproportionately large effect on its ecosystem relative to its abundance. It plays a unique and critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community. The removal of a keystone species can trigger a 'trophic cascade,' causing a drastic decline in the populations of other species and a significant loss of overall biodiversity. For example, sea otters are a keystone species because they prey on sea urchins, which prevents urchins from destroying kelp forests that provide habitat for many other organisms.
