What is meant by Biodiversity? Why is Biodiversity important for Human Lives?
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: November 9th, 2023
The amount and diversity of plants, animals, and other species present in an ecosystem are known as its biodiversity. Biodiversity is the measure of the diversity of organisms found in different ecosystems. Bio stands for “life” and diversity stands for “variability”. The basic unit through which we can measure biodiversity is species.
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Biodiversity Definition
A group of interdependent living things, such as plants, animals, and their environments, is called an ecosystem. A species is a group of animals that are distinguished from other organisms by distinctive traits, such as size or behavior. Therefore, the variety of animals and plant species in the world found in a particular habitat that forms the ecosystem is known as its ‘biodiversity’.
People have an innate appreciation for parts of biodiversity, but as we learn more about it, we realize that everything in biodiversity, including insects and germs that we may not see attractive or can’t see, is important.
Importance of Biodiversity for Human Lives
Human beings depend on biodiversity in various ways, making its conservation important. It is estimated that pollinators such as birds, bees, and other insects are responsible for one-third of crop production worldwide. We wouldn’t have apples, cherries, blueberries, almonds, or many other fruits without pollinators.
- Invertebrates are essential to agriculture because they sustain the soil in which crops are grown.
- Microorganisms are abundant in the soil and are essential for releasing the nutrients that plants need to grow, which are ultimately consumed by us.
- For many individuals, the primary supply of animal protein comes from the ocean.
- Biodiversity is important for human existence to maintain ecological balance.
- Biodiversity is responsible for seed dissemination, climate control, pollination, water purification, and pest management in agriculture.
Related Questions:
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- What are the 5 Major Causes of Biodiversity Loss?
- What are the Main Objectives of the Conservation of Biodiversity?
- What are the 7 Major Ecosystems?
- Who were the Members of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution?
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