reasons for maintaining biodiversity

• ecological

  • all organisms are interdependent on other for their survival- removal of one species may have impact on others. eg: decomposers break down dead plant and animal remains, releasing nutrients in soil which plants need for growth.
  • key stone species= some species play role in maintaining structure of ecological community. They affect many other organisms and help determine species richness+ evenness.
  • when key species is removed the habitat is changed, other species are affected, some disappear.
• Aesthetic

  • presence of different plants, animals enrich our lives- eg: beach, woodland.
  • natural world provides inspiration for people.
  • patients recover more rapidly from stress and injury when supported by plants and natural environments.
• Economic

  • soil erosion and desertification may occur as a result of deforestation. This reduces a countries ability to grow crops and feed people, can lead to dependence on other countries.
  • conserve organisms that we use to make things- non renewable.
  • 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- reduction in diversity of soil nutrients, happens when crop takes the same nutrients out of the soil each year so makes ecosystem fragile.
• • high biodiversity provides protection against abiotic stresses and disease, when biodiversity isn't maintained, change in conditions or disease can destroy entire crops.
  • areas rich in diversity in an ecosystem, the greater the potential for the manufacture of different products.
  • areas rich in biodiversity provide a pleasing attractive environment that people enjoy.
  • plant varieties needed for cross breeding, can lead to better characteristics such as disease resistance or increased yield through genetic engineering.