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Biodiversity
Biodiversity
is a relatively recent term in the study of natural sciences, yet it has
very far reaching implications. Biodiversity is the variety of life on earth - all life,
including plants, animals, human cultures, communities, biomes, and
systems. It even includes
diversity within a species, in genetic pools.
Scientists believe that the greatest diversity possible must be
maintained for the health and continuance of life itself.
This means preserving species and systems that are not
yet even identified.
Reasons
to Protect Biodiversity
1. Each bit of
biological diversity is the product of millions of years of evolution.
It is worth saving. If
lost, it cannot be easily, if at all, duplicated.
2. Diversity makes
crops grow better and provides new foods for the future.
3. New medicines can
be developed, such as a cure for AIDS or cancer, in newly discovered or
yet to be discovered insects and plants.
4. Biodiversity
sustains life itself.
5. Repercussions are
not known when any bit of biodiversity is lost.
6. Greater
biodiversity allows areas to recover faster from natural disasters such as
floods, volcanic eruptions, and fire.
Saving
Biodiversity
Saving biodiversity is not easy.
It takes time, knowledge, and money.
Unfortunately, we are losing biodiversity faster than we have the
time to acquire knowledge and secure money.
Conservation organizations, research scientists, and legislative
support (funding and conservation legislation) are strong beginnings.
Another piece of the picture are gene banks. Since all the information that is needed to create a
particular plant or animal is stored in each of cells, keeping a even a
small bit of the species alive maintains the genetic diversity. Seed banks for plants and sperm banks for animals are one
partial solution. Even
preserving leaves, roots, hair or skin is another approach.
Zoos have an internal program called Species Survival Plan which
monitors the breeding of certain species and determines the best matches
among zoos based on maintaining genetic diversity.
But it takes more. More
scientists are needed - to search out, identify and describe new species;
to study relationships; to collect and store genetic material; to
understand and promote sustainability; and much more.
It takes space - space to store material, space to set aside
undisturbed land, and space to conduct research.
It takes money to do all the above.
And it takes EVERYONE to do his/her small piece of the big picture,
whether it is turning down the thermostat, walking instead of driving or
donating money to another organization concerned with preserving
biodiversity. What will you
do to help?!
Vocabulary
Biodiversity - the diversity of life on Earth reflected in the
variety of habitats and species, and in the genetic variation within
species.
Genetic diversity - the genetic variation present in a population
or species. For example, hundreds of different varieties of tomatoes
exist, exhibiting differences in size, shape, color, taste, and rate of
growth.
Sustainable - supportable over the long term.
A sustainable way of life is one in which human needs are met
without diminishing the ability of other people, wild species, or future
generations to survive.
Fun
Fact
In
just a pinch of soil, 5000 different kinds of bacteria might exist, most
of which are unknown to science since not even 5000 bacteria species have
been identified and described worldwide.
Other
Resources
The Nature Conservancy
World Wildlife Fund
ACTIVITY ONE
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