Biodiversity: Role and why should we care.

Biodiversity is the Heartbeat of our Planet

Biodiversity includes all living organisms on Earth, including genes, bacteria, plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, and the species ecosystems they form. It entails differences within species, between species, and among ecosystems. Understanding biodiversity involves recognizing the complex relationships and interactions that sustain us and life.

For about 4 billion years, a complex web of life has been evolving on Earth. This web is not a series of isolated strands but a network where every species, including human beings, are intricately linked by their interactions and environments. We all share a common home and a shared responsibility for its preservation.

Key Components of Biodiversity

• Genetic diversity is the variation of different genes within a species. It allows adaptation to changing environments, disease resistance, and maintenance of healthy populations. It is crucial for evolution and the survival of all species.
• Species Diversity refers to the various species within a particular area or region. It contributes to ecosystem resilience and productivity. All species have a unique role in their ecosystem, and a greater species diversity leads to more stable and robust ecosystems.
• Ecosystem Diversity is the variety of ecosystems formed within a region or planet. Different ecosystems provide essential services, such as forests, wetlands, grasslands, and oceans. Ecosystem diversity ensures a range of habitats for other species and contributes to the planet’s overall health.

Roles, functions, and importance of Biodiversity

Biodiversity plays a multifaceted and crucial role in sustainability and climate change mitigation and adaptation. It is integral to these efforts. It supports our vital ecosystem services by enhancing resilience to climate change impacts and supports sustainable development. It is essential that we protect and promote biodiversity to maintain the planet’s health and ensure a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren. How does biodiversity work? Biodiversity provides a variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms that contribute to our food production.

Consider a tiny ant that takes a pod of seeds from where it fell to its nest. The ant eats part of the seed, and the rest goes to waste. Well, not really. The wasted seeds germinate in the soil and help the tree species proliferate in different areas.

The tree enriches the soil with nitrogen, which benefits all the other organisms in the area. Soil organic matter consists of bacteria, fungi, and other living organisms crucial for plants. Our previous articles discussed the importance of the natural carbon cycle in supporting biodiversity. Carbon is an essential component of healthy soils.

Plant leaves absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide, and via photosynthesis, plants release oxygen into the atmosphere. Plants use water from the soil to form carbohydrates, and the soil absorbs excess to feed soil organisms. Soil organisms, in turn, release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which plant leaves absorb. A carbon-rich soil holds more water to feed the plants.

Microorganisms – Essential for Healthy Soil

Plant roots support microorganisms essential for plant health by releasing nitrogen in the soil.

Diversity of the major life forms found in soil. (A) bristletail (? F. Ashwood), (B) springtail (? H. Conrad), (C) nitrogen-fixing bacteria-containing nodules on clover root (? M. van der Heijden), (D) predatory mite (? H. Conrad), (E) isopod (? F. Ashwood), (F) scots pine root colonized by ectomycorrhizal fungi (yellow) (? M. Anthony), (G) earthworm (? G. Br?ndle), (H) nematode (? A. Murray), (I) corn root colonized by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (blue) (? F. Bender), (J) springtail (? F. Ashwood), (K) a common soil bacterium Bacillus (Creative Commons Attribution-Share license, photo by M. Das Murtey and P. Ramasamy), (L) horned mite (? H. Conrad), (M), pseudoscorpion (? F. Ashwood), (N) phage infecting a soil bacterium (? T. de Carvalho), (O) centipede (? F. Ashwood).

Source: weinhalle.de

Plants and trees form a neural network of roots, and microorganisms transfer nitrogen between them to support a healthy ecosystem. This neural system, which has been scientifically proven, allows a mother tree to nourish a sapling.

Trees and plants provide numerous benefits, including food and raw materials for all species. Trees also provide habitats for different species, and humans use plants and trees for medicinal purposes. The complex web of biodiversity and millions of interactions support us.

That is why biodiversity is so important.

Human activities have altered the balance of our natural ecosystem, adversely impacting biodiversity. We cannot survive without biodiversity and a healthy planet. To reverse climate change, we must change how we live and do business.