Question

Explain the importance of biodiversity?

Answer 1

Biodiversity has a number of functions on the Earth as follows:

• Maintaining balance of the ecosystem: Recycling and storage of nutrients, combating pollution, and stabilizing climate, protecting water resources, forming and protecting soil and maintaining ecobalance.

(1 mark)

• Provision of biological resources: Provision of medicines and pharmaceuticals, food for the human population and animals, ornamental plants, wood products, breeding stock and diversity of species, ecosystems and genes.

(1 mark)

• Social benefits: Recreation and tourism, cultural value and education and research.

(1 mark)