Question

How does a decrease in biodiversity impact an ecosystem?

Answer 1

Biodiversity:

The term "biodiversity" (derived from "biological diversity") describes the diversity of life on Earth at all scales, from genes to ecosystems, and can include the ecological, evolutionary, and cultural processes that support life.

Biodiversity Loss:

1. The reduction or extinction of biological diversity at various levels of biological organization, as well as each level's genetic variability and the natural patterns found in ecosystems.
2. Every living thing, from people to organisms we know little about like bacteria, fungi, and invertebrates, is included in biodiversity.
3. This includes not only species that we perceive to be rare, threatened, or endangered.
4. Most facets of our lives depend on biodiversity.
5. We value biodiversity for a variety of factors, some intrinsic and some pragmatic. This means that we appreciate biodiversity for both what it offers to humanity and for its own sake.
6. The many essential requirements that humans derive from biodiversities, such as food, fuel, shelter, and medicine, are included in utilitarian values.
7. Additionally, ecosystems perform essential functions like pollination, seed distribution, climate regulation, water purification, nutrient cycling, and insect control in agriculture.