reasons for maintaining biodiversity

what are the 3 main reasons we should maintain biodiversity?

• aesthetic

• economic

• ecological

what are some aesthetic reasons we should maintain biodiversity?

• presence of diff plants and animals in our environment enriches our lives (e.g. walk in woodland to relax)

• natural world provides inspiration (for people such as musicians and writers)

• studies shown patients recovery quicker from injury and stress when supported by plants and relatively natural environment

what are some economic reasons for maintaining biodiversity?

• Maintains long-term productivity

  • Biodiversity keeps ecosystems stable and productive for farming and resources.

• Source of medicines and useful products

  • Undiscovered species may contain chemicals for medicines or industry.

• Prevents collapse of industries/resources

  • Unsustainable exploitation (e.g. timber) can destroy industries economically.

• Reduces risk in agriculture

  • Genetic diversity protects crops from disease and environmental change.

  • Irish potato famine is a good example.

• Supports tourism

  • Biodiverse areas attract ecotourism and generate income.

• Provides genetic resources for crop breeding

  • Wild plant varieties can improve yield and disease resistance

what are some ecological reasons for maintaining biodiversity?

• Species are interdependent

  • Organisms rely on each other for food, shelter, pollination and survival.

  • Loss of one species can affect many others in a food web.

• Pollination and ecosystem services

  • Species such as bees are essential for pollination of wild plants and crops.

• Keystone species maintain ecosystem structure

  • Keystone species have a disproportionately large effect on ecosystems.

  • Removing them can cause major disruption and loss of other species.

• Maintains stable ecosystems

  • Higher biodiversity generally increases ecosystem stability and resilience to change.

what is a keystone species?

a plant or animal that plays a unique and crucial role in the way an ecosystem functions