BIODIVERSITY: a variety of life in different forms…
Lovejoy
(1980) used the term ‘biodiversity’ mainly to define a different number of
species. Upon realizing that the traditional methods of determining and
separating the species being inadequate, others explained the definition
further by adding the distinguishing diversity of living organisms. In
comparison to ‘biological diversity,’ the term ‘biodiversity’ can be taken as a
compound word.
The last decade has been about having a reductionist approach to define this term. In a nutshell, ‘biodiversity’ can be described as ‘the number of species.’ Although different authors have offered precise and intricate explanations in the definition, some claim that the term ‘biodiversity’ does not contain the diversity of abiotic components and progressions, further adding that it is wrong to identify ecological processes, ecosystems, ecological complexes, and landscapes as components of biodiversity.
In determining biodiversity, it seems essential to separate some of the basics of which biodiversity is made of. It has become common to describe biodiversity in terms of genetic, species, and ecosystems.
★ Genetic diversity: This is present in all the individual plants, animals, and microorganisms occurring within populations of species. That is, a distinction within the genes of species does exist. It has been calculated that in humans and fruit flies there is a similarity in the number of possible combinations of different forms of each gene sequence surpasses the number of atoms in the universe. With the inclusion of the amount of DNA per cell and the chromosome structure and number, other types can be recognized at all levels.
★ Species diversity: Biodiversity is commonly known due to the fact the species being the ultimate expressive units of the living world. This is estimated in terms of ‘Species Richness,’ meaning ‘the total count of species in a specific area.’ Normally, the level of species is taken as the most regular one to consider whole-organism diversity. The highest biodiversity on earth can be found in Bunaken reef off the north coast of Sulawesi. It could be said that the ecological importance of a species has an impact not only on community structure but also on overall biological diversity.
★Ecosystem diversity: this is where the variety of habitats, biotic communities, and ecological processes in the biosphere can be related. From genes and species the ecosystems are split, where the abiotic components are included having partially decided by soil/parent material and climate. With the help of the diversity of the component species, ecosystem diversity is valued. This valuing includes assessing the comparatively large number of different species as well as considering the categories of the species. The more the species are equally plentiful, the more diverse the area or habitat becomes.
It could be stated that no matter how much worth a form of life could be to humans, it is vital to remember that such forms are unique and deserve respect. That is the right to exist belongs to every single organism on the planet. The natural world has a value for human heritage even though it is merely a component of nature. It ought to be kept in mind that the well-being of future generations is a social responsibility. Thus, the protection of the existing organisms is considered vital.
When it comes to biological pollutants, some introduced species which emerge in the non-native areas can be noticed that tend to create changes in the ecosystem. The changes include hybridization, out the competition, disruption of the original ecosystem, plant pathogenic influences, disease transmission, disruption of food webs, and in some situations extinction. Yet again, some species are familiarized purposefully for certain reasons like ornamental concerns, agriculture, hunting and sporting activities, biotechnology for scientific research, and trade.
Since all species have a limited life span, it should be noted that extinction is a naturally occurring process, that is, a process without human intervention. It seems that the rate of extinction caused by humans, either directly or indirectly, surpasses the rational calculations of background extinction rates. Moreover, this goes as far as being connected with habitat, where a steady increase can be witnessed. Continuous human doings have an impact on the relative surplus of the species, where extinction becomes a result of extreme cases. The causes include unsuitable or disintegrated habitats for the species. This disintegration separates the already adjoined population of species into small groups. If these segments become considerably small, then there is a higher probability of extinction happening within a short period. Consequently, changes could happen in the climate, causing elevated extinction rates.
Organic and inorganic pollutants could be considered as one of the most significant features of biodiversity loss not only in a terrestrial environment but also in aquatic- marine, and freshwater environment as well. In a freshwater ecosystem, the possible costs of organic pollutants include eutrophication of fresh-water bodies, hypoxia in coastal marine ecosystems, nitrous oxide emissions contributing the climatic changes. These setbacks vary according to the region. In addition to this, species are damaged due to industrial activities and pollution caused by too many agrochemicals such as DDT, oil leaks, acid precipitation.
Unfortunately, there seems to be a failure in adopting the values of biodiversity within the decision-making procedures of the institutions or policies of the respective countries and individuals. If not such institutions or policies ought to have a universal approach towards biodiversity preservation instead of a partial one. Biodiversity preservation could be claimed as something which is all about saving life on earth and making sure they function well, no matter what forms they are in. This combines preservation, maintenance, continuity, recovery, and development of biodiversity. Balance in all these mechanisms would ensure the conservation of biodiversity, which depends on the appropriate implementation of policies and environmental institutions.
All in all, rebuilding the view of the public on environmental issues has come far from public sensitization. Continued campaigns on the issues could stimulate positive attitudes towards the environment. It should be remembered that our biodiversity ought to be considered as a treasure which is worth the protection it could get. Just as how we do not let the artworks done by great people get faded away, we must not let biodiversity to meet a similar destiny, where biodiversity is far more important than any of the artworks.
REFERENCES:
https://www.the-scientist.com/tag/biodiversity
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/biodiversity/
https://theconversation.com/global/topics/biodiversity-486
https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/earth_climate/biodiversity/
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