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Punjab group of colleges
jaranwala
Biodiversity Definition
“Biodiversity is the variation among living organisms from different sources including terrestrial, marine
and desert ecosystems, and the ecological complexes of which they are a part.”
What is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity describes the richness and variety of life on earth. It is the most complex and important feature of our
planet. Without biodiversity, life would not sustain.
The term biodiversity was coined in 1985. It is important in natural as well as artificial ecosystems. It deals with
nature’s variety, the biosphere. It refers to variabilities among plants, animals and microorganism species.
History of Biodiversity
The concept of biodiversity has evolved over time:
1. Early Awareness:
o Ancient civilizations revered nature, understanding the importance of diverse species for
agriculture, medicine, and survival.
o Indigenous cultures managed resources sustainably, promoting biodiversity.
2. Scientific Development:
o In the 18th century, Carl Linnaeus developed a system of classifying organisms,
emphasizing the study of species.
o Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution (1859) highlighted the role of genetic diversity in
adaptation and survival.
3. Modern Recognition:
o The term "biodiversity" was popularized in the 1980s, following the Earth Summit in Rio
de Janeiro (1992).
o The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was established to promote
global conservation efforts.
Scope of Biodiversity
Biodiversity encompasses the variety of life on Earth, including all organisms, ecosystems, and genetic
resources. Its scope is vast, influencing environmental stability, economic development, scientific
research, education, cultural heritage, and global policies. Here’s an outline of its key areas:
1. Environmental Scope
Ecosystem Services: Biodiversity supports essential services like oxygen production, water
purification, soil fertility, and climate regulation.
Habitat Creation: It sustains ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, coral reefs, and grasslands,
providing homes for countless species.
Adaptation and Resilience: Rich biodiversity makes ecosystems more resilient to environmental
changes and disasters.
2. Economic Scope
Agriculture: Biodiversity provides genetic resources for breeding crops, pest control, and
pollination.
Fisheries and Forestry: Oceans and forests contribute to global industries and local livelihoods.
Pharmaceuticals: Many medicines are derived from natural sources like plants and
microorganisms.
Ecotourism: Biodiversity hotspots attract millions of tourists, boosting economies.
3. Scientific Scope
Research and Innovation: Provides resources for studying evolutionary biology, biotechnology,
and ecology.
Genetic Resources: Enables advancements in agriculture, medicine, and industry by offering a
gene pool for experimentation.
Conservation Science: Informs strategies to protect endangered species and ecosystems.
4. Cultural Scope
Indigenous Knowledge: Many cultures depend on biodiversity for traditional medicine, food, and
rituals.
Art and Inspiration: Biodiversity has inspired art, literature, and spiritual practices across
civilizations.
Cultural Identity: Natural landscapes and species are integral to the heritage of many
communities.
5. Health and Well-being Scope
Nutrition: Diverse ecosystems provide a wide range of nutritious foods.
Medicine: Plants, fungi, and animals are crucial sources of traditional and modern medicines.
Mental Health: Green spaces and biodiversity-rich areas improve mental well-being and reduce
stress.
Importance of Biodiversity
Biodiversity and its maintenance are very important for sustaining life on earth. A few of the reasons explaining the
importance of biodiversity are:
Ecological Stability
Every species has a specific role in an ecosystem. They capture and store energy and also produce and decompose
organic matter. The ecosystem supports the services without which humans cannot survive. A diverse ecosystem is
more productive and can withstand environmental stress.
Economic Importance
Biodiversity is a reservoir of resources for the manufacture of food, cosmetic products and [Link]
livestock, fishery, and forests are a rich sources of [Link] plants such as Cinchona and Foxglove plant are used
for medicinal [Link], fibres, perfumes, lubricants, rubber, resins, poison and cork are all derived from
different plant [Link] national parks and sanctuaries are a source of tourism. They are a source of beauty and
joy for many people.
Ethical Importance
All species have a right to exist. Humans should not cause their voluntary extinction. Biodiversity preserves
different cultures and spiritual heritage. Therefore, it is very important to conserve biodiversity.
